Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Mandy Esman (7) attempts to tag out BYU outfielder Lauren Flanders (12) during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball looks to refocus after being swept in a three-game series against the BYU Cougars over the weekend inside Cougar Softball Stadium.

“We have to get back to what we do best, being a little more patient in the box,” coach Kristin Vesely said.

BYU wins 9-0 in six innings

BYU claimed the series opener with a dominant 9-0 victory in six innings on Thursday, March 20.

The blue and white Cougars were quick to plate four runs in the first frame, with a pair of bases-loaded walks to put Houston in a 2-0 hole. 

The Utah-based team continued its offensive attack with back-to-back singles from junior infielders Maddie Udall-Woolley and Miranda Mansfield, extending its advantage to 4-0.

Houston failed to respond to BYU’s high-powered offense. Down 5-0, UH recorded its only hits in the third inning.

The match entered the run-rule territory in the sixth frame. Up 6-0, freshman catcher Ilove’a Brittingham sent a two-run homer to straight-away center field for her second of the night. 

Senior infielder Lindy Milkowski followed up with a solo homer to left field, closing out the Houston Cougars 9-0.

Houston drops series in 4-2 loss to BYU

Houston dropped the second game of the BYU series, 4-2, on Friday, March 21.

After seeing no runs from either team in the opening frame, BYU took the lead in the second when Milkowski sent a solo homer to left field.

Milkowski added another run for BYU in the fourth with a solo shot to left field, pushing Houston’s deficit to 2-0.

UH quickly responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman infielder Madox Mitcheal reached on a single, setting the stage for freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond to tie the game at 2-2 with a two-run homer to right field.

But it wasn’t enough, as BYU reclaimed the lead to start the fifth inning when Mansfield singled up the middle and drove in a run. Meanwhile, Houston went quiet at the plate, recording only one hit in the final two innings.

BYU extended its lead to the final score of 4-2 in the sixth frame when freshman infielder Amiya Hernandez scored on a single up the middle.

Houston’s high-powered third inning not enough in 8-4 defeat

A high-powered third inning wasn’t enough for Houston to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Saturday, March 22.

BYU pounced early in the opening frame. A leadoff walk paved the way for junior infielder Hailey Morrow, who hit a two-run homer to take the lead. 

Milkowski followed up with a home run to center field to extend the advantage to 3-0.

BYU continued to apply pressure to Houston’s defense, tacking on another run in the third frame with a solo shot off the bat of freshman infielder Bre Townsend.

Houston answered with its best inning of the series to tie the game at 4-4.

With the bases loaded, freshman catcher Isabel Cintron drew a walk to force Redmond home, putting UH on the board 4-1. 

Another walk, this time by sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, allowed sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme to cut Houston’s deficit in half. 

Freshman infielder Brooke Wells evened the score at 4-4 with a line drive inside the right field.

BYU answered with a two-run homer to right-center off the bat of Morrow to reclaim the lead 6-4 at the top of the fourth and never looked back.

Defensive missteps by Houston allowed BYU to push across two unearned runs in the sixth and secure an 8-4 victory.

The Houston Cougars will close out their five-game homestand with a midweek matchup against McNeese on Tuesday, March 25, at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball swept by BYU in weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston catcher Isabel Cintron (21) prepares to snatch the ball as it flies past Florida right-handed pitcher Ava Brown (0) during an NCAA softball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball suffered an 11-0 run-rule loss in five innings to No. 3 Florida on Wednesday at Cougar Stadium.

The Cougars fell behind early as the Gators took a 1-0 lead in the opening frame on a solo home run by freshman outfielder Taylor Shumaker. 

Florida extended its advantage to 2-0 later in the inning, and Houston never responded.

The Gators continued to chop down on Houston’s defensive mistakes, adding two solo home runs and a two-run single in the third inning that sealed the game.

Shumaker drove in three runs to push Houston’s deficit to 9-0 and put Florida in position for a run-rule victory.

The Gators tacked on two more runs in the final inning to close out the Cougars, 11-0.

