The Cougars built a big lead and then had to fight off an Oregon State comeback bid to win a season opener that include a pair of delays.

The Oregon State Beavers hope to knock off the Houston Cougars for the first time since 1960 when the teams collide in Week 1.  Nov 29, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Oregon State Beavers linebacker Tyree Blake (47) celebrates after a play against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Gesa Field at

The No. 23 Houston Cougars began their highly anticipated 2026 season with a solid 33-20 win over the Oregon State Beavers at TDECU Stadium on early Saturday afternoon.

Get ready for Week 1! 🏈 Find out how to watch No. 23 Houston host Oregon State, plus the latest betting odds, key injury updates, and game day channel info.

HOUSTON — Tackling plagues nearly every defense in college football during the first game of the season. Oregon State was no exception. The Beavers had several missed and broken tackles lead to explosive plays in a 33-20 loss to No. 23 Houston Saturday afternoon at TDECU Stadium.

The Cougars are 21-point favorites in the latest Oregon State vs. Houston odds. The over/under for total points is 51.5. Before making any Oregon State vs. Houston picks, be sure to check out the Houston vs. Oregon State predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model .

Conner Weigman threw for 305 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another score, Re’Shaun Sanford II and Mekhi Hughes added rushing scores and No. 23 Houston beat Oregon State 33-20 in the teams’ season opener.

HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 05: A University of Houston police officer attempts to tackle a fan that had run onto the field during the first quarter of a college football game between the Oregon State Beavers and Houston Cougars on Saturday, September 05, 2026 at TDECU Stadium in Houston, TX. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The JaMarcus Shephard era begins with a loss, but the kind of competitive display that it has been sorely missing from Oregon State.