2024 UCF Knights football team

Last updated

2024 UCF Knights football
UCF Knights logo.svg
Conference Big 12 Conference
Record4–8 (2–7 Big 12)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorTim Harris Jr. (1st season)
Co-offensive coordinator Darin Hinshaw (2nd season)
Offensive scheme Spread option
Defensive coordinator Ted Roof (fired after 8 games) (1st season)
Co-defensive coordinatorAddison Williams (2nd season)
Base defense 4–3 or 4–2–5
Home stadium FBC Mortgage Stadium
Seasons
←  2023
2025  →
2024 Big 12 Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
No. 12 Arizona State y$^  7 –2   11 –2  
No. 18 Iowa State y  7 –2   10 –3  
No. 17 BYU  7 –2   10 –2  
No. 23 Colorado  7 –2   9 –3  
Baylor  6 –3   8 –4  
Texas Tech  6 –3   8 –4  
TCU  6 –3   8 –4  
Kansas State  5 –4   8 –4  
West Virginia  5 –4   6 –7  
Kansas  4 –5   5 –7  
Cincinnati  3 –6   5 –7  
Houston  3 –6   4 –8  
Utah  2 –7   5 –7  
UCF  2 –7   4 –8  
Arizona  2 –7   4 –8  
Oklahoma State  0 –9   3 –9  
Championship: Arizona State 45, Iowa State 19
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant
As of December 24, 2024
Rankings from CFP Rankings

The 2024 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida (UCF) as a member of the Big 12 Conference during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by Gus Malzahn in his 4th and final season as their head coach. The Knights played their home games at FBC Mortgage Stadium located in Orlando, Florida. [a]

Contents

After eight games, on October 28, defensive coordinator Ted Roof was fired. [1] Starting with the game against Arizona on November 2, assistant Addison Williams was promoted to defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. was named offensive play-caller. [2]

The Knights started off the season 3–0, with Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson at quarterback. The Knights notably rallied from a 21-point deficit to defeat TCU 35–34 on the road in week 3. But they would lose 8 of their last 9 to finish 4–8 (2–7 in Big 12). Jefferson was benched, replaced first by EJ Colson, then by Jacurri Brown, then by redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk. Senior running back RJ Harvey was the offensive standout for the year, rushing for 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns, along with 267 yards receiving and three touchdowns catches. Harvey finished his UCF career with a school record 48 all-time touchdowns, breaking the record previously held by Kevin Smith. With a loss to West Virginia on November 23, the Knights were eliminated from bowl contention for the first time since their winless 2015 season, ending a school record eight straight bowl games.

On November 30, one day after their season concluded, head coach Gus Malzahn resigned to take the offensive coordinator position at Florida State. [3]

Offseason

Transfers

Incoming

PlayerPositionPrevious school
Ja'Varrius JohnsonWR Auburn
Mac McWilliamsDB UAB
Keegan SmithIOL Central Michigan
Sheldon Arnold IIDB ETSU
Jacoby JonesWR Ohio
Peny Boone RB Louisville
Jacurri Brown QB Miami
Tre'Quon FegansDB USC
Jack BernsteinLS Georgia State
Nyjalik KellyDE Miami
Cedrick HawkinsS Ohio State
Evan MorrisTE Michigan State
KJ Jefferson QB Arkansas
Ladarius TennisonSTAR Ole Miss
Ethan BarrLB Vanderbilt
Jesiah PierceLB Texas Tech
Antoine JacksonDB East Carolina
Xe'ree AlexanderLB Idaho
Jabari BrooksOL Samford
Myles MontgomeryRB Cincinnati
Daylon DotsonDE UT Martin
DeShawn PaceSTAR Cincinnati
Byron ThreatsS Cincinnati
Wes DorseyOL Western Kentucky
Reece AdkinsTE Eastern Kentucky
Zavier CarterDE UNLV
Goldie LawrenceWR Florida State

