2025 UCF Knights football team

Last updated

2025 UCF Knights football
UCF Knights logo.svg
Conference Big 12 Conference
Record2–0 (0–0 Big 12)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorSteve Cooper (1st season)
Offensive scheme No-huddle spread option
Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch (1st season)
Base defense 3–4
Home stadium Acrisure Bounce House
Uniform
UCF Knights Uniforms (2025).png
Seasons
  2024
2026 
2025 Big 12 Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 14 Iowa State  1 0   3 0  
Arizona  0 0   2 0  
BYU  0 0   2 0  
Houston  0 0   2 0  
No. 21 Texas Tech  0 0   2 0  
UCF  0 0   2 0  
No. 20 Utah  0 0   2 0  
TCU  0 0   1 0  
Kansas  0 0   2 1  
Arizona State  0 0   1 1  
Baylor  0 0   1 1  
Cincinnati  0 0   1 1  
Colorado  0 0   1 1  
Oklahoma State  0 0   1 1  
West Virginia  0 0   1 1  
Kansas State  0 1   1 2  
Championship: December 6, 2025
  • ^ College Football Playoff participant
  • $ Conference champion
  • y Championship game participant
As of September 7, 2025
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2025 UCF Knights football team represents the University of Central Florida (UCF) as a member of the Big 12 Conference during the 2025 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Knights are led by third-year head coach Scott Frost in the first-year of his second stint. The Knights play their home games at Acrisure Bounce House, located in Orlando, Florida. [a]

Contents

After compiling a 28–24 record during four years as head coach, Gus Malzahn resigned on November 30, 2024 to take the offensive coordinator position at Florida State. [1] One week later, after a brief coaching search, the university re-hired Scott Frost, who coached the Knights football team in 20162017. [2]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 287:00 p.m. Jacksonville State * ESPN+ W 17–1043,043
September 67:00 p.m. North Carolina A&T *
  • Acrisure Bounce House
  • Orlando, FL
ESPN+W 68–744,009
September 20 North Carolina *
  • Acrisure Bounce House
  • Orlando, FL
September 27at Kansas State
October 4 Kansas
  • Acrisure Bounce House
  • Orlando, FL
October 11at Cincinnati
October 18 West Virginia Dagger-14-plain.png
  • Acrisure Bounce House
  • Orlando, FL
November 1at Baylor
November 7 Houston
FS1
November 15at Texas Tech
November 22 Oklahoma State
  • Acrisure Bounce House
  • Orlando, FL
November 29at BYU
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • All times are in Eastern time

Offseason

Transfers

Incoming

NamePositionOld school
Anthony VenneriP Ohio State
Mason Denaburg PNA
Dominick CampbellC Howard
Anthony CoaxamDE West Virginia Wesleyan
Rodney LoraDL North Carolina
Max DragTE Appalachian State
Jayden McDonaldLB Virginia Tech
Chris DomercantWR Chattanooga
Jayden WilliamsDB Florida Atlantic
Jeffson LafontantDL BC
Davi Belfort QB Virginia Tech
Noe RuelasK James Madison
Owen SpellOL Limestone
Aymeric KoumbaEDGE Michigan
Connor MeadowsOL Tennessee St.
Dalton RiggsLS BYU
Keli LawsonLB Virginia Tech
Lewis CarterLB Oklahoma
Marcus BurkeWR Florida
Duane Thomas Jr.WR Charlotte
Jaden NixonRB Western Michigan
Carter MillerIOL Colorado
Tayven Jackson QB Indiana
Sincere EdwardsEDGE Pittsburgh (Pitt)
DJ BlackWR Limestone
Cole KozlowzkiLB Colgate
Jyaire Brown DB LSU
Jayden BellamyDB Syracuse
Jaeden GouldDB Syracuse
Horace LockettDL Georgia Tech
Phillip Dunnam IIIDB Florida Atlantic
Phil PicciottiLB Oklahoma
Dylan WadeTE Maryland
Justin RoyesIOL Virginia Union
Preston CushmanOT Ole Miss
Ric'Darious FarmerWR West Virginia
DJ BellS Memphis
Isaiah ReedWR Brown
Cam Fancher QB Florida Atlantic
Gaard MemmelaarIOL Washington
RJ JacksonDL Tulsa

