Stroud’s run and pass TD lift Houston past Tennessee, 26-3

Houston finishes strong

Houston defeated Tennessee 26-3 Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Nissan Stadium, with C.J. Stroud supplying a rushing touchdown and a touchdown pass in the Texans’ final two scoring periods. Stroud’s 9-yard pass to Jaylin Noel in the fourth quarter, followed by Ka’imi Fairbairn’s kick, made it 26-3.

Stroud completed 26 of 34 passes for 261 yards and one touchdown. He also scored on a 2-yard run in the third quarter, when Fairbairn added the kick to push Houston’s lead to 19-3.

Field goals build the lead

Tennessee opened the scoring in the first period when Joey Slye converted a 30-yard field goal for a 3-0 advantage. Fairbairn answered with a 45-yard field goal, leaving the teams tied 3-3 after the first quarter.

Houston took control with three second-period field goals. Fairbairn connected from 35 yards, 26 yards and 53 yards, giving the Texans a 12-3 lead at halftime. Houston’s quarter-by-quarter scoring was 3, 9, 7 and 7 points. Tennessee scored 3, 0, 0 and 0.

Production and records

Woody Marks led Houston’s listed rushing production with 15 carries for 62 yards, while Xavier Hutchinson had four receptions for 65 yards. For Tennessee, Tony Pollard ran 14 times for 52 yards, and Wan’Dale Robinson made six receptions for 53 yards.

Cam Ward completed 23 of 36 passes for 170 yards and had one interception for Tennessee. The Titans, the home team, finished 0-5, while the visiting Texans moved to 1-4. Attendance at Nissan Stadium was 52,097.

Sources

ESPN