GoCoogs Football and Recruiting+ editor Martin Marroquin exchanged Q&As with BeaverBlitz.com‘s managing editor, Brenden Slaughter. Here are Martin’s answers about UH:
1. What are your expectations for quarterback Conner Weigman in year two with Houston? Does he take the next step and become an elite quarterback in his senior campaign?
Martin Marroquin: I think the scales will tip a bit for Weigman (#1) this season in regard to his production. Last season he carried the ball 171 times and was the team’s second-leading rusher (700 yards). I expect he’ll still contribute with his legs, but he won’t be called on as much. The pass-catching additions, along with the improvement on the offensive line, will lead to more production in the air.
The continuity on the staff and his comfort being in the same offensive system give him every opportunity to take that next step. And I think he will.
2. Former Tulane and Oregon RB Makhi Hughes takes over the backfield. What are your expectations for the former Fritz disciple with nearly 3,000 career rushing yards?
MM: Hughes (#21) will pick up where he left off with Tulane. I can’t speak to why he didn’t see the field much last season at Oregon, but I believe he is still the player and talent he was in 2023 and 2024. His workload may lighten a bit with the depth in the Houston backfield, but he will make an impact. Adding Hughes, as well as a healthy Re’Shaun Sanford (#6), who is returning from a second ACL injury, will help the offense take another step forward as well as keep Weigman upright.
3. How will former Oregon State Beaver Trent Walker fit into Willie Fritz’s offense, and what have been your impressions of how he’ll fare as Weigman’s likely No. 2 target?
MM:Walker (#4) is going to be a steady presence for Houston and Weigman. He will be a stick mover and a reliable target, and he’s been great in the locker room. His presence helps Amare Thomas (#0) make big plays, and with transfer TE Patrick Overmyer (#9) and returning WR Koby Young (#2), Houston has numerous legitimate threats on all levels in the pass game.
4. What are your expectations for the defense this season, and who are a few names that Oregon State fans should know on that side of the ball?
MM: I think the defense has a chance to improve upon last year’s performance. They return starters Kentrell Webb (#8) and Jordan Allen (#6) at safety, as well as cornerback Will James (#5). I think transfer cornerback Jalen Mayo (#2) has a chance to be a draft pick. Mayo has a great story: he went from 0 offers out of high school to Division II Virginia Union to FCS Stephen F. Austin to the Big 12. He is looking to prove his ability translates to another “step up.”
Houston returns several key players in the front seven, and I think fans should have an eye on Oregon transfer DE Ashton Porter (#9) and LB Jaden Yates (Ole Miss,#1).
5. What’s your score prediction and why?
MM: Last season I predicted a two-score win for Houston. Here’s hoping the second time is the charm. Not having to travel for the matchup should work in Houston’s favor, but more than that, the talent improvement is the difference. UH is coming off a 10-win season, returns the starting QB and all 3 coordinators, and has had a talent infusion at key spots. Let’s go with 27-13 again too.