Outgoing

NamePositionDestination
Chasen JohnsonDB USC
Jakiah LeftwichOTTBD
Kevin CarriganP South Dakota State
Jashad PresleyLB UTSA
Andrew HarrisLB Arkansas
Elijah BrownTE Kentucky
Quinten JohnsonEDGE Delaware State
Cedrick HawkinsDB South Florida
Grant ReddickKTBD
Chase MalamalaOL Southern Miss
Brandon JacobS UTSA
Derrick McCormickLB South Florida
Kason StokesWR Middle Tennessee
Qua BirdsongLB ETSU
Aidan FediganLS Tulsa
Marcus DownsDL Georgia Southern
Tre'Quon FegansCB Jacksonville State
Waltclaire Flynn Jr.OL Georgia
Dylan Rizk QB Stanford
Chauncey MagwoodWR Purdue
EJ ColsonQB Incarnate Word
Xe'ree AlexanderLB Washington
Lee Hunter DL Texas Tech
Adrian MedleyIOL Florida State
Randy PittmanTE Florida State
Riley TrujilloQB Delaware
Mitch McCarthyP Indiana
Keyon CoxOT Oregon State
Matthew AlexanderDL Georgia Tech
Jack BernsteinLS Kennesaw State
Marcellus MarshallIOL Minnesota
Caden KitlerIOL Arkansas
Reece AdkinsTE UMass
Johnathan ClineIOL ETSU
Tyree PattersonWR Middle Tennessee
Wes DorseyOTTBD
William WellsDB ETSU
Colton BoomerK Boise State
Xavier TownsendWR Iowa State
Kaven CallDE ETSU
Byron ThreatsS UCLA
Zavier CarterEDGE Georgia State

2025 Recruits

College recruiting information
NameHometownSchoolHeightWeightCommit date
Taevion Swint
Running back
Kissimmee, FL Osceola High School 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)185 lb (84 kg)Apr 23, 2023 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  4 stars.svg     247Sports:  4 stars.svg     ESPN:  4 stars.svg    
Tony Williams
Safety
Miami, FL Miami Central High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)190 lb (86 kg)Mar 15, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  4 stars.svg     247Sports:  4 stars.svg     ESPN:  4 stars.svg    
Rukeem Stroud
Cornerback
Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Technical High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)170 lb (77 kg)Jun 24, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  4 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
LaParka Langston
Offensive tackle
Senatobia, MS Northwest Mississippi Community College 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)325 lb (147 kg)Dec 10, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Caden Piening
Tight end
Cincinnati, OH Anderson High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)246 lb (112 kg)Mar 13, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Carl Jenkins Jr.
Wide receiver
St. Augustine, FL St. Augustine High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)180 lb (82 kg)Dec 4, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Malakhi Boone
Linebacker
Bushnell, FL South Sumter High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)235 lb (107 kg)May 1, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Waden Charles
Wide receiver
Boynton Beach, FL Somerset Academy High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)185 lb (84 kg)Jul 3, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Jaquez Joiner
Offensive tackle
Cocoa, FL Cocoa High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)260 lb (120 kg)Sep 2, 2023 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Jacob Maiava
Offensive guard
Kahuku, HI Kahuku High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)290 lb (130 kg)Feb 2, 2025 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Camp Lott
Offensive tackle
McComb, MS Parklane Academy 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)250 lb (110 kg)Jan 31, 2025 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
RyShawn Perry
Defensive tackle
Covington, GA Newton High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)274 lb (124 kg)Apr 7, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Raishaun McHaney
Offensive tackle
Indianapolis, IN Lutheran High School of Indianapolis 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)260 lb (120 kg)Feb 4, 2025 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Trenton Turner
Defensive line
Lakeland, Florida Lakeland High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)311 lb (141 kg)Feb 5, 2025 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Chance Nixon
Running back
Oviedo, Florida Oviedo High School 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)180 lb (82 kg)May 13, 2025 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:     247Sports:     ESPN:    
Overall recruit ranking:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "UCF Football Commitment List". Rivals. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  • "2025 Player Commitments - UCF". ESPN. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  • "2025 Team Ranking". Rivals. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  • "UCF Football 2025 Commits". 247Sports. Retrieved July 24, 2025.