Outgoing

PlayerPositionDestination
Zavier CarterLBTBD
Xavier WilliamsDB Middle Tennessee
Jason DuclonaDB Liberty
Ja'Maric MorrisDB Georgia State
Stephen MartinWR Samford
Goldie LawrenceWR Florida A&M
Nikai MartinezDB Michigan State
Timmy McClain QB Arkansas State
Josh CeliscarDE Texas A&M
Jarvis WareDB UNLV
KD McDanielDE Georgia State
Dallaz CorbittDE Bethune–Cookman
Kervins ChouteDT UConn
Isaiah PaulLBTBD
Amari JohnsonWR Florida A&M
Corey ThorntonDB Louisville
Keenan CupitLB Virginia Union
Tyler GriffinWR ULM
Jaylon GriffinWR Texas State
Jordan McDonaldRB Boston College
Drake MetcalfIOL Virginia
Gunnar SmithQB Highland CC
Fred Davis IIDB Jacksonville State
Demarkcus BowmanRBTBD

Preseason

Spring game

The 2024 UCF spring exhibition game was played on Friday April 12 at FBC Mortgage Stadium. The team was split into two squads for gameplay, the Knights and the 'Nauts. Two 12-minute halves were followed by a series of player skill challenges. Quarterback KJ Jefferson threw for 271 yards and two touchdown passes. [5]

DateTimeSpring GameSiteResult
April 127:00 pmKnights vs. 'Nauts FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL 26-7 'Nauts

Big 12 media poll

The preseason poll was released on July 2, 2024. [6]

Big 12
Predicted finishTeamVotes (1st place)
1Utah906 (20)
2Kansas State889 (19)
3Oklahoma State829 (14)
4Kansas772 (5)
5Arizona762 (3)
6Iowa State661
7West Virginia581
8UCF551
9Texas Tech532
10TCU436
11Colorado400
12Baylor268
13BYU215
14Cincinnati196
15Houston157
16Arizona State141

Award watch lists

Eleven players were named to the Reese's Senior Bowl watchlist: RJ Harvey, Peny Boone, Deshawn Pace, Brandon Adams, Marcellus Marshall, Mac McWilliams, Malachi Lawrence, Lee Hunter, Kobe Hudson, KJ Jefferson, and Ricky Barber. [7]

PlayerPositionAward(s)
KJ Jefferson QB Maxwell Award
Davey O'Brien Award
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
RJ Harvey RB Maxwell Award
Doak Walker Award
Lee HunterDT Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Outland Trophy
Chuck Bednarik Award
Lombardi Award
Xavier TownsendWR Paul Hornung Award
Kobe Hudson WR Fred Biletnikoff Award
Caden KitlerOL Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
William WellsS Wuerffel Trophy
Listed in the order that they were released

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 297:00 p.m. New Hampshire *
 ESPN+ W 57–344,206
September 76:30 p.m. Sam Houston *
  • FBC Mortgage Stadium
  • Orlando, FL
ESPN+W 45–1443,807
September 147:30 p.m.at TCU
FOX W 35–3448,889
September 283:30 p.m. Colorado
FOXL 21–4845,702
October 57:45 p.m.at Florida *
 SECN L 13–2490,369
October 123:30 p.m. Cincinnati
  • FBC Mortgage Stadium
  • Orlando, FL (rivalry)
 ESPN2 L 13–1942,611
October 197:30 p.m.at No. 9 Iowa State
FS1 L 35–3861,500
October 263:30 p.m.No. 11 BYU Dagger-14-plain.png
  • FBC Mortgage Stadium
  • Orlando, FL
ESPNL 24–3742,144
November 23:30 p.m. Arizona
FS1W 56–1242,110
November 97:00 p.m.at Arizona State
ESPN2L 31–3544,940
November 233:30 p.m.at West Virginia
ESPNU L 21–3140,722
November 298:00 p.m. Utah
  • FBC Mortgage Stadium
  • Orlando, FL
FOXL 14–2840,747

Game summaries

vs. New Hampshire (FCS)

Game One – New Hampshire Wildcats (FCS) (0–0) vs UCF Knights (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Wildcats (FCS)03003
Knights62328057

at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL

  • Date: Thursday August 29, 2024
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 85 °F (29 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 44,206
  • Referee: Cravonne Barrett
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Robert Lee (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information
StatisticsUNHUCF
First downs927
Total yards166639
Rushing yards71454
Passing yards95185
Time of possession30:2729:33

