He seems very committed to the Coogs, and to getting in early and doing the work…
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I read on B12 Sports talk, Tech claims that Raiden Cook will flip to Tech
Any inside info on this?
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I would say that the fact that he’s out taking visits (Tech, TCU, UT) and soliciting offers after committing here isn’t a great sign, but I don’t have inside info.
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I told you guys Coach Bell was the sh-t.
Last year I put him in touch with a National Top 100 kid that I had a relationship with….even though this kid was way down the line with another school, I’ll be damned if Coach Bell was within a whisper of flipping him.
And he has built a great relationship with the kid should he hit the portal in a year or two.
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“Most of the players in Houston’s 2027 class have shown versatility, more specifically, flexibility to compete on both sides of the ball.”
Sounds like he’s checking paycheck. May be gone already, just not announced
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Why commit to us if youre going to go take a bunch of visits after? Just wait till youre done and then decide.
Due diligence. You never know what could happen in the future. Having those relationships could help you find a soft landing spot if 
hits the 🪭 for whatever reason. Most blue chip guys do this
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Because as much as it hurts for some to accept, it’s a business decision.
As committed as one could claim to be to a company, I’m sure most of us would bounce for a juicier salary.
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If UH made a fair offer, let him go elsewhere for more money. He does not have the right values for UH. If he wants to go to the highest bidder, even if he plays at UH 1 year, he’ll be a free agent next year and we go through this nonsense again. Let me be clear. I am all in favor of a player shopping his services. But once you commit, it is your word. Have some integrity.
Highest bidder is selfish and self-centered. No need for that kind of culture on the team.
I would rather spend less on recruits and develop hidden gems and spend on proven production in the portal. Why drop a bag on a blue chip freshman that may never play meaningful snaps and decide to transfer after a year? Guys like Amare Thomas and Carlos Allen might cost less out of the portal than a four star freshman. This is just my opinion though.
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In a perfect world, this is the way it would work.
But…
Someone comes along and says we’ll buy a house for your mother and get your father a job doubling his pay, and I’ll bet some of you would rationalize taking care of your family over sticking by a commitment than play football for a someone you just met recently. Especially when you’re still in high school…
But it’s not worth getting upset over.
We’ll likely lose a couple more, but….
I’ll bet we flip a couple as well.
Would you take the same stance if we flip a couple of 4 or 5 stars that already gave a verbal to someone else?
The Coogs will be fine.
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Yep. I said something similar a few weeks ago when he lined up the TT visit. If a kid is still taking visits that means he’s not really committed. It doesn’t surprise me one bit hearing that he’s flipping.
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I never count recruits in the boat until they enroll in school and join the team. Until then, they are all still just prospects. Even after they play a year nothing is guaranteed.
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I lived in Wichita Falls for 4 years, in the early 2000’s.
My oldest Son went to Wichita Falls High School (Old High) and played for the Coyotes.
Decades before we lived there, they found a large oil deposit in the area, up around the Red River.
The Coyotes won 6 state championships while the oil was booming there. All the top players in the state came there to play and their dads got high paying jobs in the oil industry.
There was a time when they were considered the best team in Texas High School football history.
It happens all over Texas… in high school.
Odessa Permian is another prime example. Remember “Friday Night Lights”?
If you’re from Texas, EVERYONE knows it.
So….
If it happens in Texas High School football, you know it happens in college.
I’d say, for some, the prospect of taking care of a recruit’s Family is a bigger incentive than just straight NIL $$$.
The oil industry is booming again.
The “potential” is there to have the top NIL in college football.
Cue the “Sugar-Daddy” discussion…
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Dude.
Don’t know who red80 is?
Someone told you that they read on a forum that a kid is flipping means it’s happening?
Raiden has been adamant in every conversation he’s had with our people that he’s 100% committed to Houston and has no interest in changing that (probably 10 conversations). He’s been honest with the staff and they’ve signed off on these visits.
Why is an Internet rumor a bigger deal than that?
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Tillman Fertitta has done so much for UH.
$50M for the Med School
$20M for Basketball
University of Houston Board of Regents Chairman Tilman Fertitta was a key figure in hiring Willie Fritz as the Cougars’ head football coach in December 2023. Fertitta, a billionaire booster and influential voice at UH, expressed immense confidence in Fritz, describing him as a “good person” and a proven winner. [1, 2]
This video shows Tilman Fertitta discussing his respect for Willie Fritz’s coaching career:
- Hiring and Support: Fertitta, alongside other UH leadership, targeted Fritz for his consistent success at every level of collegiate football. Fritz was introduced on December 4, 2023, signing a five-year contract worth $22.5 million.
- Fertitta’s Confidence: As of October 2025, Fertitta remained “thrilled” with Fritz, noting his ability to navigate challenges like player transfers and coaching staff changes.
- Building a Winner: Fertitta, known for his involvement, recognized the need for financial investment (NIL) to help Fritz compete in the Big 12.
- Initial Impressions: Fertitta praised Fritz’s professionalism, particularly in handling his departure from Tulane with respect. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Fritz has been praised by university leadership for his reputation and for having the respect of his players.
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I’m simply saying I wouldn’t be surprised if he flipped… if,
in fact, the rumor is true. Obviously I don’t take anything as gospel on the internet.
Personally, I care less what he decides to do. Until a kid actually signs on the dotted line with Houston I won’t get excited. In the age of NIL a commitment isn’t what it used to be.