Athlon Sports picks Houston to finish dead last in Big 12 under new head coach Willie Fritz

The Houston Cougars struggled in their first year in the Big 12 Conference, going 4-8 overall and 2-7 in Big 12 play — finishing in 13th place out of 14 teams.

Athlon Sports doesn’t think things will get much better under first-year head coach Willie Fritz in 2024 after Dana Holgorsen was fired after last season’s debacle, picking Houston to finish in last place in its 2024 Big 12 preseason rankings.

Strangely, Athlon didn’t really say why they picked to finish last.

From Athlon: “Houston fired Dana Holgorsen after five seasons and is ready to embark on a new era under Willie Fritz. The Cougars won two conference games this past season and return starting quarterback Donovan Smith. Smith threw for 2,801 yards with 22 touchdowns to 13 interceptions in 2023. He also rushed for 428 yards and six touchdowns, but limiting turnovers will be a major key this season.”

Houston opens the season on Aug. 31 at home against UNLV.