UCF won their season opening game for the 9th consecutive season. The UCF offense put up 454 rushing yards, just 7 yards shy of the school record set in 1992. New quarterback KJ Jefferson had a shaky start, completing only 2 passes in the first half. But Jefferson eventually threw for 164 yards and two touchdown passes, and ran for a touchdown. RJ Harvey led the offense with 142 yards rushing, two touchdown runs, along with one reception for 8 yards. Leading 23–3 at halftime, the Knights put the game away with touchdowns on four consecutive drives in the third quarter.

vs Sam Houston

Sam Houston Bearkats (1–0) vs UCF Knights (1–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bearkats070714
Knights141014745

at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL

  • Date: Saturday September 7, 2024
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m. EDT; delayed until 7:02 p.m. EDT due to weather
  • Game weather: 83 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 43,807
  • Referee: Henry Johns
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): James Westling (play-by-play) and Leger Douzable (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information
StatisticsSHSUUCF
First downs1228
Total yards286554
Rushing yards67384
Passing yards219170
Time of possession25:5734:03

RJ Harvey rushed for 126 yards and four touchdowns as UCF defeated Sam Houston 45–14. UCF improved to 2–0 on the season and achieved their 200th Division I FBS game victory. The Knights offense racked up a total of 384 yards rushing, the second week in a row with a strong ground game output. The Knights defense forced two turnovers, plus the special teams unit recovered a botched punt attempt by the Bearkats at the 2 yard line.

Harvey's four rushing touchdowns tied a school-record, last achieved by Isiah Bowser in 2019. The Knights started the season 2–0 for third time in four seasons under head coach Gus Malzahn. For this game, the players' helmets featured decals designed by pediatric patients at the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, in honor of Pediactric Cancer Awareness month. [9]

at TCU

UCF Knights (2–0) at TCU Horned Frogs (2–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Knights07131535
Horned Frogs14710334

at Amon G. Carter Stadium • Fort Worth, TX

  • Date: September 14, 2024
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 95 °F (35 °C)
  • Game attendance: 48,889
  • Referee: David Alvarez
  • TV announcers (FOX): Connor Onion (play-by-play) and Mark Helfrich (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information
StatisticsUCFTCU
First downs3026
Total yards519460
Rushing yards28958
Passing yards230402
Time of possession32:5427:06

UCF traveled to TCU for their Big 12 conference opener. The Knights erased a 21-point deficit and defeated the Horned Frogs by the score of 35–34. Quarterback KJ Jefferson threw for 230 yards and three touchdown passes, and also rushed for 46 yards. RJ Harvey rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns, as the UCF offense put up 289 yards rushing total. It was UCF's first intra-conference road victory against an existing Big 12 opponent (one that was a member of the conference prior to 2023).

TCU built a 14–0 lead in the first quarter, with two quick touchdown strikes by quarterback Josh Hoover. UCF's first quarter drives came up empty, with a three-and-out followed by a blocked field goal. The Knights got on the board on the first play of the second quarter, with a 29-yard touchdown pass to RJ Harvey. The Horned Frogs answered, and stretched their lead to 21–7. In the final minute of the second quarter, the Knights were driving deep into TCU territory. The TCU defense managed to keep the Knights out of the endzone, and UCF had to settle for a field goal attempt. Colton Boomer's 27-yard field goal attempt was blocked - his second block of the half - and TCU led 21–7 at halftime.

TCU got the ball to start the third quarter, and drove 75 yards in just four plays. Josh Hoover connected to Jack Bech for a 50-yard touchdown, and the Horned Frogs led 28–7, their largest lead of the night. The Knights, rallied, however, scoring touchdowns on their next three drives. With 13:38 left in regulation, TCU clung to a 31–28 lead.