Freshman utility Maddie Hartley reached base in her sixth consecutive game via the Cougars’ lone hit in the third inning. 

Houston used five pitchers and freshman pitcher Gigi Sollis took the loss after allowing four hits, in 2.1 innings on the mound.

Houston is now 14-6 on the season. 

The Cougars will remain at home to open conference play with a three-game series against Iowa State at Cougar Softball Stadium, beginning Friday, March 7.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“No. 3 Florida Gators chomp down on Houston softball in five inning shutout” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston catcher Isabel Cintron (21) prepares to snatch the ball as it flies past Florida right-handed pitcher Ava Brown (0) during an NCAA softball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball suffered an 11-0 run-rule loss in five innings to No. 3 Florida on Wednesday at Cougar Stadium.

The Cougars fell behind early as the Gators took a 1-0 lead in the opening frame on a solo home run by freshman outfielder Taylor Shumaker. 

Florida extended its advantage to 2-0 later in the inning, and Houston never responded.

The Gators continued to chop down on Houston’s defensive mistakes, adding two solo home runs and a two-run single in the third inning that sealed the game.

Shumaker drove in three runs to push Houston’s deficit to 9-0 and put Florida in position for a run-rule victory.

The Gators tacked on two more runs in the final inning to close out the Cougars, 11-0.

Freshman utility Maddie Hartley reached base in her sixth consecutive game via the Cougars’ lone hit in the third inning. 

Houston used five pitchers and freshman pitcher Gigi Sollis took the loss after allowing four hits, in 2.1 innings on the mound.

Houston is now 14-6 on the season. 

The Cougars will remain at home to open conference play with a three-game series against Iowa State at Cougar Softball Stadium, beginning Friday, March 7.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“No. 3 Florida Gators chomp down on Houston softball in five inning shutout” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston catcher Isabel Cintron (21) prepares to snatch the ball as it flies past Florida right-handed pitcher Ava Brown (0) during an NCAA softball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball suffered an 11-0 run-rule loss in five innings to No. 3 Florida on Wednesday at Cougar Stadium.

The Cougars fell behind early as the Gators took a 1-0 lead in the opening frame on a solo home run by freshman outfielder Taylor Shumaker. 

Florida extended its advantage to 2-0 later in the inning, and Houston never responded.

The Gators continued to chop down on Houston’s defensive mistakes, adding two solo home runs and a two-run single in the third inning that sealed the game.

Shumaker drove in three runs to push Houston’s deficit to 9-0 and put Florida in position for a run-rule victory.

The Gators tacked on two more runs in the final inning to close out the Cougars, 11-0.

Freshman utility Maddie Hartley reached base in her sixth consecutive game via the Cougars’ lone hit in the third inning. 

Houston used five pitchers and freshman pitcher Gigi Sollis took the loss after allowing four hits, in 2.1 innings on the mound.

Houston is now 14-6 on the season. 

The Cougars will remain at home to open conference play with a three-game series against Iowa State at Cougar Softball Stadium, beginning Friday, March 7.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“No. 3 Florida Gators chomp down on Houston softball in five inning shutout” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston catcher Isabel Cintron (21) prepares to snatch the ball as it flies past Florida right-handed pitcher Ava Brown (0) during an NCAA softball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball suffered an 11-0 run-rule loss in five innings to No. 3 Florida on Wednesday at Cougar Stadium.

The Cougars fell behind early as the Gators took a 1-0 lead in the opening frame on a solo home run by freshman outfielder Taylor Shumaker. 

Florida extended its advantage to 2-0 later in the inning, and Houston never responded.

The Gators continued to chop down on Houston’s defensive mistakes, adding two solo home runs and a two-run single in the third inning that sealed the game.

Shumaker drove in three runs to push Houston’s deficit to 9-0 and put Florida in position for a run-rule victory.

The Gators tacked on two more runs in the final inning to close out the Cougars, 11-0.

Freshman utility Maddie Hartley reached base in her sixth consecutive game via the Cougars’ lone hit in the third inning. 

