The Houston Cougars are currently leading the Colorado Buffaloes in the first half of their Week 3 encounter. Early in the encounter, Houston left tackle David Ndukwe was forced to leave the field due to a leg injury. He was unable to stand on his own and so had to be carted off the field.
Houston left tackle David Ndukwe carted off the field pic.twitter.com/3bAGnw1rPy
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) September 12, 2025
David Ndukwe isn’t the Cougars’ usual starter, but he was plugged in to replace Dalton Merryman, who was ruled out for this week with a severe tooth infection. Ndukwe started his career in 2020 with Western Kentucky University, which recruited him as a three-star prospect. He was the sixtieth defensive tackle in his class.
Houston OL David Ndukwe is the Cougar down on the field. Had to bring out the cart. Not sure what happened.
— Oliver Hayes (@ocuhayes) September 12, 2025
He came into Houston in the 2023 offseason, when he was rated as a three-star transfer.
Ryan Staub is Struggling in his First Start of the Season for the Colorado Buffaloes in Week 3 Game Against the Houston Cougars
Ryan Staub was named the Colorado Buffaloes’ starter after being the team’s leading passer in their Week 2 31-7 victory over Delaware. The backup seemed to have won the appreciation of Deion Sanders, who had nothing but kind words for him during the week.
TOUCHDOWN
SIMEON PRICE 38 YARDS
⚪️⚪️⚫️⚫️ | #GoBuffs pic.twitter.com/FlX4PjzE0F
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) September 13, 2025
However, the problem in the Buffaloes’ offense seems to be more systemic and deeply rooted than just playing the wrong quarterback. Midway through the second quarter of the game, Houston leads 13-7, and Staub has only recorded 51 passing yards. He has no touchdown passes, and his completion percentage is 61.5%.
Colorado’s sole score surprisingly came through the running game, something with which the Buffaloes have had severe issues since Deion Sanders arrived in Boulder in 2023. The play was made by Simeon Price, who scored a 38-yard rushing touchdown with a little over seven minutes left in the first half of the encounter.
For their part, Houston has scored two field goals and a touchdown. Their quarterback, former Texas A&M man Conner Weigman, has 112 yards, but with a very poor 53.8% completion percentage. He has also run for 64 yards.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