TCU drove down inside the UCF 10 yard line with under 11 minutes left. On 3rd & Goal at the UCF 1, a costly false start penalty pushed them back to the 6. The UCF defense stiffened, and TCU settled for a field goal and a 34–28 lead. After a TCU three-and-out, UCF took over with 3:44 to go. KJ Jefferson drove the Knights 72 yards in 10 plays for the go-ahead score. Jefferson found Kobe Hudson for a 20-yard touchdown pass with 36 seconds left. Colton Boomer's extra point gave the Knights a 35–34 lead. TCU had one last chance, and managed to make it down to the UCF 40 yard line. Kyle Lemmermann's 58-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right as time expired, and the Knights secured the victory.

vs Colorado

Colorado Buffaloes (2–1) vs UCF Knights (3–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Buffaloes141314748
Knights777021

at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL

Game information
StatisticsCOLOUCF
First downs2631
Total yards418461
Rushing yards128177
Passing yards290284
Time of possession29:5730:30

UCF hosted Colorado for their Big 12 intra-conference home opener, and the UCF main campus hosted Fox's Big Noon Kickoff pregame show. [10] The Buffaloes defeated the Knights 48–21 behind Shedeur Sanders' three touchdown passes. The Knights offense committed four turnovers in the loss.

at Florida

UCF Knights (3–1) at Florida Gators (2–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Knights303713
Gators7170024

at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium • Gainesville, FL

  • Date: October 5, 2024
  • Game time: 7:45 p.m.
  • Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 90,369
  • Referee: Daniel Gautreaux
  • TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst), and Tori Petri (sideline reporter) [11]
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information
StatisticsUCFUF
First downs2018
Total yards273359
Rushing yards108130
Passing yards165229
Time of possession27:4432:16

UCF faced Florida for the fourth meeting all-time. The Gators won the first two meetings at Gainesville (1999, 2006), and the Knights won the most recent meeting at the 2021 Gasparilla Bowl. This was the Knights' third and final non-conference game of the season. The Gators jumped out to a 24–3 lead in the first half, then held on for a 24–13 victory.

vs Cincinnati (rivalry)

Cincinnati Bearcats (3–2) vs UCF Knights (3–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bearcats373619
Knights037313

at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL

  • Date: October 12, 2024
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 42,611
  • Referee: Stephen Baron
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Mike Monaco (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst), and Dawn Davenport (sideline reporter)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information
StatisticsCINUCF
First downs1919
Total yards338397
Rushing yards97196
Passing yards241201
Time of possession33:4426:16

UCF hosted rival Cincinnati. KJ Jefferson was benched during the week and freshman EJ Colson started at quarterback. Jacurri Brown eventually took over in the middle of the first quarter. The Knights fell 19–13 for their third straight loss.

at No. 9 Iowa State

UCF Knights (3–3) at No. 9 Iowa State Cyclones (6–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Knights7147735
No. 9 Cyclones140131138

at Jack Trice Stadium • Ames, IA

  • Date: October 19, 2024
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 61,500
  • Referee: David Alvarez
  • TV announcers (FS1): Trent Rush (play-by-play) and Spencer Tillman (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information
StatisticsUCFISU
First downs1428
Total yards416530
Rushing yards354256
Passing yards62274
Time of possession22:3237:28

After playing most of the game the week prior, Jacurri Brown started at quarterback. Brown struggled in the air, completing only 8 passes for 62 yards, and 2 interception. However, he had 154 yards on the ground, and two touchdown runs. The Knights offense, led by RJ Harvey, racked up 354 total yards rushing. The UCF defense made two interceptions - a 63-yard "pick-six" by Brandon Adams, and a 70-yard interception return by Braeden Marshall that led to a touchdown. The Knights were leading #9 Iowa State 35–30 on the road with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Rocco Becht then drove the Cyclones 80 yards in 11 plays, scoring the game-winning touchdown with 30 seconds left. The Knights fell to 3–4 on the season.

vs No. 11 BYU

No. 11 BYU Cougars (7–0) vs UCF Knights (3–4) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
No. 11 Cougars71710337
Knights01001424

at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL

Game information
StatisticsBYUUCF
First downs2918
Total yards483379
Rushing yards255181
Passing yards228198
Time of possession40:2819:32

BYU built a 17–0 lead in the first half, and pulled away for a 37–24 victory. Jacurri Brown started at quarterback for the Knights, but was benched in the fourth quarter after throwing two interceptions and managing only 96 yards. Dylan Rizk came in at quarterback and drove the Knights for two late touchdown scores, but time ran out for any chance at a comeback.

