The University of Houston’s athletic teams are collectively known as the Houston Cougars, often referred to as “the Coogs” or simply “Houston.” This name was proposed by John R. Bender, a physical education instructor at the university. Bender’s prior experience as head football coach for the Washington State Cougars likely influenced his suggestion.

The Houston Cougars were established alongside the university in 1927, forming a prominent collegiate athletic division known for its excellence in basketball and football. Over the years, the Cougars have earned significant accolades, including multiple conference championships, bowl game appearances, and a strong presence in NCAA basketball tournaments. The 1980s “Phi Slama Jama” era, marked by three consecutive Final Four appearances, remains a celebrated chapter in their basketball legacy, showcasing their national dominance.

Today, the Cougars are part of the American Athletic Conference and consistently perform at high levels across various NCAA tournaments. Their dedication to excellence solidifies their reputation as one of the leading collegiate sports programs.

The Houston Cougars compete in NCAA Division I athletics, with basketball and football being their standout programs. They are well-regarded for their participation in prominent tournaments and their history of notable achievements.

The Houston Cougars logo has undergone multiple redesigns since its inception, reflecting the evolution of the brand:

• 1951–1962: The first logo depicted a stylized cougar standing atop the words “U of Houston” with “Cougars” written above.
• 1962–1996: A simpler design featuring interlocking red “UH” letters in a slab serif font became the new symbol.
• 1996–2000: The cougar returned to the logo in a completely revamped style.
• 2000–2012: A modernized monogram logo replaced the previous design, incorporating new typography.
• 2012–2017: A three-dimensional version of the logo with two shades of red was introduced, later transitioning to a flat design.
• 2017–Present: The current logo features a clean, burgundy-colored “UH” monogram.

The official color palette includes vibrant shades of red, complemented by white for backgrounds. The precise color specifications are:

• Red: RGB (201, 42, 57)
• Dark Red: RGB (125, 41, 53)
• Gray: RGB (184, 185, 183)

The Houston Cougars basketball team, led by coach Kelvin Sampson, is a powerhouse in collegiate sports. Known for their dynamic gameplay, the team has achieved significant milestones, with notable alumni like Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Their home games are held at the Fertitta Center, and the women’s team has also made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.

The football team’s history dates back to 1946, with TDECU Stadium serving as their home since 2014. Under the leadership of coach Dana Holgorsen, the team competes as a Division I program in the American Athletic Conference.

Established in 1947, the baseball team plays at Schroeder Park and has participated in several NCAA Tournaments and two College World Series. They are currently coached by Todd Whitting, who has been with the team since 2011.

The Houston Cougars represent a storied tradition of sports excellence, continuing to achieve prominence on the national stage.