Houston Cougars Week 1 Depth Chart Released: Who Starts In Home Opener?

Who will protect Weigman?

In addressing the issues of production and depth on the offensive line from last season, there are four new starters for coach Eman Naghavi, all at both guard and tackle positions: redshirt freshman left tackle Alvin Ebosele, junior left guard and Oklahoma State transfer Jason Brooks Jr., senior right guard and California transfer Matthew Wykoff and senior right tackle and Texas Tech transfer Dalton Merryman, listed at a staggering 6-foot-9.

Weigman's Weapons

Aside from the returns of wide receivers Stephon Johnson and Mekhi Mews for their senior seasons and Devan Williams for his junior season, all at Houston, the Cougars enlisted two new starters who lead their position cores as top targets for Weigman: senior wide receiver and UAB transfer Amare Thomas and senior tight end and Ball State transfer Tanner Koziol.

On the ground, Weigman will hand off to a trio of running backs, featuring the returns of Re'Shaun Sanford and J'Marion Burnette for their sophomore seasons, along with the addition of crosstown Rice transfer Dean Connors for his senior season.

Defensive Additions

Under the instruction of defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong is a new mark at multiple positions on the line and in the core of defensive backs.

New starters along the front seven include two junior defensive ends in FIU transfer Eddie Walls III and Washington State transfer Khalil Laufau. New to the linebacking core is true freshman Chance Bryant at the strong side and junior and Utah transfer Sione Fotu at the middle.

Among additions to the defensive back room is senior and Georgia Southern transfer Marc Stampley II, listed in the hybrid star position, junior cornerback and Southern Miss transfer Will James and sophomore safety and LSU transfer Jordan Allen.