Weigman, Houston Edge Oregon State 33-20 at TDECU Stadium

A Decisive Home Victory

The Houston Cougars secured their first win of the 2026 season with a 33-20 decision over the visiting Oregon State Beavers on Saturday, September 5. Conner Weigman orchestrated the offense effectively, accounting for a touchdown through the air and one via his legs, while the defense held firm to preserve the lead at TDECU Stadium.

Early Scoring and Quarterback Duel

Houston established an early rhythm despite a missed extra point. Amare Thomas caught a 31-yard pass from Weigman in the first period, giving the Cougars a 6-0 advantage before Jonathan Dimas’s point-after attempt failed. The Beavers answered quickly with Braden Atkinson’s 3-yard run and Caleb Ojeda’s kick to take a 7-6 lead.

However, Houston reclaimed control later in the first quarter when Dimas drilled a 42-yard field goal, making it 9-7 at the half.

Weigman finished the game completing 20 of 30 passes for 305 yards and one touchdown, though he also threw one interception. Opposite him, Atkinson was busy for Oregon State, completing 29 of 48 attempts for 376 yards and a touchdown. The Beavers’ top receiver, Jesse Legree, hauled in five catches for 136 yards, including the team’s only touchdown pass from Atkinson in the third quarter.

Second Half Momentum Shifts

The Cougars expanded their lead in the second period. Re'Shaun Sanford II broke away for a 56-yard run, and Dimas added another field goal to push the score to 19-7 at halftime. Houston extended its advantage early in the third quarter when Makhi Hughes powered in from one yard out.

Oregon State fought back in the second half. Legree’s touchdown reception narrowed the gap to 26-13, but a failed two-point conversion kept the deficit manageable. The Beavers added another score late in the fourth quarter on AJ Newberry’s 4-yard run, making the final margin closer than the third-quarter scoreboard suggested.

Key Performances and Final Result

Hughes was instrumental on the ground for Houston, carrying the ball 17 times for 98 yards and a touchdown. Thomas remained Weigman’s most dangerous target, finishing with eight receptions for 133 yards. Oregon State’s rushing attack struggled to gain traction, with Kourdey Glass leading the team with just six carries for 25 yards.

Weigman sealed the victory with a 1-yard run in the fourth period, capping an efficient offensive display. The Cougars improved their record to 1-0, while the Beavers dropped to 0-1 after the loss.

Sources

ESPN