Houston used five pitchers and freshman pitcher Gigi Sollis took the loss after allowing four hits, in 2.1 innings on the mound.

Houston is now 14-6 on the season. 

The Cougars will remain at home to open conference play with a three-game series against Iowa State at Cougar Softball Stadium, beginning Friday, March 7.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“No. 3 Florida Gators chomp down on Houston softball in five inning shutout” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston point guard Milos Uzan fighting for a path to the net, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas, | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

What looked like another commanding victory for No. 6 Houston in its first-ever visit to the WVU Coliseum turned ugly in a hard-fought 63-49 win over West Virginia.

“It ain’t no beauty contest, they don’t put no pictures beside the score,” coach Kelvin Sampson said. “It’s just a win.”

The victory marked Houston’s 18th consecutive Big 12 win, the second-most in conference history. The red-hot Cougars held their opponent under 20 points in a half for the eighth time this season, but uncharacteristic second-half mistakes opened the door for a Mountaineer comeback.

Houston opened the second half with a 20-point lead, but within five minutes, that advantage had shrunk to just nine.

Fifth-year West Virginia guard Toby Okani poured in four points and added a steal, fueling the Mountaineers’ 11-0 run to start the final frame. During that stretch, they allowed only one Houston field goal attempt while forcing three turnovers.

Graduate forward J’Wan Roberts drove in for a layup to end the scoring drought for Houston, but mistakes continued as the Cougars couldn’t find the basket again for nearly four more minutes.

West Virginia scored 13 points off Houston’s second-half turnovers and pulled within five with under eight minutes to go, but couldn’t get any closer. Mountaineers senior guard Javon Small briefly left the court after a hard hit but later returned.

“We’re a defensive minded team,” graduate guard L.J. Cryer said. “On nights that the ball isn’t going in, I feel like we’re going to win because of that.”

After the rocky start to the second half leaving the squad with a season-high 14 turnovers total, the Cougars eventually returned to their defensive identity, slowed the tempo and regained a double-digit lead.

Cryer led all scorers with 17 points and three assists.

The defensive core of senior forward Ja’Vier Francis,  Roberts and sophomore forward Joseph Tugler combined for 18 rebounds and two blocks.

Houston used its defensive pressure to hold all West Virginia scorers in single digits. Fifth-year guard Joseph Yesufu led the Mountaineers with nine points.

The Cougars controlled the game from the opening tip and looked poised to cruise to victory after opening with an 8-0 run. Tugler grabbed his own rebound to score the first basket of the night before redshirt junior guard Emanuel Sharp forced a West Virginia turnover and Cryer connected on back-to-back threes to set the tone. Houston shot 50% from the field while holding its opponent to a meager 36% shooting and just 2-for-10 from three-point range.

Although the Cougars gave away the ball five times in the opening half, the Mountaineers couldn’t find a way around Houston’s smothering defense.

After Houston missed consecutive attempts from beyond the arc, Tugler broke away for an emphatic fast-break dunk to silence the West Virginia crowd with four minutes to go before the break. Houston led 39-19 as the first-half clock wound down to zero.

With the win, UH improves to 17-3 overall on the season.

Next up, Houston heads home to face conference rival  No. 22 Texas Tech on Feb. 1 in “Houston Blue.”

In a special halftime presentation, former Cougar and two-time NBA champion Don Chaney will be honored with a jersey retirement and have his banner hung high inside Fertitta Center.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Strong first half pushes No. 6 Houston men’s basketball past West Virginia” was originally posted on The Cougar

Latreveon McCutchin | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Latrell McCutchin Sr.| Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

The odds of siblings playing for the same Division I football team are slim, some might call it just a dream. But for Houston football’s McCutchin brothers, it’s a reality.

During the past two seasons, UH has featured not one but two McCutchins on their roster: junior defensive back Latrell McCutchin Sr. and sophomore linebacker Latreveon “Tre Tre” McCutchin.

The unique experience never crossed the duo’s mind, with a two-year age gap the idea never seemed plausible.  