*= 247Sports Composite rating; ratings are out of 1.00. (five stars= 1.00–.98, four stars= .97–.90, three stars= .80–.89)
= Despite being rated as a three star recruit by ESPN, On3.com, and 247Sports.com, Stroud received a four star rating by Rivals.com.
Δ= TBD left the UCF program following signing but prior to the 2025 season.

Award watch lists

PlayerPositionAward(s)
Jaden NixonRB Maxwell Award
Paul Hornung Award
Doak Walker Award
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Miles MontgomeryRB Doak Walker Award
Paul RubeltOL Wuerffel Trophy
Cam Fancher QBComeback Player of the Year
John WalkerDTComeback Player of the Year
SOURCE

Preseason

For 2025, UCF elected to not conduct their annual spring exhibition game. This was due to ongoing construction at the stadium, and to protect the roster during the spring transfer portal window. [7] As a substitute, the Knights arranged for two practice sessions to be open to the public. [8]

The Big 12 officially discontinued their annual preseason media poll, [9] but various other outlets predicted the Knights to finish 15th–16th in the conference. [10] [11]

On August 25, head coach Scott Frost named former Marshall and FAU transfer Cam Fancher as the starting quarterback for Week 1. Fancher, a redshirt senior, beat out Jacurri Brown and Tayven Jackson for the starting job. [12]

Game summaries

vs Jacksonville State

Pregame lineOver/underWin Probability
UCF -20½52½UCF 89.3%
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–0) vs UCF Knights (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Gamecocks003710
Knights0031417

at Acrisure Bounce HouseOrlando, Florida

  • Date: Thursday August 28, 2025
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 81° F, rain
  • Game attendance: 43,043
  • Referee: Kevin Boitmann
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): A. J. Ricketts, Rene Ingoglia
  • PreviewRecapGamecast
Game information
First quarter
  • None
Second quarter
  • None
Third quarter
  • UCF – Anthony Venneri 24-yard field goal, 8:03, Knights 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:06.
  • JVST – Garrison Rippa 42-yard field goal, 5:28, Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 2:35.
Fourth quarter
  • JVST – Andrew Paul 10-yard run (Garrison Rippa Kick), 12:01, Gamecocks 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 5:17.
  • UCF – Dylan Wade 39-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas Kick), 9:30, Tied 10–10. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 2:25.
  • UCF – D. J. Black 33-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas Kick), 1:03, Knights 17–10. 6 plays, 64 yards, 0:32.
StatisticsJVSTUCF
First downs1823
Total yards332424
Rushing yards165110
Passing yards157314
Turnovers11
Time of possession28:0431:56
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassing Gavin Wimsatt 15/29, 139 yards, 1 INT
RushingCam Cook17 carries, 75 yards
ReceivingCam Cook4 receptions, 43 yards
UCFPassing Tayven Jackson 17/24, 282 yards, 2 TD
RushingMyles Montgomery21 carries, 79 yards
ReceivingMyles Montgomery3 receptions, 71 yards

The Knights hosted defending Conference USA champions Jacksonville State on Thursday night. It marked the first game of Scott Frost's second tenure as head coach. Former Marshall and FAU transfer Cam Fancher started at quarterback, but was knocked out of the game early in the second quarter on a Targeting hit by Tre'Quon Fegans. The game was then halted due to lightning. After a two-hour and seven-minute weather delay, the game resumed with Tayven Jackson taking over at quarterback for the Knights.

