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Older, more mature Knights in 2026

Reasons for optimism at UCF’s Football Media Day

ORLANDO, Fla. – As UCF enters year two of head coach Scott Frost’s second run in Orlando, the Knights do so with newfound confidence in some older players. A more experienced roster, buoyed by James Madison transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III, is expected to help UCF be more competitive in what has recently been a wide-open Big 12 conference.

The addition of Barnett III could be the ultimate game-changer. A year after the Knights went 5-7 with four different quarterbacks seeing playing time, Barnett III comes to Orlando with considerable success and confidence under his belt.

He helped lead the Dukes to a spot in the College Football Playoff this past season, and brings immediate stability to the most critical position on the field.

Barnett’s addition to a more mature roster was a major talking point of the Knights’ media day on Thursday.