After throwing five touchdowns against Oklahoma State, Conner Weigman has finally earned national media’s attention. Just like he has all season, he delivered in the biggest game of his career.
Weigman to Walker
From the first snap, Trent Walker played a big role. Weigman rolled out after a stretch run fake and hit Walker on a crosser. Slade Nagle called the same play later in the game for the same result—both times, for 19-yard gains.
Each time, Weigman got the ball around the outstretched arm of a free rusher. While it wasn’t a play call that generated a ton of air yards, it required precision and accuracy from Weigman. On the run, with several defenders between him and a moving target, he delivered while leading Walker to gain yards after the catch.
Weigman also found Walker deep down the sideline when Oklahoma State sent pressure in the second quarter. It was another example of Weigman’s ball placement outside the numbers.
Creating With His Legs
The most underrated part of Weigman’s game is his running ability. He proved he could handle a heavy workload last season, and against Oklahoma State, he showed off his true superpower: toughness.
He seemed to be dealing with some discomfort in the first half, but he stayed in the game and was even used on designed runs afterward. His season-long rush came on a 44-yard third-down scramble in the third quarter. And later, his number was called on a designed run to close out the win.
Clutch Passing
Weigman has been great all season and has answered questions about his ceiling. But everything really came together against the Cowboys.
One drive really showcased what Weigman can do and how much confidence the staff has in his ability to win a game for you. Oklahoma State scored in the fourth quarter, cutting Houston’s lead to 28-25. On the following drive, the Coogs ran five plays. All five were passes.
Weigman went 4/5 for 85 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown pass to Koby Young. Like any good point guard, Weigman spread the wealth on this drive, finding four different receivers. His lone incompletion on a deep ball he just missed to Young.
Coach Willie Fritz mentioned in the post-game press conference that they went into the game knowing they needed to be aggressive. The Coogs showed that with multiple four-down attempts (they went 3/3) or just keeping the foot on the pedal with the lead. Houston could’ve easily started playing the clock game and grinding things out, but they trusted their signal caller to get it done.
Know Your Personnel
Growing up playing basketball, I often was told “KYP” by mentors. KYP = know your personnel. It was a nice way of saying that you can’t make the same pass to every teammate in every situation. Weigman is a master of KYP. For example, he knows that when he throws to Amare Thomas, the ball just needs to get into his area.
Conner has given Amare some jump-ball opportunities this season, and they’ve succeeded. The biggest, of course, was the massive fourth-down touchdown against Oklahoma State.
But the throw that I thought proved Weigman knows his personnel was the throw into traffic over the middle of the end zone. Thomas showed his body control and won the ball between two defenders. Weigman also stood in the pocket and took a hit on delivery.
Taking the Next Step
After watching Conner all season and rewatching his film, one play stands out from the season opener against Oregon State. Weigman had already connected with Koby Young on a deep ball to set up a touchdown. Later in the game, he gave him another shot down the sideline, and it fell incomplete. On that play, Walker was open on a dig route for at least a first down. A similar play call would be important against Oklahoma State.
On third down with seven to go, Nagle called in a pass play. Walker ran a dig, and Weigman found him open for 18 yards. The play call was similar to the one against Oregon State, but the situation was different, and this time Weigman took the chunk in the middle of the field. It all but sealed the game for Houston.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in who is the most “toolsy” quarterback and how they’ll translate to the next level. In my opinion, Weigman has shown he has the physical ability to earn an opportunity. But in this 2026 season, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a signal caller in the country that is operating at a higher level.
Weigman understands Nagle’s vision, and it shows in the execution of nearly every play call. His confidence in himself should be sky-high after his most recent performance. He will need to keep playing at that level in Salt Lake City.