vs Arizona

Arizona Wildcats (3–5) vs UCF Knights (3–5) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Wildcats066012
Knights142114756

at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL

  • Date: November 2, 2024
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: 86 °F (30 °C)
  • Game attendance: 42,110
  • Referee: Tutashinda Salaam
  • TV announcers (FS1): Dan Hellie (play-by-play) and Robert Smith (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information
StatisticsARIZUCF
First downs1433
Total yards261602
Rushing yards5308
Passing yards256294
Time of possession28:3931:21

UCF hosted Arizona for the 8th annual Space Game. The Knights routed the Wildcats by the score of 56–12 to snap a five-game losing streak, and to improve to 8–0 all-time in the history of the Space Game. Redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk made his first start at quarterback, and threw for 294 yards and three touchdown passes.

RJ Harvey rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns, two in the first half. Harvey scored his first touchdown of the day on a 17-yard run in a heavy downpour. The play was set up by a Wildcats fumble one play earlier deep in their own territory. Harvey's second touchdown came in the second quarter, capping off a 99-yard drive which started inside their own 1 yard line. With UCF up 28–6 with 4 seconds left in the second quarter, Rizk connected to Randy Pittman Jr. for a 48-yard Hail Mary touchdown as time expired. The Knights took a 35–6 lead into halftime.

The Knights controlled the game from start to finish, racking up 602 yards on offense under new offensive play-caller Tim Harris Jr. The Knights defense, under new defensive coordinator Addison Williams, held the Wildcats to 5 yards rushing, sacked quarterback Noah Fifita five times, and forced a turnover.

at Arizona State

UCF Knights (4–5) at Arizona State Sun Devils (6–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Knights7107731
Sun Devils7147735

at Mountain America Stadium • Tempe, AZ

Game information
StatisticsUCFASU
First downs2618
Total yards406260
Rushing yards17799
Passing yards229161
Time of possession31:2028:40

Dylan Rizk threw for 229 yards, and RJ Harvey scored three touchdowns, but the Knights fell 35–31 at Arizona State. Special teams miscues proved costly for the Knights. A blocked punt was returned for an Arizona State touchdown, then later a botched kickoff return led to a pick-six touchdown. With 3:24 left, and trailing by 4, the Knights faced 4th & 2 at the 22 yard line. RJ Harvey was tackled short of the line to gain, turning the ball over on downs. The Sun Devils were able to run the clock down, and secured the victory.

at West Virginia

UCF Knights (4–6) at West Virginia Mountaineers (5–5) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Knights077721
Mountaineers1477331

at Milan Puskar Stadium • Morgantown, WV

  • Date: November 23, 2024
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Rain • Temperature: 46 °F (8 °C) • Wind: W 8 miles per hour (13 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 40,722
  • Referee: Stepen Baron
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Mike Monaco, Kirk Morrison, Dawn Davenport
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information
StatisticsUCFWVU
First downs2120
Total yards348318
Rushing yards176200
Passing yards172118
Time of possession22:1037:45

After a bye week, UCF traveled to West Virginia. The Knights fell 31–21, dropping to 4–7, and were eliminated from bowl eligibility. Running back RJ Harvey two rushing touchdowns, bringing his career total to 46, which tied him with Kevin Smith for most all-time in program history.

vs Utah

Utah Utes (4–7) vs UCF Knights (4–7) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Utes31001528
Knights070714

at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL

  • Date: November 29, 2024
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 0 °F (−18 °C)
  • TV announcers (FOX): Trent Rush (play-by-play) and Robert Smith (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information
StatisticsUTAHUCF
First downs1122
Total yards196379
Rushing yards85173
Passing yards111206
Time of possession27:3432:26

UCF hosted Utah on Black Friday in the final game of the regular season. Senior running back RJ Harvey set a new school record for most career touchdowns scored (48), breaking the record previously held by Kevin Smith. However, UCF struggled much of the night with three turnovers including two pick-six touchdowns. The Knights fell by the score of 28–14, and finished the season with a record of 4–8 (2–7 in the Big 12). The following day, head coach Gus Malzahn resigned to take the offensive coordinator position at Florida State.

