2025 College Football Big 12 Team Previews: UCF Knights

Team: UCF
Mascot: Knights
Student Population: 69,320
Established: 1963
Motto: “Reach for the Stars”
Location: Orlando, Florida
Head Coach: Scott Frost
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Cooper
Defensive Coordinator: Alex Grinch
2024 Record: 4-8

Rankings

SP+: 93
FPI: 37
Kelly Ford: 55

Power Rankings

CBS Sports: 16

The Knights are truly starting from scratch after the return of coach Scott Frost, and replace more production than almost every power conference team. Potentially two-thirds of the depth chart could feature new faces, and the quarterback room contends with Oklahoma State for worst in the league. Year 1 could be a struggle. (+5000)

SB Nation: 16

What’s old is new again in Orlando, with Scott Frost once again taking the helm for the Knights. His first big task is to reload a roster that lost 34 players to the portal and draft. The portal was kind to them at the QB spot, landing Indiana transfer Tayven Jackson, VT transfer Davi Belfort and FAU transfer Cam Fancher. Add in Jacurri Brown and there’s a QB battle that might last until the first snap of the regular season.

The problem here is that almost all of the offensive production is out the door, and the defense doesn’t find itself much better off. Replacing guys like RJ Harvey and Randy Pittman Jr aren’t easy, and losing DT Lee Hunter Jr within the conference really stinks. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has his work cut out for him.

24/7 Sports: 15

Which Scott Frost leads UCF this time: The head coach who orchestrated a 2017 undefeated season, or the one who went 16-31 at Nebraska? The Knights were a mess after former head coach Gus Malzahn left for coordinator position at Florida State, so it will certainly take time for Frost to get the program back on track.

Transfer Class Rankings

24/7 Sports: National Rank 44 | Big 12 Rank 8 (41 players)
Rivals: National Rank 19 | Big 12 Rank 5 (27 players)

Miscellaneous

Bovada Win Totals: 5.5

Athlon Big 12 Predictions: 16

Scott Frost’s tenure at his alma mater (Nebraska) didn’t work out, but a return to familiar surroundings in Orlando where he led UCF to a 13-0 record in 2017 could be what both sides need. The Knights hope to climb up the Big 12 standings in ‘25 and beyond, while Frost has the potential to rebound in a lower-pressure situation.

Frost and offensive coordinator Steve Cooper have work to do in order to get UCF’s offense among the best in the Big 12. The quarterback battle between Cam Fancher, Tayven Jackson, and Jacurri Brown will continue into the fall, with Jackson holding a slight edge. The receiving corps and offensive line are both in major rebuild mode, but the running back group is solid with Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon.

With only three starters back, it could be tough for UCF’s defense to significantly improve on last year’s defensive output. In Big 12 play, the Knights gave up 31.3 points a contest and finished 91st nationally in pass defense success rate. The strength of the ‘25 unit is up front with Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly leading the way. Expect transfers to bolster the linebacker and defensive back units.