Scott Frost returns for his second season after UCF finished 5-7 overall and 2-7 in Big 12 play in 2025. The Knights enter 2026 needing to replace key production at quarterback and running back, but they return experience at receiver, along the offensive line, and on defense. Steve Cooper returns as offensive coordinator, and James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III joins at quarterback. Update (Sept. 22): QB Alonza Barnett III suffered a hamstring injury against Pitt and is expected to miss multiple weeks. Keyone Jenkins has taken over as the starter while Barnett is sidelined. UCF must replace running backs Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon after their NFL departures. Louisville transfer Duke Watson has emerged as the lead option in a rebuilt backfield, while Central Arkansas transfer Landen Chambers provides another addition. The Knights return considerable production in the passing game, with Duane Thomas coming off a 53-catch season, Dylan Wade recording 43 receptions, and Waden Charles adding 26. Monmouth transfer Josh Derry also joins the receiving corps. The offensive line returns Preston Cushman after 12 starts last season, while Connor Meadows provides additional experience at center. Buffalo transfer Henry Tabansi, UConn transfer Brady Wayburn, and Charlotte transfer Tyler Gibson add starting experience to the group.

Alex Grinch returns as defensive coordinator at UCF, bringing back five of the Knights’ top eleven tacklers from last season, including two of the top three, Lewis Carter and Demari Henderson. All five returners made at least 10 starts last season. Wisconsin transfer Tackett Curtis joins the linebacker group after making seven starts in 2025, while R.J. Jackson Jr. returns on the defensive line. The secondary brings back full-time starters Henderson, Antoine Jackson, and Jayden Bellamy, keeping that unit intact.

Pete Alamar returns as special teams coordinator, with Texas transfer Will Stone taking over at placekicker. Wisconsin transfer Atticus Bertrams joins the program at punter after averaging 45.3 yards per punt last season, while Antoine Jackson returns with punt-return experience and Taevion Swint is among the options on kickoff returns. UCF entered 2026 with significant turnover at running back but considerable experience at receiver and on defense. The Knights bring back all three leading pass catchers and five of their top eleven tacklers, including two of their top three, while several transfer additions provide experience on the offensive line.