Sarah Quintanilla

The Houston Texans ended the 2025-26 NFL season on a disappointing, yet expected, note when they lost the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots. The week prior gave fans false hope that the Texans had a legitimate chance at reaching the Super Bowl when the Texans blew out the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 in the Wild Card Round. This season, Houston might have a real chance at its first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

During the playoff victory over the Steelers, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud endured a rough five-fumble game, leaving fans’ confidence in the fourth-year QB in shambles. After Stroud had an incredible start to his NFL career in 2023, the Offensive Rookie of the Year’s momentum slowly started to slip in the following two seasons. This slight dip in performance is not the end of his career as a franchise quarterback. Pressure makes diamonds; Stroud is still learning and can only learn from his last two seasons. A few returning alongside Stroud include defensive back Jalen Pitre, wide receiver Tank Dell, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. 

In 2025, Stingley put out 29 solo tackles, four interceptions and one forced fumble, showcasing that he is a crucial defensive player. An extensive leg injury has put Dell out since December 2024, but he is back for pre-season training, hoping to eventually play in 2026. During his first two seasons, Dell played 25 games with 1,376 returning yards, 10 touchdowns and 98 receptions, making his absence from the team even more detrimental. 

The Texans selected seven players in the 2026 NFL Draft this past weekend in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Their first pick was guard Keylan Rutledge, No. 26 overall out of Georgia Tech University, with a 5.05-second 40-yard dash and 9.62 explosive index. This new addition to the offensive line will be key to aiding Stroud’s return to top form. 

Houston’s second-round pick, former The Ohio State University defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, who earned first-team All-America and Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors came after Rutledge. A defensive player as strong as McDonald joins an already elite defensive line puts the Texans in a better position for the upcoming season. 

Houston also added second-round pick tight end Marlin Klein out of the University of Michigan. On day two, the Texans picked up fourth round picks guard Febechi Nwaiwu from the University of Oklahoma and Clemson University linebacker Wade Woodaz. Day three granted the Texans University of Southern California safety Kamari Ramsey and University of Indiana Bloomington linebacker Aiden Fisher.

Now, after the structured portion of the draft comes the more open selection process: signing undrafted free agents. Some UDFA signees for the 2026-27 season include former Cardinals cornerback Collin Wright, who finished last season with 10 tackles, six pass breakups and an interception for Stanford University and running back Noah Whittington. Whittington transferred from Western Kentucky University to the University of Oregon and finished his collegiate football career with 2,950 rushing yards and 21 total rushing touchdowns.

Houston’s impactful additions, paired with its returning All-Pro talent, mean 2026 will be different for the Texans. With an already near-perfect defense, the strengthening offensive line will be the push Houston needs for their first Super Bowl win.