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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Houston, DE

Home Care Houston, DE

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Henry Staiti House in Houston, DE gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Houston, DE is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Houston, DE

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I am very pleased with the service. Their Caregivers are very kind and competent helpers. I would recommend this service to anyone and I have recommend this service to several of my friends.”

Linda B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder without Always Best Care in my life, I have COPD and I am on oxygen full time at level 4 so doing daily chores are out question without my caregiver Ricci Anthony who has been taking tremendous care of me for 3 years this August 2022 and I thank God everyday for him. Every time he arrives he immediately says Hi checks in with me to see how I am doing. As well as, every time he departs I thank him for all that he does for me and I tell him I love him Ricci replies in same likeness. Ricci and I are incredible friends, it’s closer to a dad and son relationship. We’re both strong Christian me. As for Chelsea who does Intake and is the Schedules for Always Best Care equally an amazing individual. Don’t let her young age fool you on the contrary she is a powerhouse. She’s highly a professional, she’s industrious, highly intelligent, she’s a great friend and you can always depend on her to be in support for you. Always Best Care is always best care.”

Michael W.
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“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above and beyond. They have great communication between Clients and Staff.”

Rebecca G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to trust others yet Always Best Care of Philadelphia did it with ease. We happily recommend them to our family and friends. Bryant and Co. truly care as if it was their own family. God Bless and May all your Staff be safe, they are in my prayers.”

Barbara L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome staff. Mr. Greene, his brother Al Billz and staff always looked out for me even when I was ill. I love them and Always Best Care to the moon and back!”

Kia M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and took us thru the process smoothly.”

Patrick M.
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“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your company.”

Jesse S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision of in-home care.”

Sheila R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.”

Bill H.
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“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use them for all your personal needs Senior or younger. They get the job done!!!”

Sandra R.
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Delia F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult time. The office staff, social workers, and the aides were professional, caring, and reliable. Donna you are awesome....keep up the great work!!!! I would recommend this service to anyone.”

Tanya R.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Houston, DE?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Houston, DE

Types of Elderly Care in Houston, DE

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Houston, DE
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Houston, DE
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Hermann Park in Houston, DE with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Houston, DE
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Étoile or visit Historical Marker, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Houston, DE

Benefits of Home Care in Houston, DE

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Houston, DE, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Houston, DE

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your DE's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Houston, DE

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Houston, DE understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Houston, DE

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Houston, DE

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at River Oaks
  • Belmont Village Senior Living West University
  • Brookdale The Heights
  • Bedford Residence Assisted Living
  • Belmont Village Senior Living Hunters Creek
  • Best Personal Care Licensed assisted living facility
Home Care Houston, DE

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Houston, DE

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Houston, DE 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Houston, DE

Latest News in Houston, DE

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly in Houston's Win Against Kansas State

The Houston Cougars frankly smacked Kansas State around as they made a statement on the road.The No. 22 Houston Cougars surprised by smashing the 2.5-point favorite, the Kansas State Wildcats, 35-16.The Cougars entered a treacherous three-week stretch, but they proved they can survive. Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly of Houston's win against KSU.The Good: Houston's Offense Looked Unstoppable Honestly, after the first quarter, it didn't feel like the Houston Cougars could be stopped. Re'Shaun Sanford II r...

The Houston Cougars frankly smacked Kansas State around as they made a statement on the road.

The No. 22 Houston Cougars surprised by smashing the 2.5-point favorite, the Kansas State Wildcats, 35-16.

The Cougars entered a treacherous three-week stretch, but they proved they can survive. Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly of Houston's win against KSU.

The Good: Houston's Offense Looked Unstoppable

Honestly, after the first quarter, it didn't feel like the Houston Cougars could be stopped. Re'Shaun Sanford II ran for 90 yards on 20 carries, while Makhi Hughes added 78 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.

The rush offense was great, totaling 233 yards on 43 carries. Quarterback Conner Weigman was no slouch, too: 19/30, 242 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Tight end Patrick Overmyer caught all the passing touchdowns, catching eight passes for 83 yards.

All in all, the Cougars totaled 475 yards, 26 first downs, went 7/14 on third down, 3/3 on fourth down, and didn't turn the ball over once. The defense played well, allowing only 299 yards and holding the Wildcats to 182 passing yards, but the offense still felt like it slowly crushed Kansas State.

