This article originally published at Playing with heavy hearts, Houston Cougars top Arizona State for signature win of Willie Fritz era.

Houston’s defense has been great to start the 2025 season, and they have several key standouts who continue to dominate.

Life in the Big 12 is a walk on the tight rope, leaning this way and that, trying to maintain balance. Saturday night, ASU slipped.

Conner Weigman ran for two touchdowns and threw for another score, tight end Tanner Koziol had 100 yards receiving and Houston held on to beat No. 24 Arizona State 24-16 on Saturday night.

Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Houston Cougars game, Saturday, Oct. 25.

ASU Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) scrambles away from Houston Cougars defensive lineman Eddie Walls III (90) at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 25, 2025. / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Houston upset No. 24 Arizona State 24–16 behind Conner Weigman’s career night, honoring late strength coach Kurt Hester with an inspired road win.