McFarland will compete as freshman beginning in 2023-24 and will have four years of eligibility remaining. Tugler is ranked 2nd in Greater Houston area by RCSSports.com.

He joined Arlington Martin High School guard Kordelius Jefferson and Cypress Falls High School forward Joseph Tugler in the Cougars' signing Class of 2023. Together, the trio gives Houston the No. 16 signing class in the nation from 247Sports, the No. 19 class from Rivals and the No. 20 class by ESPN.

"The great thing about these guys is that they know what they are getting into here. We chose them, but just as importantly, they chose us," Head Coach Kelvin Sampson said. "All of these kids will benefit from our development program."

Jefferson chose Houston over Georgia, California and Wyoming.

"The first time I saw Jacob, I didn't know what I was looking at, but we fell in love with Jacob quickly. He is long and a fluid, athletic runner. He would win a lot of dunk contests if he was 6-7. He just happens to be 6-11," Sampson said. "(Houston Strength) Coach (Alan) Bishop will get him in the weight room, improve his body and get him ready to be a banger and to be physical. Jacob has a very high ceiling and is going to be a really good player. We project Jacob as a starter on a team that can win a championship."

"Jacob is an elite defensive impact player. He can completely shut down one end of the floor at a time. He makes our jobs easier and lets us be more aggressive. I have the best shot blocker in the country at the rim. He has instincts you cannot teach like timing. He is phenomenal on defense," Rancho Verde HS Coach Johnny Dukes said. "Jacob is an even better young man off the floor. He wants to see everyone do well. He worries about his teammates and wants to see them do well and be successful. He is the kind of high-character player you want in your program, and he is a model citizen. You guys are getting a good one."

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