Scott Frost returns for his second season after a 5-7 (2-7 Big 12) campaign as UCF aims to improve and reach a bowl game. Offensive coordinator Steve Cooper faces the tough challenge of replacing much of the starting talent. The Knights will rely on JMU transfer Alonza Barnett III as the new starting QB. Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon have moved on to the NFL and will be replaced by Central Arkansas transfer Landen Chambers and Louisville transfer Duke Watson. Duane Thomas, Waden Charles, and Dylan Wade led the team in catches a year ago and all return. The Knights are excited for Monmouth transfer Josh Derry to take the field. The offensive line lost many starters, returning only Preston Cushman. UCF will need to fill the void left in many positions from a season ago.

The defense, ed by coordinator Alex Grinch, got good news when Cole Kozlowski received an extra year of eligibility. The top three tacklers from a year ago, led by Lewis Carter, all return, although Kozlowski’s final status lies in the hands of a district court judge. Up front, the defensive line returns its only starter, RJ Jackson, and several role players from a year ago are ready to move into starting roles. Wisconsin transfer Tackett Curtis came over to give the linebacker room a boost, and the Knights’ secondary returns four starters in Antione Jackson, Jayden Bellamy, Demari Henderson and Braeden Marshall.

Special teams coordinator Pete Alamar will be tasked with replacing last season’s kicker Noe Ruelas with Texas transfer Will Stone and replacing punter Anthony Venneri with Wisconsin transfer Atticus Bertrams. Punt returner Antione Jackson returns, and Duane Thomas will look to have a more active role at kick returner with Jaden Nixon now in the NFL. The Knights’ defense appears ahead of the offense, but both units will need to improve if UCF wants to make a bowl appearance in 2026.