The game was tied 10–10 late in the fourth quarter. Jacksonville State was driving into UCF territory with less than two minutes left in regulation. Facing a 4th & Inches at the UCF 36 yard line, the Gamecocks tried a hurry-up play. Cam Cook was tackled for no gain by Jayden Williams which turned the ball over on downs. A few plays later, the Knights were facing a 3rd & 10 at their own 36. Tayven Jackson scrambled for a 15-yard gain, then a late hit Targeting call on Trevor Woods tacked on an additional 15 yards. Three plays later, Jackson threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to D. J. Black with 1:03 left, and the Knights won 17–10.

The victory marked UCF's 10th consecutive win on opening day, Frost's 14th consecutive win with the Knights, and the milestone 300th claimed victory for the program. [b] [c]

vs North Carolina A&T (FCS)

Pregame lineOver/underWin Probability
UCF -56½61½UCF 99.0%
North Carolina A&T Aggies (FCS) (0–1) vs UCF Knights (1–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Aggies (FCS)00077
Knights2812141468

at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: Saturday September 6, 2025
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m., delayed until 8:10 p.m. due to weather
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance: 44,009
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Peter Sousa, Todd Doxson
  • PreviewRecapGamecast
Game information
First quarter
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 96-yard kickoff return (Noe Ruelas kick), 14:57, Knights 7–0.
  • UCF – Tayven Jackson 1-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 9:46, Knights 14–0. 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:56.
  • UCF – Tayven Jackson 4-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 7:16, Knights 21–0. 4 plays, 24 yards, 1:45.
  • UCF – Rodney Lora fumble recovery in endzone (Noe Ruelas kick), 2:06, Knights 28–0.
Second quarter
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 87-yard run (kick failed), 9:46, Knights 34–0. 1 play, 87 yards, 0:09.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 34-yard field goal, 3:37, Knights 37–0. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 2:10.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 36-yard field goal, 0:00, Knights 40–0. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 0:57.
Third quarter
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 66-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 6:56, Knights 47–0. 3 play, 74 yards, 1:10.
  • UCF – Jacurri Brown 60-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 6:56, Knights 54–0. 1 play, 60 yards, 0:11.
Fourth quarter
  • UCF – Jacurri Brown 15-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 14:42, Knights 61–0. 4 plays, 25 yards, 1:41.
  • UCF – Stacy Gage 23-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 7:41, Knights 68–0. 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:56.
  • NCAT – Shimique Blizzard 17-yard run (Andrew Brown kick), 3:00, Knights 68–7. 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:41.
StatisticsNCATUCF
First downs1320
Total yards200560
Rushing yards160356
Passing yards40204
Turnovers30
Time of possession36:1524:04
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
North Carolina A&TPassingChamp Long3/7, 26 yards, 1 INT
RushingShimique Blizzard11 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingElijah Kennedy2 receptions, 20 yards
UCFPassing Tayven Jackson 12/21, 189 yards
RushingJaden Nixon4 carries, 156 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDuane Thomas Jr.3 receptions, 68 yards

The Knights hosted North Carolina A&T on Saturday night. Kickoff was delayed 70 minutes due to weather. Jaden Nixon returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, and the Knights routed the Aggies. Tayven Jackson started at quarterback, and ran for two touchdowns in the first quarter. Nixon added an 87-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, and UCF built a 40–0 halftime lead. Jacurri Brown took over at quarterback in the second half. The Knights cruised to a 68–7 victory.

Nixon was the offensive standout for the night with three total touchdowns and 156 yards rushing on just four carries. UCF improved to 2–0 for the third straight season, and head coach Scott Frost won his 15th consecutive game with the Knights.

