Houston Flips Three-Star OT Rhett Gray From Big 12 Rival TCU

Gray entered the cycle with a solid three-star rating. He ranked among the top-65 tackle prospects nationally and turned heads with offers from Northwestern, Army, Houston, and others before committing to TCU in early July. His flip to Houston effectively rewrote the trajectory of his career path and delivered a recruiting punch to a conference rival.

From Houston’s perspective, this move reinforces a developing narrative: the Cougars aren’t just competing in the Big 12, they’re prepared to win recruiting battles within it. Getting a Weatherford native meant TCU losing local ground, and Houston’s staff centering their message around keeping Texas talent home does more than fill a roster spot.

At 6‑7 and nearing 300 pounds, Gray brings prototype size and upside. His skill set covers both run blocking capability and enough athleticism to compete in space. Traits that make him particularly valuable in the modern spread-oriented Big 12 trenches.

For TCU, this flip is a setback that highlights the volatility of recruiting. The Horned Frogs had built momentum with Gray as part of their early trench haul, but Houston’s ability to reclaim that pledge signals confidence from the Gridiron Club that recruiting leverage is real and actionable.

This isn’t just another flip on paper. It’s a strategic statement: Houston is ready to go toe-to-toe with traditional in-state competitors and claim legitimacy in land grabs. As fall turns into the future, keep an eye on how depth charts play out. Gray’s emergence on the Cougars’ future roster may be the quiet edge that fuels an offensive scheme built around power and consistency.