Personnel

2024 UCF Knights Football

Quarterbacks

Running backs

  •  0 Johnny Richardson – 5th-Sr.
  •  7 R.J. Harvey – Redshirt.svg 5th-Sr.
  • 13 Peny Boone – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  •  20 Kam Ingram – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  •  21 Stacy Gage – Fr.
  •  22 Myles Montgomery – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 37 Preston Foreman – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 43 Tyler Wrenn – Redshirt.svg So.

Wide receivers

  •  2 Kobe Hudson – 5th-Sr.
  •  4 Chauncey Magwood – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  •  8 Bredell Richardson – Fr.
  •  9 Ja'Varrius Johnson – 5th-Sr.
  • 15 Tyree Patterson – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 16 Jacoby Jones – 5th-Sr.
  • 19 Jarrad Baker – Redshirt.svg 5th-Sr.
  • 80 Trent Whittemore – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 81 Kason Stokes – Fr.
  • 82 Jordyn Bridgewater – Fr.
  • 85 Carson Hinshaw – Fr.
  • 87 Dwartney Wortham – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 89 Caleb Rollerson – Fr.

Tight ends/H-back

  •  5 Randy Pittman – So.
  •  6 Kylan Fox – Fr.
  • 44 Evan Morris – 5th-Sr.
  • 83 Reece Adkins – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 84 Thomas Wadsworth – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 86 Jordan Davis – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 88 Grant Stevens – Redshirt.svg So.
 

Offensive Lineman

  • 50 Patrick Barnett – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 52 Caden Kitler – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 54 Waltclaire Flynn – Fr.
  • 55 Cameron Kinnie – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 56 Johnathan Cline – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 59 Keyon Cox – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 62 Jabari Brooks – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 64 Shaheem Hill – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 66 Colin Cook – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 68 Ethan Higgins – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 69 Paul Rubelt – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 70 Chase Malamala – Fr.
  • 71 Thomas Gearity – Fr.
  • 72 Marcellus Marshall – Sr.
  • 74 Matthew Prigmore – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 75 Andrew Phelan – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 76 Adrian Medley – Redshirt.svg 5th-Sr.
  • 77 Keegan Smith – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 78 Amari Kight – Redshirt.svg 5th-Sr.

Kickers/Punters

  • 32 Michael Carter – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 33 Grant Reddick – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 40 Mitch McCarthy – Jr.
  • 98 Kevin Carrigan – Jr.

Long snappers

  • 41 Gage King – Redshirt.svg 5th-Sr.
  • 42 Aidan Fedigan – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 51 Jack Bernstein – Redshirt.svg So.
 

Defensive tackles

  •  2 Lee Hunter – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  •  5 Ricky Barber – Redshirt.svg 5th-Sr.(C)
  • 15 Daylan Dotson – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 44 Matthew Alexander – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 55 John Walker – So.
  • 87 Andrew Rumph – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 88 Derrick LeBlanc – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 90 Marcus Downs – Fr.
  • 91 Keshaun Hudson – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 98 Tyrek'e Robinson – Fr.

Linebacker

  •  3 Deshawn Pace – 5th-Sr.
  • 14 Jesiah Pierre – 5th-Sr.
  • 16 T.J. Bullard – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 22 Ja'Qualin "Qua" Birdsong – Fr.
  • 24 Xe'ree Alexander – So.
  • 25 Camden Vining – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 28 Andrew Harris – So.
  • 31 Derrick "DJ" McCormick – Fr.
  • 32 Ethan Barr – 5th-Sr.
  • 45 Quentin Hatch – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 48 Troy Ford Jr. – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 49 Quinten Johnson – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 53 Keeron Henderson – Redshirt.svg Sr.


  • 30 Kam Moore – So.
  • 35 Keenan Cupit – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 43 Kingston Gorney – Redshirt.svg Sr.