vs North Carolina

Pregame lineOver/under
North Carolina Tar Heels (1–1) vs UCF Knights (2–0) – Game summary
Quarter12Total
Tar Heels0
Knights0

at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: September 20
  • Game time:  
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers ( ):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsUNCUCF
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
North CarolinaPassing
Rushing
Receiving
UCFPassing
Rushing
Receiving

at Kansas State

Pregame lineOver/under
UCF Knights (0–0) at Kansas State Wildcats (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter12Total
Knights0
Wildcats0

at Bill Snyder Family Football StadiumManhattan, Kansas

  • Date: September 27
  • Game time:  
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers ( ):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsUCFKSU
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UCFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Kansas StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving

vs Kansas

Pregame lineOver/under
Kansas Jayhawks (0–0) vs UCF Knights (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter12Total
Jayhawks0
Knights0

at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: October 4
  • Game time:  
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers ( ):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsKUUCF
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KansasPassing
Rushing
Receiving
UCFPassing
Rushing
Receiving

at Cincinnati (rivalry)

Pregame lineOver/under
UCF Knights (0–0) at Cincinnati Bearcats (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter12Total
Knights0
Bearcats0

at Nippert StadiumCincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: October 11
  • Game time:  
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers ( ):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsUCFCIN
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UCFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
CincinnatiPassing
Rushing
Receiving

vs West Virginia

Pregame lineOver/under
West Virginia Mountaineers (0–0) vs UCF Knights (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter12Total
Mountaineers0
Knights0

at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: October 18
  • Game time:  
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers ( ):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsWVUUCF
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
West VirginiaPassing
Rushing
Receiving
UCFPassing
Rushing
Receiving

at Baylor

Pregame lineOver/under
UCF Knights (0–0) at Baylor Bears (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter12Total
Knights0
Bears0

at McLane StadiumWaco, Texas

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time:  
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers ( ):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsUCFBAY
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UCFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
BaylorPassing
Rushing
Receiving

vs Houston

Pregame lineOver/under
Houston Cougars (0–0) vs UCF Knights (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter12Total
Cougars0
Knights0

at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: November 7
  • Game time:  
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers (FS1):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsHOUUCF
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HoustonPassing
Rushing
Receiving
UCFPassing
Rushing
Receiving

at Texas Tech

Pregame lineOver/under
UCF Knights (0–0) at Texas Tech Red Raiders (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter12Total
Knights0
Red Raiders0

at Jones AT&T StadiumLubbock, Texas

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time:  
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers ( ):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsUCFTTU
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UCFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Texas TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving

vs Oklahoma State

Pregame lineOver/under
Oklahoma State Cowboys (0–0) vs UCF Knights (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter12Total
Cowboys0
Knights0

at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: November 22
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers ( ):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsOKSTUCF
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Oklahoma StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
UCFPassing
Rushing
Receiving

at BYU

Pregame lineOver/under
UCF Knights (0–0) at BYU Cougars (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter12Total
Knights0
Cougars0

at LaVell Edwards StadiumProvo, Utah

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time:  
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers ( ):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsUCFBYU
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UCFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
BYUPassing
Rushing
Receiving

Personnel

Roster and coaching staff

2025 UCF Knights Football

Quarterbacks

Running backs

  •  4 Taevion Swint – Cruz Roja.svg Fr.
  •  5 Jaden Nixon – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  •  21 Stacy Gage – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  •  22 Myles Montgomery – Redshirt.svg Sr.(C)
  • 32 Tyler Wrenn – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 35 Agyeman Addae – Fr.
  • 42 Chance Nixon – Fr.

Wide receivers

  •  3 Marcus Burke – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  •  6 Ric'Darious "DayDay" Farmer – Cruz Roja.svg So.
  •  7 Duane Thomas Jr. – Jr.
  •  8 Bredell Richardson – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  •  9 DJ Black – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 12 Carl Jenkins Jr. – Fr.
  • 13 Chris Domercant – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 19 Waden Charles – Fr.
  • 39 Andrea Parisi – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 81 Zack Palmer – Fr.
  • 82 Jordyn Bridgewater – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 85 Carson Hinshaw – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 86 Chase Hinshaw – Fr.
  • 87 Dwartney Wortham – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 89 Caleb Rollerson – Redshirt.svg Fr.

Tight ends

  •  0 Dylan Wade – Jr.
  •  1 Kylan Fox – So.
  • 18 Caden Piening – Fr.
  • 80 Max Drag – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 83 Dallan 'Deebo' Coleman – 5th-Sr.
  • 84 Thomas Wadsworth – Redshirt.svg Jr.
 

