Ranking the top 50 college football programs of all time

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) celebrates after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the second overtime at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) attempts a pass during the third quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Sure, the past two years under Tom Herman helped this ranking a bit, but the Houston Cougars do have a somewhat storied past. What makes the Cougars a better program than the two teams behind them? Consistent success.

Houston consistently finishes in the top 25, and the Cougars have built a solid foundation. Unfortunately, the current state of the program isn’t great after Herman left for the vacancy with the Texas Longhorns.

Houston isn’t a Power Five conference team, but it does have the draw for some top head coaches. In fact, it was the launching pad for guys like Art Briles, Kevin Sumlin and now Herman. The administration is looking for a top name to replace the recently-departed head coach.

The Cougars have won 11 conference titles, the most recent of which came in 2015, when they went 13-1 and finished with a win over Florida State in the Peach Bowl.

Look good from head to toe with this Houston hat.

Andre Ware, who won the Heisman in 1989, is Houston’s most notable former star, and the program has two coaches and two players, including Ware, in the College Football Hall of Fame. Houston also has 18 consensus All-Americans and is 11-12-1 all-time in bowl games. The win percentage for the program is approaching 55.

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