Kelvin Sampson and the Houston Cougars fell short of the Final Four this time after making the championship game in 2025.
However, Houston’s chances of a Final Four next season got a big update from Sampson. The Cougars head coach announced that Joseph Tugler will return for the 2026-27 season.
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson confirms Joseph Tugler will return in 2026-27.
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) April 9, 2026
Houston fell to Illinois in the Sweet 16, marking the seventh straight NCAA Tournament in which the Cougars made the second weekend.
Tugler is a big part of the success. He is a two-time All-Big 12 Defensive team selection, and he was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2024-25. Tugler has also been a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year the past two seasons, so he is a big boost for a roster expected to undergo several changes.
Freshman Kingston Flemings, Houston’s star point guard, is widely considered a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Big man Chris Cenac Jr., who was also a freshman, is viewed as a first-round pick, and senior guard Emmanuel Sharp is a potential second-round choice.
Tugler averaged 8.4 points with 5.3 rebounds this past season, but he makes his presence felt mainly on defense. So, with a lot of changes expected, Tugler’s return is a massive update for Houston.
