Houston Cougars storm into the College Football Playoff Top 25, igniting hopes of a breakout season under Willie Fritz. Is 2023 the turning point for Houston football, or could playoff selection politics block their path? Ranking at #23, the Cougars’ statement win over Arizona State propels buzz about their bowl prospects and the impact of Big 12 rivals. The playoff committee’s puzzling focus on “quality losses” raises the stakes—should teams chase tough non-conference schedules, or is winning everything? Parker Ainsworth offers expert analysis on Houston’s upward momentum, key victories, and the future shape of the Big 12. Spotlight shines on defensive line recruit Isaiah Broughton, who flipped his commitment from UNLV, reflecting the positive shifts in Houston’s recruiting game, while broader coaching changes might play into the Cougars’ favor. The episode highlights Kingston Flemings’ national award-winning performance that’s reshaping Houston basketball’s trajectory and asks whether Fritz’s recruiting and player development can elevate the Cougars into true contenders. Upcoming matchups, flip season drama, and talent development round out this comprehensive look at the Cougars’ rise. Will Houston capitalize on its momentum and challenge for Big 12 dominance, or are they one quality win away from a historic breakthrough? 0:00 College Football Playoff Rankings 1:12 Houston’s Big 12 Position 4:00 Playoff Committee Insights 8:08 Houston vs Big 12 Peers 11:19 Isaiah Broughton Flips Commitment 14:29 Recruiting Flip Season 18:35 Transfer Portal & Retention 21:52 Kingston Flemings Awards Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18. SupplyHouse Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit SupplyHouse.com to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)