It's not easy being number one, though, as the Cougars will be challenged for their top spot from get-go.
When last we at SB Nation checked in with the Underdogs Poll, the American Athletic Conference was having a moment. Three teams in the top five hailed from the AAC, including the Houston Cougars, and Tom Herman's team was a few weeks away from laying waste to the Florida State Seminoles in the Peach Bowl.
Nearly nine months later, a lot has changed except this: The #HTownTakeover is complete, but the Cougars will have their work cut out from them from the opening kickoff.