Offensive Lineman

  • 50 Patrick Barnett – Redshirt.svg 5th–Sr.
  • 52 Carter Miller – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 53 LaParka Langston – Jr.
  • 55 Cameron Kinnie – Redshirt.svg 5th–Sr.
  • 57 Camp Lott – Fr.
  • 58 Connor Meadows – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 61 Owen Spell – Jr.
  • 62 Jabari Brooks – Redshirt.svg 5th–Sr.
  • 63 Shaheem Hill – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 64 Gaard Memmelaar – Redshirt.svg 5th–Sr.
  • 65 Jaquez Joiner – Fr.
  • 66 Colin Cook – Redshirt.svg 5th–Sr.
  • 67 Noah Senka – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 68 Ethan Higgins – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 69 Paul Rubelt – Redshirt.svg 5th–Sr.(C)
  • 70 RaiShaun McHaney – Fr.
  • 71 Thomas Gearity – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 72 Dominick Campbell – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 73 Jacob Maiava – Fr.
  • 74 Matthew Prigmore – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 75 Andrew Phelan – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 76 Justin Royes – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 77 Keegan Smith – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 78 Preston Cushman – Redshirt.svg Jr.

Kickers/Punters

  • 16 Noe Ruelas – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 31 Noah McGough – Fr.
  • 40 Anthony Venneri – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 97 Mason DenaburgFr.

Long snappers

  • 37 Rocklyn Kelley – Fr.
  • 47 Dalton Riggs – Redshirt.svg Jr.
 

Defensive tackles

  • 13 Horace Lockett – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 54 Trenton Turner – Fr.
  • 55 John Walker – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 87 Andrew Rumph – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 88 Derrick LeBlanc – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 91 Keshaun Hudson – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 92 Jeffson Lafontant – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 94 Rodney Lora – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 95 RJ Jackson Jr. – Jr.
  • 98 Tyrek'e Robinson – Redshirt.svg Fr.

Linebacker

  •  0 Keli Lawson – Redshirt.svg Sr.(C)
  • 16 T.J. Bullard – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 20 Lewis Carter – Jr.
  • 28 Troy Ford Jr. – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 30 Kam Moore – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 32 Malakhi Boone – Fr.
  • 33 Phil Picciotti – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 38 Jayden McDonald – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 43 Cole Kozlowski – Sr.

Defensive back

  •  1 Ja'Cari Henderson – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  •  2 Phillip Dunnam – Sr.
  •  3 Tony Williams – Fr.
  •  4 Braeden Marshall – Jr.
  •  5 DJ Bell – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  •  7 Antione Jackson – Jr.
  •  8 Demari Henderson – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 11 Jaeden Gould – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 14 Isaiah Reed – 5th-Sr.
  • 17 Jaylen "AP" Heyward – So.
  • 18 Jakob Gude – So.
  • 19 Hudson Gibbs – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 23 Jayden Williams – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 25 Rukeem Stroud – Fr.
  • 26 Christian Peterson – So.
  • 27 Nicholas Antoine – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 29 Jayden Bellamy – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 34 Terrell Jackson – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 36 Chase Jarrett – Redshirt.svg Fr.
  • 49 Donnell Johnson – Redshirt.svg So.
 

Cornerbacks

Defensive ends

  •  6 Isaiah Nixon – Redshirt.svg So.
  •  9 Nyjalik Kelly – Sr.
  • 10 Sincere Edwards – So.
  • 12 Aymeric Koumba – Redshirt.svg So.
  • 44 Josh Dorsainvil – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 45 Quentin Hatch – Redshirt.svg Jr.
  • 51 Malachi Lawrence – Redshirt.svg Sr.(C)
  • 96 Anthony Coaxum – Redshirt.svg Sr.
  • 99 Jamaal Johnson – Redshirt.svg Jr.