The hope was for Houston to pick up where it left off last week after it scored 27 unanswered points to win 27-17 against the UCF Knights. The Cougars did just that.

The Bad: A Missed Field Goal?

I'm pretty sure no Cougars fan is going to bed tonight thinking, "Darn, we really could've done a little better today." People doubted how good Houston was and whether it could survive a road test. That's why the Cougars were actually the underdog in this one. Houston silenced any doubters today with that performance.

The one negative was probably the missed field goal. That miss felt like a momentum loss for the Cougars. Fortunately, it was easy to forget, as the Cougars still headed into halftime with a 21-3 lead. Of course, though, Willie Fritz doesn't want to see a missed field goal.

The Ugly: Kansas State... Yikes

The Wildcats looked ugly all day. KSU managed just three points in the entire first half. By the time it was 21-3, it felt like the Wildcats were simply done.

The Wildcats started the season 3-0 and looked strong. Unfortunately, they lost to the Cincinnati Wildcats 31-26 in a hard-fought road battle. If they hoped to do anything big in 2026, well, Kansas State needed to stun Houston.

Unfortunately for quarterback Avery Johnson and Co., that didn't happen. The Cougars' secondary stepped up, and Johnson seemed to scramble more than the Wildcats would've liked. Kansas State's one strong suit, a secondary that had been the nation's best coming into this game, didn't look good.

Weigman picked apart the Wildcats' elite secondary. It feels like Kansas State can't hope for much more than a bowl game this season in 2026. Few expected this Wildcat team to threaten the Big 12, but the result was disappointing nonetheless.

For Houston, this win is such a massive statement. This team must face two elite teams next: the No. 18 Oklahoma State Cowboys and the No. 12 Utah Utes. The Cougars needed to show they were ready to win those games, and they certainly did.

Published Oct 11, 2026

Minnesota Vikings Sign Houston Gamblers DE Kenny Dyson Jr.

Another day, another Houston Gambler signing to the NFL. Defensive End Kenny Dyson Jr. has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, the team announced today. The #Vikings have signed OLB Kenny Dyson and waived OLB Arden Walker. pic.twitter.com/stM0Mc9ZX9 — Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 17, 2026Kenny Dyson was a first-year player in the UFL. He joined the Houston Gamblers in camp, doing enough to make the roster – and earn a starting role up front....

Another day, another Houston Gambler signing to the NFL. Defensive End Kenny Dyson Jr. has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, the team announced today.

The #Vikings have signed OLB Kenny Dyson and waived OLB Arden Walker. pic.twitter.com/stM0Mc9ZX9

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 17, 2026

Kenny Dyson was a first-year player in the UFL. He joined the Houston Gamblers in camp, doing enough to make the roster – and earn a starting role up front.

Dyson was quietly one of the top pass rushers in the entire UFL. He had 38 quarterback pressures, with an outstanding 86.4 Pass Rushing Grade, via PFF. He had 28 tackles on the year, including five sacks – two of which came in a single game in week 10 vs. Birmingham.

Kenny Dyson is bringing the juice to Minnesota ????#UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/qQPvEKGUMS

— United Football League (@TheUFL) August 17, 2026

Kenny finished the season posting 12 defensive stops, alongside a 87.3 Defensive Grade per PFF. He’s explosive off the edge, and now brings those talents to a Minnesota Vikings room that could use some depth.

Dyson was an absolute menace at Bryant University, racking up 104 tackles, 33.5 TFL’s, 24.5 sacks (3rd all-time at Bryant), and three forced fumbles.

Coming out of college, Kenny signed with the Carolina Panthers as an UDFA in 2024. He was activated a couple of times over two seasons with the Panthers, recording two tackles.

This signing is just another testament to what the UFL platform stands for: giving athletes another chance to chase their dreams. You can stay up to date with all UFL to NFL movement with our official tracker.

What are your thoughts on Kenny Dyson Jr. signing to the Minnesota Vikings? Which Gamblers player should be next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!

Houston Has One Major Advantage Heading Into Texas Tech Game

The No. 22 Houston Cougars have a massive matchup this Friday - at the reigning Big 12 champions, the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders.Houston will seek revenge after a 35-11 loss in 2025. Texas Tech is a touchdown favorite, yet Houston has one major advantage.Houston Has the Advantage in the TrenchesAfter a 77-6 rout of Southern at TDECU Stadium, Will Fritz's squad has allowed a total of 20 yards on the ground in two games.The Cougars allowed 26 yards against the Oregon State Beavers in a 33-20 Week 1 win, and tha...

The No. 22 Houston Cougars have a massive matchup this Friday - at the reigning Big 12 champions, the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Houston will seek revenge after a 35-11 loss in 2025. Texas Tech is a touchdown favorite, yet Houston has one major advantage.

Houston Has the Advantage in the Trenches

After a 77-6 rout of Southern at TDECU Stadium, Will Fritz's squad has allowed a total of 20 yards on the ground in two games.

The Cougars allowed 26 yards against the Oregon State Beavers in a 33-20 Week 1 win, and that wasn't because the Beavers didn't run the ball; they ran it 25 times. Houston's run defense went on to destroy the Southern Jaguars' run game as well, as the Jaguars ran for -6 yards on 22 carries.

The Red Raiders themselves have been good at stopping the run in their two games, allowing 75 rushing yards against Abilene Christian and only 55 yards against Oregon State. Houston's major advantage, though, is in the run game.

Houston ran for 228 yards against the Beavers in Week 1, with a nice showing from senior Makhi Hughes, who totaled 98 rushing yards on 17 carries. Those numbers already catch the eye, but the Cougars then proceeded to run for an eye-popping 388 yards against the Jaguars.

The Cougars mixed in young guys like true freshman halfback John Herbert, who ran for 65 yards on five carries, and even true freshman five-star QB Keisean Henderson, who impressed with a 54-yard run that ended in the end zone. The No. 1 QB in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports, Henderson may even be used in run packages because of the speed he displayed.

Texas Tech hasn't been good at running the ball so far, totaling only 328 yards and 3.9 yards per carry, among the worst in the Big 12. Their star RB, Cameron Dickey, who ran for 1,124 yards in 2025 on 209 carries, has struggled so far with only 69 yards on 24 carries (2.9 AVG).

J'Koby Williams has been good with 167 yards on 33 carries (5.7 AVG), but the rest of the room just hasn't done what they need to do. Texas Tech let Oregon State stay in the game until the fourth quarter, before the Red Raiders scored 14 unanswered points to win 35-24. Dickey ran for only 21 yards on 10 carries, showing that the Red Raiders weren't as successful as they would've wished on the ground against the Beavers.

The Cougars didn't do much better against Oregon State on the scoreboard, but Houston was far more dominant than Texas Tech was against them. The Cougars totaled 533 yards to Oregon State's 402, with a couple of Houston turnovers keeping the Beavers in the game. Meanwhile, TTU totaled only 352 yards against the Beavers while they allowed 472 yards (including 417 passing yards).

The Beavers, a 25.5-point underdog, had a chance to beat Texas Tech and looked like they might even pull off the upset at one point. The same thing can't be said about the Beavers' performance against the Cougars.

Coming into this game, Houston should already be confident in their chances, given their bounce-back win over Southern and the Red Raiders' performance in their first two games(they also beat 45.5-point underdog Abilene Christian 33-10 in Week 1).

The trenches, however, should give Houston even more confidence in Lubbock. Houston has played like a great Big Ten team, if you will: a team that is dominant in run defense and great at running the ball. It's nice to air things out, which Conner Weigman still can do, but Indiana, the reigning national champions, rode their impressive offensive line, RB room, and great defense in 2025.

Plus, the secondary of the Red Raiders hasn't been good at all, especially with how well the Beavers did passing the ball against them. If Houston can play a balanced game with the running and passing game, a lot of pressure will fall on the Red Raiders' offense.

The Cougars put up these impressive numbers in just two games, but the advantage in the trenches can't be ignored. The Big 12 has its fair share of good teams, including Utah, BYU, Texas Tech, and others. However, the Cougars still have a clear path to compete for the conference.

Friday's matchup will be huge in determining whether Houston can win the conference. If they win, they might even be a favorite to do so. If they lose, then Houston will be in a rough spot in the Big 12.

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Published Sep 14, 2026

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