Defensive back

  •  0 Brandon Adams – Sr.
  •  1 Ja'Cari Henderson – Redshirt.svg So.
  •  4 Braeden Marshall – So.
  •  7 Antione Jackson – So.
  •  8 Demari Henderson – Jr.
  •  9 Sheldon Arnold – 5th-Sr.
  • 10 Quadric Bullard – 5th-Sr.
  • 13 Ladarius Tennison – 5th-Sr.
  • 17 Jaylen "AP" Heyward – Fr.
  • 18 Jakob Gude – Fr.
  • 19 Hudson Gibbs – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 20 Mac McWilliams – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 21 Cedrick Hawkins – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 23 Tre'Quon Fegans – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 26 Christian Peterson – Fr.
  • 27 Chasen Johnson – Fr.
  • 34 Terrell Jackson – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 36 Chase Jarrett – Fr.
  • 38 Jashad Presley – Fr.
  • 39 R.D. Cooper – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 46 Nicholas Antoine– Redshirt.svg So.
 

Defensive ends

  •  6 Isaiah Nixon – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 11 Nyjalik Kelly – Jr.
  • 41 Jack Morgan – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 51 Malachi Lawrence – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 58 Josh Dorsainvil – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 99 Jamaal Johnson – Redshirt.svg So.

Legend

  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Cruz Roja.svg Injured
  • Redshirt.svg Redshirt

Coaching staff

→ Roster updated November, 2024
→ Depth chart updated November, 2024

Awards

PlayerPositionAward(s)
KJ Jefferson QB Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year [12]
Week 3 — Manning Star of the Week [13]
Week 3 — Davey O'Brien Great 8 List [14]
Kobe Hudson WR Big 12 Preseason All-Big 12 Offense [12]
Lee HunterDL Big 12 Preseason All-Big 12 Defense [12]
RJ Harvey RBWeek 3 — Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week [15]
Week 3 — East–West Shrine Bowl Breakout Player of the Week [16]
Week 3 — Doak Walker Award National Running Back of the Week [17]
Doak Walker Award semifinalist [18]
Randy Pittman
Quadric Bullard
RJ Harvey
Ricky Barber		PFF Big 12 Team of the Week (November 9) [19]

Notes

  1. ↑ The stadium and the main UCF campus have an Orlando mailing address, but both are located in unincorporated Orange County.

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References

  1. ↑ Rittenberg, Adam (October 28, 2024). "UCF fires defensive coordinator Ted Roof amid 5-game slide". Motorsport . Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  2. ↑ "UCF's Malzahn fires defensive coordinator, will no longer call offensive plays". Spectrum New 13. October 29, 2024. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  3. ↑ Thamel, Pete (November 30, 2024). "Sources: UCF's Gus Malzahn joining FSU as offensive coordinator". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  4. ↑ "2024 UCF Football Transfer Portal". On3. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  5. ↑ Wilson, Justin (April 12, 2024). "UCF Debuts 2024 Squad in Knights vs. 'Nauts Spring Football Game". UCFAthletics.com. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  6. ↑ "Utah Picked First in Big 12 Football Media Preseason Poll". July 2, 2024.
  7. ↑ "The 12th Annual Reese's Senior Bowl Watchlist" . Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  8. ↑ "2024 UCF Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  9. ↑ Hooks, Kalan (September 6, 2024). "UCF, Arizona State lead Week 2 of college football uniforms". ESPN. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  10. ↑ Boyle, Chris; Vinel, Chris (September 22, 2024). "FOX's Big Noon Kickoff will air from Orlando ahead UCF vs. Colorado Saturday". The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
  11. ↑ UCF Pregame
  12. 1 2 3 "Big 12 Announces Media Preseason Football Team" (PDF).
  13. ↑ "Eight Quarterbacks Named Manning Award Stars of the Week". AllstateSugarBowl.org. September 16, 2024. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  14. ↑ Wilson, Justin (September 16, 2024). "Jefferson Named to Davey O'Brien Great 8 List, Manning Award Star of the Week". UCFKnights.com. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  15. ↑ Wilson, Justin (September 16, 2024). "Harvey Tabbed Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week". UCFKnights.com. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  16. ↑ "East-West Shrine Bowl" . Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Doak Walker Award" . Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  18. ↑ "Doak Walker Award" . Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  19. ↑ "PFF Big 12 Team of the Week". November 12, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
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