Houston Cougars basketball is returning to downtown for one of the most anticipated non-conference games of the 2025–26 season. The Cougars will face the Florida State Seminoles in the Houston Hoops Showdown on Saturday, December 6, inside the iconic Toyota Center.
This matchup marks the first meeting between the programs in more than 50 years, giving Houston fans a rare chance to watch elite college basketball in the heart of the city.
Tickets go on sale September 17, with a one-day presale available on September 16.
Houston Cougars vs Florida State: First Meeting Since 1974
The last time Houston faced Florida State was on January 5, 1974, when the Cougars claimed a 79–74 victory during the Bluebonnet Classic. Houston leads the all-time series 3–2, winning the last two meetings.
This year’s game marks the first neutral-site showdown between the two programs and the first hosted inside the Toyota Center for the Houston Hoops Showdown.
Florida State finished 17–15 last season and enters a new era under first-year head coach Luke Loucks, a former Seminole standout who spent nearly a decade working in the NBA.
Houston Cougars Basketball Looks to Build on Historic Season
The Houston Cougars basketball program is coming off one of the greatest seasons in school history. In 2024–25, Houston:
- Set a school record with 35 wins
- Reached the NCAA National Championship Game
- Finished #2 in both AP and Coaches Polls
- Advanced to their seventh Final Four
- Swept the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles
- Became the first program in Division I history to finish 10–0 on the road in conference play
- Enter the new season with the nation’s longest road winning streak: 14 games
Houston returns a strong core, including:
- Milos Uzan – All-Big 12 selection
- Emanuel Sharp – Big 12 Championship MOP and NCAA Regional MOP
- Joseph Tugler – National Defensive Player of the Year finalist
The Cougars also reload with one of the top recruiting classes in the country, featuring:
- Chris Cenac Jr.
- Isiah Harwell
- Kingston Flemings
- Bryce Jackson
- Kalifa Sakho
With elite returning talent and incoming star power, Houston enters 2025–26 as a national title contender once again.
Ticket Information for Houston vs Florida State at Toyota Center
Fans can register for presale access through the Houston Athletics ticket portal. Season-ticket holders and Cougar Pride members will receive early purchasing priority.
General public tickets go on sale September 17.
Why the Houston Hoops Showdown Matters
This game gives Houston fans:
- A rare Power Five vs Power Five matchup in downtown Houston
- Access to one of the top basketball teams in the nation
- A chance to watch the Cougars on a professional NBA court
- A marquee early-season test that will shape the national rankings
For a city that loves basketball, this event offers one of the best opportunities to experience elite college hoops up close.
