1996 Houston Cougars football team

It was the 51st year of season play for Houston and the first season as a member of Conference USA following the breakup of the Southwest Conference.

The team split its home games between the Houston Astrodome and Robertson Stadium.

Houston won their conference for the first time since 1984.

Houston did not play Rice for the first time since 1970.

This college football 1990s season article is a stub.