“Before it happened, I didn’t think we would ever be on the same team again,” Latrell McCutchin Sr said.

The brothers use their connection as a chance to help each other grow, not just as athletes but as leaders. Aware of their rare position, they embrace the opportunity to challenge one another while also inspiring family back in their hometown of Austin, Texas.

“Everybody’s looking at us; looking up to us, especially because we got so many younger cousins, younger siblings,” Latrell McCutchin Sr. said. “We’re a big motivation for the trenches”. 

Coming from a background where nothing is given and everything is earned, they carry that weight proudly without feeling pressure.

Now that they have embraced the bright lights of college football together, helping the Cougars to a strong defensive season, Latrell McCutchin Sr. has posted 30 tackles and one forced fumble, while Latreveon ‘Tre Tre’ McCutchin has added 11 tackles and two sacks in the still ongoing campaign. 

This isn’t the first time the duo got to share the field as teammates and brothers as they did so at Lyndon Baines Johnson Early College High School in Austin, Texas.

A two-way player in high school, Latrell McCutchin Sr. began receiving attention from college scouts in his freshman year.

As the eldest of the McCutchin siblings, he doesn’t remember a time when football wasn’t a major factor in his life.

“I’ve been playing since I came out of the womb,” he said. “I was on a team at 3 years old”.

By the end of his high school career, Latrell McCutchin Sr. won district Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore, collecting 16 catches for 307 yards. 

He continued to shine in his senior year of high school, recording 325 receiving yards and five touchdowns on offense while adding 40 tackles and three interceptions on defense.

That was the year the McCutchin siblings would first compete together for their high school

Enter Latreveon McCutchin, affectionately known as “Tre Tre” by family and friends.  He began playing football at 5 years old but didn’t develop a true love for the sport until a family Halloween. That year, his mother made a pivotal decision to purchase him a football player costume and took him to watch his older brother’s game. Since that day, his passion has only grown. 

He made the varsity team in his sophomore year of high school, while his time on the field was limited as he was still earning his stripes with the team and trying to pave his path. 

“The first two years were kind of gray for me, I didn’t know what I was going to do or what the next step was,” he said.

By his junior year the pieces started to collectively fall into place, the high schooler began receiving his first college offers.

 In his senior year, Latreveon “Tre Tre” McCutchin would earn a unanimous all-team selection for the district.  In a single game he returned both a fumble and interception for touchdowns.

On the offensive sid,e he totaled 144 yards and reached the end zone three times. 

Meanwhile,  Latrell McCutchin Sr. went on to compete at Oklahoma where he appeared in nine games, collecting nine tackles and two forced fumbles before entering the transfer portal.

After completing a one-year stint at USC, he again found himself  faced with the decision of choosing a new college home 

By this time the younger brother, Latreveon “Tre Tre” McCutchin was already settled in at the University of Houston. 

“I got in contact with my brother, and from there we just kind of took off, ” Latrell McCutchin Sr. said.

The two joined forces on Houston’s defensive line in 2023, but it wasn’t until the 2024 season that they saw action together. Now, the brothers treasure every snap they share on the field.

“For us to be able to do it at this level, it’s something I don’t take for granted,” Latreveon “Tre Tre” McCutchin said. 

Although brotherhood runs deep in the UH locker room regardless of biology,  for Latrell and Latreveon “Tre Tre” McCutchin, their blood-related family ties provide a unique sense of support.

“I look back behind me and see him right there with me, it’s a different type of confidence.” Latreveon “Tre Tre” McCutchin said.

While playing with a sibling brings joy, it also comes with the responsibility of holding each other to higher standards, a commitment the McCutchin brothers uphold.

“Just knowing that I’m going to be held accountable kind of gives me that extra motivation to go out there and do my job,” Latrell McCutchin Sr. said. 

The brothers have considered the possibility of reaching the NFL in the same manner.

“It kind of crossed my mind a few times like, why not?” Latreveon “Tre Tre” McCutchin said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Family ties: Houston’s McCutchin brothers navigate football together” was originally posted on The Cougar