The Texas Bowl is set to deliver a high-stakes showdown as the LSU Tigers face off against the No. 21 Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday night, December 28, 2025. This clash between the SEC and Big 12 brings together two programs with plenty to prove, a bevy of storylines, and a host of players eager to leave a mark before the curtain falls on the 2025 college football season. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. ET, and anticipation is running high in both camps.
For the Houston Cougars, this bowl game is more than just a postseason appearance—it's a testament to the rapid progress under head coach Willie Fritz. In just his first season at the helm, Fritz has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading Houston to a 9-3 record and their first bowl game since 2022. The Cougars, who are favored by 1.5 points according to DraftKings Sportsbook, are brimming with confidence after a 31-24 victory over Baylor in their last outing. The proximity of NRG Stadium—just ten miles from campus—has only added to the sense of home-field advantage and excitement among the Cougar faithful.
Fritz’s leadership and attention to detail have drawn comparisons to legendary coaches. Former Patriots player Shockmain Davis, who played for both Bill Belichick and Fritz, noted, “He and Belichick are exactly alike almost. That’s who Willie reminds me of most. They both drill in on the finer points of the game. They both love teaching the details.” Davis went on to highlight the family-like atmosphere Fritz cultivates, saying, “When you have hard-nosed coaches that pay that kind of attention to detail, it almost creates a family atmosphere. Everybody feels accountable to each other.”
This sense of unity has been critical for Houston, especially in an era where bowl opt-outs are increasingly common. Senior tight end Tanner Koziol and defensive tackle Carlos Allen Jr., both with NFL aspirations, have chosen to suit up for the bowl game. “I always wanted to play the game,” Allen told PaperCity. “Just for my team. I love my team. Opting out was never in my mind. I always wanted to play in the bowl game.” Koziol echoed the sentiment, stating, “I’m excited to come back here and just see where it is next year. And see where it continues to go. It’s really cool to have a coach like Coach Fritz.”
On the other sideline, the LSU Tigers arrive in Houston following a rollercoaster season that finished 7-5. The Tigers are led by interim coach Frank Wilson, who stepped in after LSU’s recent hiring of Lane Kiffin, though Kiffin will not coach in the bowl. LSU’s last game ended in a narrow 17-13 defeat to Oklahoma, and the team is eager to bounce back and finish the year on a high note. However, they’ll be without quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who has opted out due to an abdominal injury, leaving the Tigers to adjust their game plan on short notice.
The Tigers have a storied history in the Texas Bowl, having defeated Baylor in last year’s edition. They also lead the all-time series against Houston, 2-1, but this marks the Cougars’ first bowl appearance since 2022 and their first Texas Bowl in recent memory. The stakes are high, and both teams are hungry for a statement win.
Statistically, the matchup promises fireworks. SportsLine’s advanced model, which simulated the game 10,000 times, predicts the total points will go over the 41.5-point line set by oddsmakers. LSU, in particular, has a penchant for high-scoring bowl games—the over has hit in seven straight postseason appearances, and their previous three Texas Bowls have averaged a whopping 73.3 total points. Houston, too, has consistently exceeded low totals, going over in 7 of 8 games this season when the over/under was below 50, and in 5 of 6 games as favorites. With both offenses expected to combine for over 500 yards and nearly four touchdowns, fans should brace for an offensive showcase.
For Houston, the Texas Bowl represents a chance to cap a season of growth and unity. Coach Fritz, ever the optimist and motivator, has made no secret of his ambitions. “It’s possible,” Fritz told PaperCity, when asked about the prospect of competing for a national championship at Houston. “There’s not a better recruiting area in the nation. . . We’ve got dynamite facilities. It’s a goal for us and I think it’s a realistic goal.” His vision has resonated with players and recruits alike, with early enrollees such as Keisean Henderson, Melvin Paris Jr., and John Hebert eager to join the program’s upward trajectory.
One storyline to watch is the status of Houston wide receiver Stephon Johnson. Johnson, who started his career at Oklahoma State in 2022 before transferring to Houston, missed much of the 2025 season after suffering a Lisfranc injury in his right foot against Oklahoma State. He played two quarters over the NCAA's four-game limit for redshirt eligibility and has submitted paperwork for a medical redshirt, hoping to return for a final year in 2026. “We’re just waiting to see if I’ll get the year back,” Johnson told the Houston Chronicle. “It’s really just a tough situation if they are going to let me or not.” The earliest he expects to hear from the NCAA is January 5, 2026.
As the teams take the field, the atmosphere at NRG Stadium is electric. Houston’s players are buoyed by the support of their home crowd, and their commitment to the program is evident in the way even short-term transfers have embraced the culture. “We want to have that kind of relationship with our student athletes,” Fritz said. “We work to do that every single day. You want to have those lifelong relationships. And if you’re doing it right, you should.”
LSU, meanwhile, is looking to overcome adversity and prove that their depth and resilience can carry them through a challenging bowl matchup. Interim coach Frank Wilson faces the daunting task of rallying his team without their starting quarterback, but the Tigers’ history and postseason pedigree suggest they won’t go down without a fight.
With the over looking likely, according to both statistical trends and expert models, fans can expect an entertaining, high-octane battle. Will Houston ride their home-field advantage and emotional momentum to a historic tenth win, or will LSU’s tradition and experience prevail in the Lone Star State?
One thing’s certain: as the Texas Bowl unfolds under the bright lights of NRG Stadium, college football fans everywhere will be treated to a compelling contest that showcases the heart, ambition, and relentless drive of two proud programs. Stay tuned—this one’s not over yet.
