Scott Frost returns for his second season after UCF finished 5-7 overall and 2-7 in Big 12 play in 2025. The Knights entered 2026 needing to replace key production at quarterback and running back, but returned experience at receiver, on the offensive line, and on defense. Steve Cooper returns as offensive coordinator, and James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III joins at quarterback. Update (Oct. 14): QB Alonza Barnett III remains sidelined by the hamstring injury suffered against Pitt in September. Keyone Jenkins has taken over as the starter and threw for 265 yards and four touchdowns against Oklahoma State on October 10. Barnett’s return timetable remains uncertain. UCF must replace running backs Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon after they left for the NFL. Louisville transfer Duke Watson has emerged as the lead option in a rebuilt backfield, while Central Arkansas transfer Landen Chambers provides another addition. Taevion Swint has also contributed to the running back rotation. The Knights return considerable passing production, 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. Update (Oct. 14): Derry has emerged as a leading receiving option, catching 11 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown against Oklahoma State. Tight end Caden Piening also contributed seven receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown in that game. 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.

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 returns full-time starters Henderson, Antoine Jackson, and Jayden Bellamy, keeping the 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 running back turnover but considerable experience at receiver and on defense. The Knights returned all three leading pass catchers, five of their top eleven tacklers, including two of their top three, while several transfer additions brought experience to the offensive line. Update (Oct. 14): UCF is 3-3 overall and 1-2 in Big 12 play following a 42-28 loss at Oklahoma State on October 10. The Knights have adjusted to a change at quarterback while continuing to develop their backfield and receiving rotation.