Legend

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

Coaching staff

  • Scott Frost Head Coach
  • Sean Beckton Sr.Associate head coach/Wide receivers
  • Alex Grinch Defensive coordinator/Safeties
  • Steve Cooper – Offensive coordinator/Tight ends
  • Pete Alamar Special teams coordinator
  • Mike DawsonDefensive run game coordinator/Edge
  • Shawn Clark Offensive line
  • Brandon Harris Defensive backs
  • Mark D'Onofrio Linebackers
  • Kenny Martin – Defensive Tackles
  • McKenzie Milton Quarterbacks
  • Jimmy Beal – Running backs
  • Austin HerinkSenior Offensive Analyst
  • Travis FisherSenior Defensive Analyst
  • Demeitre Brim – Defensive Analyst
  • Drico Johnson – Defensive Analyst
  • Jordan Johnson – Offensive Analyst
  • Alex Ward – Offensive Quality Control
  • Pete Haffner – Defensive Quality Control
  • Jihad Woods – Defensive Quality Control
  • Geron Hargon – Special Teams Quality Control
  • Zach Duval – Director, Sports Performance
  • Andrew Strop – Associate Director, Sports Performance
  • Sean Beckton Jr. – Asst. Dir. of Sports Performance
  • Andrew Sims – Chief of Staff
  • Trent Mossbrucker – General Manager of Football Player Personnel, Acquisitions and Roster Management
  • Jeff Love – Executive Dir. of Player Personnel
  • Ryan Callaghan – Senior Dir. of FB Operations & Recruiting
  • Jeris McIntyreDir. High school relations
  • Deshon Lawrence – Senior Director of Player Development, Pro Liaison & Internal Operations
  • Ryan Beer – Dir. of Player Personnel
  • Dan Pirtle – Dir. of Player Personnel
  • Kaelen Skipper – Player Personnel Assistant
  • Lauryn Ford – Asst. Dir. of Operations
  • Jordan Litten – Dir. of FB Creative & Athletic Branding
  • Brad Helton – Asst. AD, Video Operations
  • Brian Lund – Associate AD. Head Football Athletic Trainer, Sports Medicine
  • Fred Donnell – Senior Associate Athletic Trainer
  • Elisabeth Bird – Athletic Trainer
  • Diarmuid Christie – Asst. Athletic Trainer
  • Kyle Flora – Asst. Athletic Trainer
  • Brad Anderson – Dir. of Equipment Operations
  • Austin Seymour – Associate Director, Equipment
  • Schuyler Silverglate – Asst. Director, Equipment Operations

Roster updated August, 2025
Depth chart updated August, 2025

Coaching staff additions

NamePositionOld teamOld position
Scott Frost Head coach Los Angeles Rams Senior Analyst
Alex Grinch Defensive coordinator/Safeties Wisconsin Co-defensive coordinator/Safeties
Steve Cooper Offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Boise State Asst. to Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks
Pete Alamar Special teams coordinator Rice Asst. Head coach/Special Teams coordinator
Shawn Clark Offensive line Appalachian State Head coach
Mike Dawson Defensive run game coordinator/Edge Rush Kansas Defensive Assistant
McKenzie Milton Quarterbacks Tennessee Offensive Analyst
Brandon Harris Defensive backs Florida Atlantic Co-defensive coordinator/Secondary
Jimmy Beal Running backs Utah State Running backs
Mark D'Onofrio Linebackers Stanford Inside Linebackers
Sean Beckton Associate Head coach/Wide receivers UCF*Senior Analyst
Kenny Martin Defensive tackles UCF*Defensive tackles
Travis Fisher Senior Defensive analyst Syracuse Cornerbacks coach

