| Year: | 1971 |
| Team: | Houston Cougars |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Coachrank: | 14 |
| Aprank: | 17 |
| Record: | 9–3 |
| Hc Year: | 10th |
| Off Scheme: | Veer–T |
| Bowl: | Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl |
| Bowl Result: | L 17–29 vs. Colorado |
The 1971 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston during the 1971 NCAA University Division football season. The Cougars, coached by Bill Yeoman in his tenth season, compiled a 9–3 record, and outscored their opponents by a total of 339 to 199.[1] Houston finished ranked No. 17 in the AP Poll after a loss to Colorado in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl.