UCF Knights Football: A Roster Revolution for a Competitive Future
The UCF Knights football team is undergoing a significant transformation, strategically overhauling its roster in preparation for a highly competitive season. While retaining a core group of 11 starters, the Knights have aggressively pursued talent through the transfer portal and strategic recruiting, injecting new energy and potential into every position group. Scott Frost and his UCF staff have been working diligently to assemble the pieces necessary for a successful Big 12 campaign.
Quarterback Overhaul: A New Era Under Center
The quarterback position has seen a complete transformation, with all new faces vying for the starting role.
Key Losses: Tayven Jackson (North Texas), Cam Fancher (Michigan State), Jacurri Brown (Rice), Davi Belfort (James Madison), Brock Hansel
Transfer Portal Acquisitions: Alonza Barnett III (James Madison), Keyone Jenkins (Florida International), Kaleb Annett (Boise State)
Roster Holdovers: None
Read also: A Legacy of Excellence
Incoming Freshmen: Rocco Marriott (Platte City, Mo.), Dante Carr (Minersville, Pa.)
Analysis: This is an entirely new room for Frost, offensive coordinator Steve Cooper, and QBs coach McKenzie Milton. Alonza Barnett III, the Sun Belt Player of the Year, is poised to take the reins as the starting quarterback. Barnett helped the Dukes earn a spot in the College Football Playoff with impressive stats: 2,806 passing yards, 589 rushing yards, and 38 touchdowns. Keyone Jenkins, with three years of starting experience at FIU, is likely to be the QB2. If Barnett remains healthy, Jenkins could redshirt and gain an extra year of eligibility, potentially competing with Marriott, Carr, and future transfers in the years to come.
Running Backs: Power and Speed in the Backfield
The running back room blends power and speed, aiming to create a dynamic ground attack.
Key Losses: Myles Montgomery (graduated), Jaden Nixon (graduated), Stacy Gage (LSU), Tyler Wrenn
Transfer Portal Acquisitions: Landen Chambers (Central Arkansas), Duke Watson (Louisville)
Read also: Ohio State Student Football Tickets: A Complete Overview
Roster Holdovers: Taevion Swint, Agyeman Addae, Chance Nixon
Incoming Freshmen: Arthur Lewis IV (St. Johns, Fla.), Kaj Baker (Pembroke Pines, Fla.)
Analysis: Landen Chambers brings a powerful running style that UCF's backfield lacked, while Duke Watson offers the explosive speed that fans have come to expect from Frost's offense. Watson led the nation in yards per carry (8.9) during the season. Taevion Swint is returning from a knee injury, and Agyeman Addae, a preferred walk-on, stepped up late in the season, scoring his first touchdowns in the finale. The UCF staff believes Arthur Lewis IV has the potential to be a major contributor.
Wide Receivers: Proven Playmakers and Emerging Talent
The wide receiver corps combines experienced playmakers with promising young talent.
Key Losses: DJ Black (South Carolina), Marcus Burke (graduation), Chris Domercant (graduation), Bredell Richardson (Tulane), Carl Jenkins Jr. (Miami (Ohio))
Read also: Recruiting Gems in CFB 25
Transfer Portal Acquisitions: Josh Derry (Monmouth), Jonathan Bibbs (Louisiana-Monroe)
Roster Holdovers: Duane Thomas Jr., Waden Charles, DayDay Farmer, Caleb Rollerson, Jordyn Bridgewater, Andrea Parisi, Zack Palmer, Carson Hinshaw, Chase Hinshaw
Incoming Freshmen: Tyren Hornes (Sarasota, Fla.), Jordan Nunuha (Honolulu, Hawai'i)
Analysis: Retaining Duane Thomas Jr. and Waden Charles was a significant win for the Knights. They are expected to be key starters. Josh Derry, an FCS All-American, had 76 receptions for 1,123 yards and 13 touchdowns. Jonathan Bibbs, who UCF flipped from North Carolina, has three years of eligibility remaining. Tyren Hornes impressed in the Under Armour Next All-America Game and finished the year as a top-150 composite recruit.
Tight Ends: A Blend of Receiving and Blocking Prowess
The tight end position aims to provide both receiving threats and improved run blocking.
Key Losses: Kylan Fox (Purdue), Max Drag (South Carolina), Deebo Coleman (graduation)
Transfer Portal Acquisitions: Grayson Brousseau (Oklahoma State)
Roster Holdovers: Dylan Wade, Caden Piening, Thomas Wadsworth
Incoming Freshmen: Brooks Hall (Platte City, Mo.)
Analysis: Dylan Wade emerged as UCF's top receiving threat, setting a single-season program record for a tight end with five touchdown catches. He was a retention priority. Caden Piening was sidelined by injuries but made his first career start in a high-profile game. Grayson Brousseau, brought in from Oklahoma State, is expected to improve the unit's run blocking.
Offensive Line: Rebuilding the Foundation
The offensive line faces the challenge of replacing multiple starters while solidifying key positions.
Key Losses: Paul Rubelt (graduation), Carter Miller (South Carolina), Cameron Kinnie (graduation), Jabari Brooks (graduation), Keegan Smith (graduation), Gaard Memmelaar (graduation), Jaquez Joiner (Marshall), Thomas Gearity (Colgate), Patrick Barnett (Fresno State), Colin Cook (graduation), Andrew Phelan (retired)
Transfer Portal Acquisitions: Henry Tabansi (Buffalo), Brady Wayburn (UConn), Cooper Terpstra (Michigan State), Tyler Gibson (Charlotte)
Roster Holdovers: Preston Cushman, Connor Meadows, Owen Spell, Justin Royes, LaParka Langston, Dominick Campbell, Jacob Maiava, Shaheem Hill, Matthew Prigmore, Camp Lott, Raishaun McHaney, Noah Senka, Ethan Higgins
Incoming Freshmen: Kasiyah Charlton (Brunswick, Ga.), Amahn Williams (Marion, Mass.)
Analysis: UCF must replace four starters. Right tackle Preston Cushman logged the most snaps (753) among anyone in the unit. Connor Meadows started the last three games at right guard. Henry Tabansi, with 25 starts at left tackle for Buffalo, is expected to be a plug-and-play option. Brady Wayburn and Cooper Terpstra are expected to compete for interior starting spots.
Edge Rushers: Reloading the Pass Rush
The edge rusher position looks to maintain a strong pass rush despite key departures.
Key Losses: Malachi Lawrence (graduation), Nyjalik Kelly (draft), Jamaal Johnson (Northwestern), Josh Dorsainvil
Transfer Portal Acquisitions: Bruno Dall (Akron), Ken Talley (Arkansas), LA Jessie Harold (Florida State)
Roster Holdovers: Sincere Edwards, Isaiah Nixon, Aymeric Koumba, Quentin Hatch
Incoming Freshmen: Alhassan Iddrissu (Oakdale, Conn.)
Analysis: Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly combined for 21½ sacks the last two seasons. Sincere Edwards is recovering from foot surgery. Isaiah Nixon gets his shot at a full-time starting role. Bruno Dall earned All-MAC third-team honors for Akron, and Ken Talley provides experienced Power Four depth.
Defensive Tackles: Rebuilding the Interior Wall
The defensive tackle position sees significant turnover, presenting an opportunity to develop new talent.
Key Losses: John Walker (Ohio State), Rodney Lora (Purdue), Derrick LeBlanc (Maryland), Andrew Rumph (Jacksonville State), Tyreek'e Robinson (East Tennessee State), Keshaun Hudson (Jackson State)
Transfer Portal Acquisitions: Thomas Collins (Oregon State), Brad Gurley Jr. (Eastern Kentucky), Josh Schell (Tennessee), Artavius Jones (Miami)
Roster Holdovers: Horace Lockett Jr., RJ Jackson Jr., Jeffson Lafontant, Trenton Turner
Incoming Freshmen: Noah Mercer (Key West, Fla.), Isaiah McNish (Apopka, Fla.)
Analysis: John Walker's departure is a significant loss. However, Horace Lockett Jr. withdrew from the portal despite interest from other schools. RJ Jackson Jr. started all but one game, and both Thomas Collins and Brad Gurley Jr. were impactful players at their previous schools.
Linebackers: A Strength in the Middle
The linebacker corps aims to build on its previous success with a mix of returning talent and new additions.
Key Losses: Cole Kozlowski (graduation), Keli Lawson (graduation), TJ Bullard (Florida), Troy Ford Jr., Kam Moore (Arkansas State), Malakhi Boone
Transfer Portal Acquisitions: Jahleel Culbreath (Old Dominion), Tackett Curtis (Wisconsin), Rashad Henry (UMass)
Roster Holdovers: Lewis Carter, Jayden Jennings, Phil Picciotti
Incoming Freshmen: Preston Hall (Missouri City, Texas), Matthew Occhipinti (Ramsey, N.J.)
Analysis: Linebacker proved to be a real strength of UCF's defense. Lewis Carter led the team with 92 tackles. Jahleel Culbreath started every game for Old Dominion, registering 71 tackles with nine TFLs. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch is familiar with Tackett Curtis' skill set.
Defensive Backs: Re-Tooling the Secondary
The defensive backs unit aims to maintain its strong pass defense with a mix of returning starters and transfer additions.
Key Losses: Phillip Dunnam (graduation), Jaeden Gould (Temple), Ja'Cari Henderson (Appalachian State), Jyaire Brown (Southern Mississippi), Isaiah Reed (UMass), Jaylen Heyward (Arkansas State), Christian Peterson (East Carolina), Jakob Gude (Appalachian State), Tony Williams (Kennesaw State), Chase Jarrett (Colgate), Hudson Gibbs (retired)