Coaching staff departures

NamePositionNew teamNew position
Gus Malzahn Head coach Florida State Offensive coordinator
Tim Harris Jr. Offensive coordinator/wide receivers coachPass game coordinator/wide receivers coach
Herb Hand Offensive line coachOffensive line coach
Ernie Sims Linebackers coachAssistant linebackers coach/defensive analyst
Addison WilliamsCo-defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach Nebraska Defensive backs coach
Darin Hinshaw Co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Purdue Quarterbacks coach
Brian BlackmonSpecial teams coordinator/tight ends coach ETSU Assistant head coach/tight ends coach
Kam MartinRun game coordinator/running backs coach Tulsa Associate head coach/running backs coach
Trovon Reed Cornerbacks coach USC Cornerbacks coach
Ross NewtonChief of staff/interim linebacker coach Pelham High School (Alabama) Head coach
Ted Roof Defensive coordinator/inside linebacker coachNANA
Kenny Ingram Defensive ends/edge rush coachNANA

Notes

  1. The stadium and the UCF main campus have an Orlando mailing address, but both are located in unincorporated Orange County.
  2. Official NCAA Statistics maintain an all-time record of 298–242–1. [13] The NCAA does not include one of the Knight's wins from 1979 (vs. Fort Benning, because Fort Benning is not a college team and the NCAA views this game as an exhibition). [14] In addition, UCF's 1980 record is disputed. The Carson–Newman Eagles were forced to forfeit their opening day 30–21 victory [15] over the Knights due to an ineligible player. [16] The official NCAA Statistics (possibly by error) maintain UCF's 1980 full season record as 3–5–1, [17] However, the school [18] [19] and local media [20] claim a record of 4–4–1, interpreting the Eagles forfeit as a Knights win.
  3. not including one exhibition game victory against the Russia national American football team in 1992 [21]

References

  1. Thamel, Pete (November 30, 2024). "Sources: UCF's Gus Malzahn joining FSU as offensive coordinator". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  2. Olson, Max (December 7, 2024). "Scott Frost returns as UCF head football coach on 5-year deal". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  3. Ciardello, Keff (July 27, 2024). "UCF 2025 Football Schedule: Full List of Knights' Opponents". College Football Network. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  4. "2025 UCF Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  5. "2025 College Football Transfer Portal". 247sports. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  6. "2025 UCF Football Transfer Portal". On3.com. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
  7. Murschel, Matt (January 28, 2025). "UCF most likely won't host spring football game, may open practices and scrimmages to fans". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  8. Boyle, Chris (March 5, 2025). "UCF Knights football: Fans invited to attend 2 spring practices at Bounce House". Daytona Beach News-Journal. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  9. Marcello, Brandon (July 9, 2025). "Big 12 nixes preseason poll to help shape narrative -- should national college football rankings follow suit?". CBS Sports. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  10. Nagel, Cody (July 8, 2025). "2025 Big 12 football preseason poll: 247Sports expert panel picks Arizona State to repeat as league champions". CBS Sports. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  11. Callihan, Schuyler (July 19, 2025). "Big 12 Preseason Power Rankings and Record Predictions for All 16 Teams". SI.com. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  12. Helwig, Brandon (August 26, 2025). "Scott Frost confirms Cam Fancher as UCF's starting quarterback". MSN.com. Retrieved August 27, 2025.
  13. "NCAA Statistics-History". stats.ncaa.org. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  14. "Final 1979 Cumulative Football Statistics Report". NCAA.org. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  15. Carfield, Jim (September 14, 1980). "Carson-Newman pins 30–21 setback on UCF". Orlando Sentinel . p. 14. Retrieved December 2, 2024 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  16. Carfield, Jim (October 1, 1980). "Dozen black players boycott UCF drills". Orlando Sentinel . p. 365. Retrieved December 2, 2024 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  17. "Final 1980 Cumulative Football Statistics Report". NCAA.org. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  18. "UCF Record Book - 2024 UCF Football" (PDF). UCF Athletics. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  19. Wilson, Justin (November 26, 2024). "UCF Hosts Utah on Senior Knight Friday". UCFKnights.com. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  20. Carfield, Jim (December 23, 1980). "UCF to extend Jonas' pact for 1981 football season". Orlando Sentinel . p. 9. Retrieved December 2, 2024 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  21. White, Russ (October 4, 1992). "Knights bad news for Bears". Orlando Sentinel . p. 44. Retrieved December 2, 2024 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg