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2025 UCF Knights football team

American college football season From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2025 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida (UCF) as a member of the Big 12 Conference during the 2025 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Knights were led by third-year head coach Scott Frost in the first-year of his second stint. The Knights played their home games at Acrisure Bounce House, located in Orlando, Florida.[a]

ConferenceBig 12 Conference
Record5–7 (2–7 Big 12)
Headcoach
OffensivecoordinatorSteve Cooper (1st season)
Quick facts UCF Knights football, Conference ...
2025 UCF Knights football
ConferenceBig 12 Conference
Record5–7 (2–7 Big 12)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorSteve Cooper (1st season)
Offensive schemeNo-huddle spread option
Defensive coordinatorAlex Grinch (1st season)
Base defense3–4
Home stadiumAcrisure Bounce House
Uniform
Seasons
← 2024
2026 →
Close
More information Conf., Overall ...
2025 Big 12 Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 7 Texas Tech y$^ 8–1  12–2 
No. 11 BYU y 8–1  12–2 
No. 14 Utah 7–2  11–2 
No. 22 Houston 6–3  10–3 
Arizona 6–3  9–4 
Arizona State 6–3  8–5 
No. 25 TCU 5–4  9–4 
Iowa State 5–4  8–4 
Cincinnati 5–4  7–6 
Kansas State 5–4  6–6 
Baylor 3–6  5–7 
Kansas 3–6  5–7 
UCF 2–7  5–7 
West Virginia 2–7  4–8 
Colorado 1–8  3–9 
Oklahoma State 0–9  1–11 
Championship: Texas Tech 34, BYU 7
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll
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After compiling a 28–24 record during four years as head coach, Gus Malzahn resigned on November 30, 2024 to take the offensive coordinator position at Florida State.[1] One week later, after a brief coaching search, the university re-hired Scott Frost, who coached the Knights football team in 2016–2017.[2]

Shawn Clark, previously the head coach of Appalachian State, joined the coaching staff as offensive line coach. On September 10, four days after the second game of the season, Clark was hospitalized after suffering a medical emergency.[3] Clark died on September 21, 2025 at the age of 50.[4] The team announced that they would wear an "SC" decal on their helmets for the remainder of the season.[5]

The Knights saw huge roster turnover from the previous season, with no less than 70 new players for 2025, most from the transfer portal.[6] Head coach Scott Frost began a rebuild with new players at almost every skill position.[6] On August 25, former Marshall and FAU transfer Cam Fancher (a redshirt senior) was named the starting quarterback for Week 1.[7] Fancher, however, suffered an injury in the first half of the first game, and Tayven Jackson would be named the starter for Week 2. Fancher, Jackson, Jacurri Brown and Davi Belfort all took snaps at quarterback, while Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon were the lead rushers with a combined 1,259 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Knights got off to a 3–0 start, but dropped seven of their last nine games to finish 5–7. Initially UCF was not bowl eligible, but due to their Academic Progress Rate (APR) they became eligible after multiple teams ahead of them opted out of postseason participation. The Knights, however, declined a possible invitation to the Birmingham Bowl, due to shortages on the depth chart.[8]

The UCF Knights drew an average home attendance of 43,409, the 51st-highest of all college football teams.[9]

Schedule

More information Date, Time ...
DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 287:00 p.m.Jacksonville State*
ESPN+W 17–1043,043
September 67:00 p.m.North Carolina A&T*
  • Acrisure Bounce House
  • Orlando, FL
ESPN+W 68–744,009
September 203:30 p.m.North Carolina*
  • Acrisure Bounce House
  • Orlando, FL
FOXW 34–944,206
September 2712:00 p.m.at Kansas State
FS1L 20–3453,013
October 47:30 p.m.Kansas
  • Acrisure Bounce House
  • Orlando, FL
ESPN2L 20–2743,229
October 1112:00 p.m.at Cincinnati
FS1L 11–2035,782
October 181:00 p.m.West Virginiadagger
  • Acrisure Bounce House
  • Orlando, FL
TNTW 45–1343,445
November 112:00 p.m.at Baylor
ESPNUL 3–3040,212
November 78:00 p.m.Houston
FS1L 27–3044,206
November 153:30 p.m.at No. 6 Texas Tech
FOXL 9–4860,229
November 224:00 p.m.Oklahoma State
  • Acrisure Bounce House
  • Orlando, FL
ESPN+W 17–1441,723
November 291:00 p.m.at No. 11 BYU
ESPN2L 21–4160,389
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Offseason

Transfers

Incoming

More information Name, Position ...
Name Position Old school
Anthony Venneri P Ohio State
Mason Denaburg P NA
Dominick Campbell C Howard
Anthony Coaxam DE West Virginia Wesleyan
Rodney Lora DL North Carolina
Max Drag TE Appalachian State
Jayden McDonald LB Virginia Tech
Chris Domercant WR Chattanooga
Jayden Williams DB Florida Atlantic
Jeffson Lafontant DL BC
Davi Belfort QB Virginia Tech
Noe Ruelas K James Madison
Owen Spell OL Limestone
Aymeric Koumba EDGE Michigan
Connor Meadows OL Tennessee St.
Dalton Riggs LS BYU
Keli Lawson LB Virginia Tech
Lewis Carter LB Oklahoma
Marcus Burke WR Florida
Duane Thomas Jr. WR Charlotte
Jaden Nixon RB Western Michigan
Carter Miller IOL Colorado
Tayven Jackson QB Indiana
Sincere Edwards EDGE Pittsburgh (Pitt)
DJ Black WR Limestone
Cole Kozlowzki LB Colgate
Jyaire Brown DB LSU
Jayden Bellamy DB Syracuse
Jaeden Gould DB Syracuse
Horace Lockett DL Georgia Tech
Phillip Dunnam III DB Florida Atlantic
Phil Picciotti LB Oklahoma
Dylan Wade TE Maryland
Justin Royes IOL Virginia Union
Preston Cushman OT Ole Miss
Ric'Darious Farmer WR West Virginia
DJ Bell S Memphis
Isaiah Reed WR Brown
Cam Fancher QB Florida Atlantic
Gaard Memmelaar IOL Washington
RJ Jackson DL Tulsa
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Outgoing

More information Name, Position ...
Name Position Destination
Chasen Johnson DB USC
Jakiah Leftwich OT TBD
Kevin Carrigan P South Dakota State
Jashad Presley LB UTSA
Andrew Harris LB Arkansas
Elijah Brown TE Kentucky
Quinten Johnson EDGE Delaware State
Cedrick Hawkins DB South Florida
Grant Reddick K TBD
Chase Malamala OL Southern Miss
Brandon Jacob S UTSA
Derrick McCormick LB South Florida
Kason Stokes WR Middle Tennessee
Qua Birdsong LB ETSU
Aidan Fedigan LS Tulsa
Marcus Downs DL Georgia Southern
Tre'Quon Fegans CB Jacksonville State
Waltclaire Flynn Jr. OL Georgia
Dylan Rizk QB Stanford
Chauncey Magwood WR Purdue
EJ Colson QB Incarnate Word
Xe'ree Alexander LB Washington
Lee Hunter DL Texas Tech
Adrian Medley IOL Florida State
Randy Pittman TE Florida State
Riley Trujillo QB Delaware
Mitch McCarthy P Indiana
Keyon Cox OT Oregon State
Matthew Alexander DL Georgia Tech
Jack Bernstein LS Kennesaw State
Marcellus Marshall IOL Minnesota
Caden Kitler IOL Arkansas
Reece Adkins TE UMass
Johnathan Cline IOL ETSU
Tyree Patterson WR Middle Tennessee
Wes Dorsey OT TBD
William Wells DB ETSU
Colton Boomer K Boise State
Xavier Townsend WR Iowa State
Kaven Call DE ETSU
Byron Threats S UCLA
Zavier Carter EDGE Georgia State
Close

2025 Recruits

Main article: 2025 college football recruiting class
See also: American football positions, Glossary of American football, and Recruiting (college athletics)
More information Name, Hometown ...
College recruiting
Name Hometown School Height Weight Commit date
Taevion Swint
Running back		 Kissimmee, FL Osceola High School 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Apr 23, 2023 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 4/5 stars   247Sports: 4/5 stars   ESPN: 4/5 stars   
Tony Williams
Safety		 Miami, FL Miami Central High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Mar 15, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 4/5 stars   247Sports: 4/5 stars   ESPN: 4/5 stars   
Rukeem Stroud
Cornerback		 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Technical High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 170 lb (77 kg) Jun 24, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 4/5 stars   247Sports: 3/5 stars   ESPN: 3/5 stars   
LaParka Langston
Offensive tackle		 Senatobia, MS Northwest Mississippi Community College 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 325 lb (147 kg) Dec 10, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 3/5 stars   247Sports: 3/5 stars   ESPN: 3/5 stars   
Caden Piening
Tight end		 Cincinnati, OH Anderson High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 246 lb (112 kg) Mar 13, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 3/5 stars   247Sports: 3/5 stars   ESPN: 3/5 stars   
Carl Jenkins Jr.
Wide receiver		 St. Augustine, FL St. Augustine High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Dec 4, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 3/5 stars   247Sports: 3/5 stars   ESPN: 3/5 stars   
Malakhi Boone
Linebacker		 Bushnell, FL South Sumter High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 235 lb (107 kg) May 1, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 3/5 stars   247Sports: 3/5 stars   ESPN: 3/5 stars   
Waden Charles
Wide receiver		 Boynton Beach, FL Somerset Academy High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Jul 3, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 3/5 stars   247Sports: 3/5 stars   ESPN: 3/5 stars   
Jaquez Joiner
Offensive tackle		 Cocoa, FL Cocoa High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 260 lb (120 kg) Sep 2, 2023 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 3/5 stars   247Sports: 3/5 stars   ESPN: 3/5 stars   
Jacob Maiava
Offensive guard		 Kahuku, HI Kahuku High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 290 lb (130 kg) Feb 2, 2025 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 3/5 stars   247Sports: 3/5 stars   ESPN: 3/5 stars   
Camp Lott
Offensive tackle		 McComb, MS Parklane Academy 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 250 lb (110 kg) Jan 31, 2025 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 3/5 stars   247Sports: 3/5 stars   ESPN: 3/5 stars   
RyShawn Perry
Defensive tackle		 Covington, GA Newton High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 274 lb (124 kg) Apr 7, 2024 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 3/5 stars   247Sports: 3/5 stars   ESPN: 3/5 stars   
Raishaun McHaney
Offensive tackle		 Indianapolis, IN Lutheran High School of Indianapolis 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 260 lb (120 kg) Feb 4, 2025 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 3/5 stars   247Sports:    ESPN: 3/5 stars   
Trenton Turner
Defensive line		 Lakeland, Florida Lakeland High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 311 lb (141 kg) Feb 5, 2025 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 2/5 stars   247Sports:    ESPN: 3/5 stars   
Chance Nixon
Running back		 Oviedo, Florida Oviedo High School 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 180 lb (82 kg) May 13, 2025 
Recruit ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    
Overall recruit ranking:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "UCF Football Commitment List". Rivals. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  • "2025 Player Commitments - UCF". ESPN. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  • "2025 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  • "UCF Football 2025 Commits". 247Sports. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
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*= 247Sports Composite rating; ratings are out of 1.00. (five stars= 1.00–.98, four stars= .97–.90, three stars= .80–.89)
†= Despite being rated as a three star recruit by ESPN, On3.com, and 247Sports.com, Stroud received a four star rating by Rivals.com.
Δ= TBD left the UCF program following signing but prior to the 2025 season.

Award watch lists

More information Player, Position ...
Player Position Award(s)
Jaden NixonRBMaxwell Award
Paul Hornung Award
Doak Walker Award
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Myles MontgomeryRBDoak Walker Award
Paul RubeltOLWuerffel Trophy
Cam FancherQBComeback Player of the Year
John WalkerDTComeback Player of the Year
SOURCE
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Preseason

For 2025, UCF elected to not conduct their annual spring exhibition game. This was due to ongoing construction at the stadium, and to protect the roster during the spring transfer portal window.[14] As a substitute, the Knights arranged for two practice sessions to be open to the public.[15]

The Big 12 officially discontinued their annual preseason media poll,[16] but various other outlets predicted the Knights to finish 15th–16th in the conference.[17][18]

Game summaries

vs Jacksonville State

See also: 2025 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–0) at UCF Knights (0–0) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Gamecocks 0 0 3710
Knights 0 0 31417
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at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: Thursday August 28, 2025
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C), rain
  • Game attendance: 43,043
  • Referee: Kevin Boitmann
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): A. J. Ricketts (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays.
Second quarter
  • No scoring plays.
Third quarter
  • UCF – Anthony Venneri 24-yard field goal, 8:03, Knights 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:06.
  • JVST – Garrison Rippa 42-yard field goal, 5:28, Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 2:35.
Fourth quarter
  • JVST – Andrew Paul 10-yard run (Garrison Rippa Kick), 12:01, Gamecocks 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 5:17.
  • UCF – Dylan Wade 39-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas Kick), 9:30, Tied 10–10. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 2:25.
  • UCF – DJ Black 33-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas Kick), 1:03, Knights 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 0:32.
Close
More information Statistics, JVST ...
StatisticsJVSTUCF
First downs1823
Plays–yards69–32270–422
Rushes–yards39–16537–108
Passing yards157314
Passing: Comp–Att–Int16-30-122-33-0
Turnovers11
Time of possession28:0431:56
Close
More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassingGavin Wimsatt15/29, 139 yards, INT
RushingCam Cook17 carries, 75 yards
ReceivingCam Cook4 receptions, 43 yards
UCFPassingTayven Jackson17/24, 282 yards, 2 TD
RushingMyles Montgomery21 carries, 79 yards
ReceivingMyles Montgomery3 receptions, 71 yards
Close

The Knights hosted defending Conference USA champions Jacksonville State on Thursday night. It marked the first game of Scott Frost's second tenure as head coach. Former Marshall and FAU transfer Cam Fancher started at quarterback, but was knocked out of the game early in the second quarter on a Targeting hit by Tre'Quon Fegans. The game was then halted due to lightning. After a two-hour and seven-minute weather delay, the game resumed with Tayven Jackson taking over at quarterback for the Knights.

The game was tied 10–10 late in the fourth quarter. Jacksonville State was driving into UCF territory with less than two minutes left in regulation. Facing a 4th & Inches at the UCF 36 yard line, the Gamecocks tried a hurry-up play. Cam Cook was tackled for no gain by Jayden Williams which turned the ball over on downs. A few plays later, the Knights were facing a 3rd & 10 at their own 36. Tayven Jackson scrambled for a 15-yard gain, then a late hit Targeting call on Trevor Woods tacked on an additional 15 yards. Three plays later, Jackson threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to DJ Black with 1:03 left, and the Knights won 17–10.

The victory marked UCF's 10th consecutive win on opening day, Frost's 14th consecutive win with the Knights, and the milestone 300th claimed victory for the program.[b][c]

vs North Carolina A&T (FCS)

See also: 2025 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team
North Carolina A&T Aggies (FCS) (0–1) at UCF Knights (1–0) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Aggies (FCS) 0 0 077
Knights 28 12 141468
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at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: Saturday September 6, 2025
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT, delayed until 8:12 p.m. due to weather
  • Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C), rain
  • Game attendance: 44,009
  • Referee: Luke Richmond
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Pete Sousa (play-by-play) and Todd Doxson (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 96-yard kickoff return (Noe Ruelas kick), 14:57, Knights 7–0.
  • UCF – Tayven Jackson 1-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 9:46, Knights 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:56.
  • UCF – Tayven Jackson 4-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 7:16, Knights 21–0. Drive: 4 plays, 24 yards, 1:45.
  • UCF – Rodney Lora fumble recovery in endzone (Noe Ruelas kick), 2:06, Knights 28–0.
Second quarter
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 87-yard run (kick failed), 9:46, Knights 34–0. Drive: 1 play, 87 yards, 0:09.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 34-yard field goal, 3:37, Knights 37–0. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 2:10.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 36-yard field goal, 0:00, Knights 40–0. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 0:57.
Third quarter
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 66-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 6:56, Knights 47–0. Drive: 3 play, 74 yards, 1:10.
  • UCF – Jacurri Brown 60-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 6:56, Knights 54–0. Drive: 1 play, 60 yards, 0:11.
Fourth quarter
  • UCF – Jacurri Brown 15-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 14:42, Knights 61–0. Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, 1:41.
  • UCF – Stacy Gage 23-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 7:41, Knights 68–0. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:56.
  • NCAT – Shimique Blizzard 17-yard run (Andrew Brown kick), 3:00, Knights 68–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:41.
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More information Statistics, NCAT ...
StatisticsNCATUCF
First downs1320
Plays–yards62–20056–560
Rushes–yards51–16032–356
Passing yards40204
Passing: Comp–Att–Int5–11–114–24–0
Turnovers30
Time of possession36:1524:04
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More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
North Carolina A&TPassingChamp Long3/7, 26 yards, 1 INT
RushingShimique Blizzard11 carries, 75 yards, TD
ReceivingElijah Kennedy2 receptions, 20 yards
UCFPassingTayven Jackson12/21, 189 yards
RushingJaden Nixon4 carries, 156 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDuane Thomas Jr.3 receptions, 68 yards
Close

The Knights hosted North Carolina A&T on Saturday night. Kickoff was delayed 70 minutes due to weather. Jaden Nixon returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, and the Knights routed the Aggies. Tayven Jackson started at quarterback, and ran for two touchdowns in the first quarter. Nixon added an 87-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, and UCF built a 40–0 halftime lead. Jacurri Brown took over at quarterback in the second half. The Knights cruised to a 68–7 victory.

Nixon was the offensive standout for the night with three total touchdowns and 156 yards rushing on just four carries. Nixon was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.[28] UCF improved to 2–0 for the third straight season, and head coach Scott Frost won his 15th consecutive game with the Knights.

vs North Carolina

See also: 2025 North Carolina Tar Heels football team
North Carolina Tar Heels (2–1) at UCF Knights (2–0) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Tar Heels 0 3 609
Knights 10 10 7734
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at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: Saturday September 20, 2025
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT; kickoff pushed to 3:45 p.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 85 °F (29 °C) • Wind: SW 10 mph
  • Game attendance: 44,206
  • Referee: Nate Black
  • TV announcers (FOX): Eric Collins (play-by-play) and Spencer Tillman (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • UCF – Tayven Jackson 13-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 8:23, Knights 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:37.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 36-yard field goal, 4:51, Knights 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:26.
Second quarter
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 41-yard field goal, 10:03, Knights 13–0. Drive: 14 plays, 42 yards, 7:44.
  • UNC – Rece Verhoff 40-yard field goal, 1:23, Knights 13–3. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 1:48.
  • UCF – Kylan Fox 17-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas kick), 0:13, Knights 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 1:04.
Third quarter
  • UCF – Myles Montgomery 1-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 9:51, Knights 27–3. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:57.
  • UNC – Kobe Paysour 8-yard pass from Max Johnson (pass failed), 1:06, Knights 27–9. Drive: 19 plays, 80 yards, 8:40.
Fourth quarter
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 5-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 1:54, Knights 34–9. Drive: 18 plays, 93 yards, 10:26.
Close
More information Statistics, UNC ...
StatisticsUNCUCF
First downs1423
Plays–yards58–21766–366
Rushes–yards25–6334–143
Passing yards154223
Passing: comp–att–int22–32–225–32–0
Turnovers20
Time of possession26:1333:47
Close
More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
North Carolina PassingGio Lopez11/14, 87 yards, 2 INT
RushingDemon June10 carries, 50 yards
ReceivingJordan Shipp3 receptions, 44 yards
UCFPassingTayven Jackson25/32, 223 yards, TD
RushingTayven Jackson10 carries, 66 yards, TD
ReceivingDylan Wade5 receptions, 47 yards
Close

The Knights hosted North Carolina, the first meeting between the two teams. Tayven Jackson threw for 223 yards, and one touchdown pass, and also ran for a touchdown, as the Knights defeated the Tar Heels 34–9. UCF improved to 3–0 for the third straight season, and head coach Scott Frost won his 16th consecutive game with the Knights.

A scheduled meeting between the two teams in 2018 was cancelled due to Hurricane Florence, then another scheduled meeting in 2020 was also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The game was part of a new replacement home-and-home series, with a matchup in Chapel Hill set for 2027.

For the third time in as many games, the Knights defense held their opponent scoreless on the opening possession. They also kept alive their streak by not allowing a touchdown in the first half. The Knights defense had one interception and one fumble recovery, and both turnovers led to points. North Carolina finally found the endzone in the third quarter, at which point the score was 27–9. UCF put the game away in the fourth quarter with an 18-play, 93-yard touchdown drive, which consumed 10 minutes and 26 seconds of game clock.

at Kansas State

See also: 2025 Kansas State Wildcats football team
UCF Knights (3–0) at Kansas State Wildcats (1–3) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Knights 0 7 10320
Wildcats 0 17 14334
Close

at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium • Manhattan, Kansas

  • Date: Saturday September 27, 2025
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m. CDT / 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 53,013
  • Referee: Luke Richmond
  • TV announcers (FS1): Connor Onion (play-by-play) and Mark Helfrich (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays.
Second quarter
  • KSU – Luis Rodriguez 38-yard field goal, 13:03, Wildcats 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 5:17.
  • KSU – Joe Jackson 1-yard run (Luis Rodriguez kick), 3:52, Wildcats 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 3:35.
  • UCF – DJ Black 82-yard pass from Jacurri Brown (Noe Ruelas kick), 2:54, Wildcats 10–7. Drive: 2 plays, 77 yards, 0:51.
  • KSU – Will Anciaux 3-yard pass from Avery Johnson (Luis Rodriguez kick), 0:45, Wildcats 17–7. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 2:04.
Third quarter
  • KSU – Garrett Oakley 1-yard pass from Avery Johnson (Luis Rodriguez kick), 9:58, Wildcats 24–7. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:46.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 53-yard field goal, 2:01, Wildcats 24–10. Drive: 11 plays, 48 yards, 4:02.
  • KSU – Dylan Edwards 75-yard run (Luis Rodriguez kick), 1:50, Wildcats 31–10. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:11.
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 54-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 0:20, Wildcats 31–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:30.
Fourth quarter
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 40-yard field goal, 9:34, Wildcats 31–20. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:03.
  • KSU – Luis Rodriguez 48-yard field goal, 2:41, Wildcats 34–20. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:35.
Close
More information Statistics, UCF ...
StatisticsUCFKSU
First downs1321
Plays–yards59–40270–434
Rushes–yards33–20544–266
Passing yards197168
Passing: comp–att–int13–26–218–26–1
Turnovers31
Time of possession27:5132:09
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More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UCFPassingTayven Jackson12/24, 115 yards, 1 INT
RushingMyles Montgomery10 carries, 119 yards
ReceivingDJ Black1 reception, 82 yards, 1 TD
Kansas StatePassingAvery Johnson18/25, 168 yards, 2 TD
RushingDylan Edwards20 carries, 166 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJaron Tibbs8 receptions, 72 yards
Close

UCF traveled to Kansas State for their Big 12 conference opener. The Wildcats defeated the Knights 34–20. Quarterback Tayven Jackson was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury in the second quarter, but he would return in the second half. The UCF offense managed some explosive plays, including an 82-yard touchdown reception by DJ Black, and a 54-yard touchdown run by Jaden Nixon. But three turnovers, and a turnover on downs resulted in several drives coming up empty. The Wildcats put up 266 yards on the ground, and turned the ball over only one time – an interception on the first drive of the first quarter.

UCF dropped to 3–1 on the season (0–1 in the Big 12). The loss was head coach Scott Frost's first loss with the Knights program since the 2016 Cure Bowl on December 17, 2016.

vs Kansas

See also: 2025 Kansas Jayhawks football team
Kansas Jayhawks (3–2) at UCF Knights (3–1) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jayhawks 0 14 13027
Knights 7 13 0020
Close

at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • UCF – Myles Montgomery 29-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 8:15, Knights 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 4:33.
Second quarter
  • UCF – Myles Montgomery 3-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 14:55, Knights 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 4:00.
  • KU – Leshon Williams 1-yard run (Laith Marjan kick), 10:38, Knights 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:17.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 38-yard field goal, 7:49, Knights 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 2:49.
  • KU – Leshon Williams 4-yard run (Laith Marjan kick), 1:55, Knights 17–14. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:49.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 38-yard field goal, 0:05, Knights 20–14. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 1:44.
Third quarter
  • KU – Laith Marjan 33-yard field goal, 7:07, Knights 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:46.
  • KU – Laith Marjan 41-yard field goal, 4:01, Tied 20–20. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 2:24.
  • KU – Leshon Williams 2-yard run (Laith Marjan kick), 3:00, Jayhawks 27–20. Drive: 1 play, 2 yards, 0:05.
Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays.
Close
More information Statistics, KU ...
StatisticsKUUCF
First downs1521
Plays–yards58–35676–375
Rushes–yards32–12139–199
Passing yards235176
Passing: comp–att–int18–26–022–37–0
Turnovers01
Time of possession30:0129:59
Close
More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KansasPassingJalon Daniels18/26, 235 yards
RushingLeshon Williams12 carries, 58 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingCam Pickett5 receptions, 64 yards
UCFPassingTayven Jackson14/23, 97 yards
RushingMyles Montgomery22 carries, 110 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDuane Thomas Jr.5 receptions, 42 yards
Close

The Knights jumped out to a 14–0 lead with two Myles Montgomery touchdown runs in the first half. But Kansas started chipping away at the deficit. Kansas took the lead in the third quarter after a sack and fumble by quarterback Tayven Jackson. Jackson was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury, and one play later, Kansas was in the endzone with a 2-yard touchdown run by Leshon Williams. Trailing 27–20, Cam Fancher drove the Knights to the Kansas 1 yard line with 2:00 left in regulation. Facing a 2nd & Goal at the 1, the Kansas defense stopped the Knights on three straight plays – a goal-line stand that essentially won the game for the Jayhawks.

UCF dropped to 3–2 on the season (0–2 in the Big 12).

at Cincinnati (rivalry)

See also: 2025 Cincinnati Bearcats football team and Cincinnati–UCF football rivalry
UCF Knights (3–2) at Cincinnati Bearcats (4–1) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Knights 0 3 0811
Bearcats 7 10 0320
Close

at Nippert Stadium • Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: Saturday October 11, 2025
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 35,782
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers (FS1): Dan Hellie (play-by-play) and Petros Papadakis (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • CIN – Jeff Caldwell 40-yard pass from Brendan Sorsby (Stephen Rusnak kick), 8:23. Bearcats 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 59 yards, 1:26.
Second quarter
  • CIN – Jeff Caldwell 9-yard pass from Brendan Sorsby (Stephen Rusnak kick), 12:12. Bearcats 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 3:47.
  • CIN – Stephen Rusnak 32-yard field goal, 4:13. Bearcats 17–0. Drive: 13 plays, 39 yards, 5:18.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 45-yard field goal, 0:24. Bearcats 17–3. Drive: 12 plays, 49 yards, 3:49.
Third quarter
  • No scoring plays.
Fourth quarter
  • CIN – Stephen Rusnak 24-yard field goal, 13:39. Bearcats 20–3. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:16.
  • UCF – Cam Francher 3-yard run (Cam Francher pass to Chris Domercant), 2:07. Bearcats 20–11. Drive: 19 plays, 90 yards, 7:00.
Close
More information Statistics, UCF ...
StatisticsUCFCIN
First downs2614
Plays–yards90–41348–306
Rushes–yards41–19127–115
Passing yards222191
Passing: comp–att–int28–49–012–21–0
Turnovers10
Time of possession39:4420:16
Close
More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UCFPassingCam Fancher28/49, 222 yards
RushingCam Fancher20 carries, 108 yards, TD
ReceivingDylan Wade5 receptions, 55 yards
CincinnatiPassingBrendan Sorsby12/21, 191 yards, 2 TD
RushingEvan Pryor11 carries, 48 yards
ReceivingJoe Royer2 receptions, 83 yards
Close

Cam Fancher started at quarterback. Fancher threw for 222 yards and ran for a touchdown, but the Knights fell to the Bearcats 20–11. UCF outgained Cincinnati in total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, and dominated the time of possession, but penalties, a turnover (fumble), and three turnovers on downs saw most drives come up empty. UCF fell behind 17–0, and did not reach the endzone until late in the fourth quarter.

UCF lost their third straight game and fell to 3–3 (0–3 in Big 12).

vs West Virginia

See also: 2025 West Virginia Mountaineers football team
West Virginia Mountaineers (2–4) at UCF Knights (3–3) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mountaineers 0 7 0613
Knights 14 0 211045
Close

at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: Saturday October 18, 2025
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 43,445
  • Referee: Tutashinda Salaam
  • TV announcers (TNT/TruTV): J.B. Long (play-by-play), Mike Golic Jr. (analyst), and Lauren Jbara (sideline)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • UCF – Chris Domercant 40-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas kick), 11:33, Knights 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 97 yards, 1:45.
  • UCF – Chris Domercant 34-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas kick), 4:54, Knights 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 3:07.
Second quarter
  • WVU – Khalil Wilkins 6-yard run (Kade Hensley kick), 14:19, Knights 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 1:36.
Third quarter
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 12-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 11:53, Knights 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 92 yards, 3:02.
  • UCF – Keli Lawson 32-yard fumble return (Noe Ruelas kick), 10:40, Knights 28–7.
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 83-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 2:12, Knights 35–7. Drive: 2 plays, 85 yards, 0:49.
Fourth quarter
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 51-yard field goal, 9:40, Knights 38–7. Drive: 4 plays, -1 yard, 1:22.
  • UCF – Davi Belfort 10-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 4:17, Knights 45–7. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:42.
  • WVU – Diore Hubbard 1-yard run (kick failed), 1:46, Knights 45–13. Drive: 3 plays, 1 yard, 0:35.
Close
More information Statistics, WVU ...
StatisticsWVUUCF
First downs1921
Plays–yards77–21075–578
Rushes–yards49–13135–255
Passing yards79323
Passing: comp–att–int11–28–026–40–2
Turnovers12
Time of possession26:5333:07
Close
More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
West VirginiaPassingScotty Fox Jr.6/17, 47 yards
RushingKhalil Wilkins15 carries, 48 yards, TD
ReceivingJustin Smith-Brown2 receptions, 27 yards
UCFPassingTayven Jackson23/34, 2 TD, INT
RushingJaden Nixon7 carries, 116 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingChris Domercant5 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TD
Close

UCF hosted West Virginia on Homecoming weekend. The Knights snapped a three-game losing streak, and soundly defeated the Mountaineers 45–13. Tayven Jackson started at quarterback (Cam Fancher was inactive due to injury) and threw for 277 yards and 2 touchdown passes. The Knights put up 578 yards on offense. The defense held West Virginia to only 79 passing yards, recorded 7 sacks, and had a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.

Jackson got the Knights on the board in the first quarter with two touchdown passes to Chris Domercant. Both were scored on 4th down plays. On their next two drives, however, UCF turned the ball over on downs, failing on 4th & short both times. The Knights led 14–7 at halftime, after West Virginia missed a field goal attempt as time expired in the second quarter.

The third quarter belonged to the Knights. They received the second half kickoff, and drove 92 yards in 9 plays. Jaden Nixon's 12-yard touchdown run gave UCF a 28–7 lead. Moments later, Khalil Wilkins was sacked and fumbled. Keli Lawson scooped the ball up and returned it 32 yards for a Knights touchdown. Jaden Nixon capped off the explosive third quarter with a 83-yard touchdown run, and a 35–7 lead.

The Knights added a field goal and another touchdown and won 45–13. It was their first victory against West Virginia, and first conference win of the season. The Knights improved to 4–3 on the season (1–3 in Big 12).

at Baylor

See also: 2025 Baylor Bears football team
UCF Knights (4–3) at Baylor Bears (4–4) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Knights 0 3 003
Bears 14 6 3730
Close

at McLane Stadium • Waco, Texas

  • Date: Saturday November 1, 2025
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m. CDT / 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 59 degrees
  • Game attendance: 40,212
  • Referee: Kevin Boitmann
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Craig Haubert (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • BAY – Michael Trigg 13-yard pass from Sawyer Robertson (Connor Hawkins Kick), 10:49, Bears 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:11.
  • BAY – Josh Cameron 2-yard pass from Sawyer Robertson (Connor Hawkins Kick), 6:41, Bears 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 3:03.
Second quarter
  • BAY – Connor Hawkins 40-yard field goal, 14:14, Bears 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:13.
  • BAY – Connor Hawkins 28-yard field goal, 2:28, Bears 20–0. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:47.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 45-yard field goal, 0:01, Bears 20–3. Drive: 3 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.
Third quarter
  • BAY – Connor Hawkins 41-yard field goal, 4:28, Bears 23–3. Drive: 13 plays, 42 yards, 6:30.
Fourth quarter
  • BAY – Kole Wilson 9-yard pass from Sawyer Robertson (Connor Hawkins Kick), 6:04, Bears 30–3. Drive: 3 plays, 7 yards, 1:37.
Close
More information Statistics, UCF ...
StatisticsUCFBAY
First downs1324
Plays–yards56–22579–417
Rushes–yards23–7439–150
Passing yards151267
Passing: comp–att–int18–33–229–40–0
Turnovers21
Time of possession26:0233:58
Close
More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UCFPassingTayven Jackson18/33, 151 yards, 2 INT
RushingMyles Montgomery12 carries, 50 yards
ReceivingDuane Thomas Jr.8 receptions, 77 yards
BaylorPassingSawyer Robertson29/40, 267 yards, 3 TD
RushingCaden Knighten21 carries, 104 yards
ReceivingMichael Trigg5 receptions, 82 yards, TD
Close

UCF traveled to Baylor after their bye week. The Bears defeated the Knights 30–3. UCF struggled on offense and their only points came on a field goal at the end of the first half. It was UCF's first game without scoring a touchdown since 2015. The Knights slipped to 4–4 (1–4 Big 12).

vs Houston

See also: 2025 Houston Cougars football team
Houston Cougars (7–2) at UCF Knights (4–4) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cougars 0 17 7630
Knights 3 21 3027
Close

at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: Friday November 7, 2025
  • Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C), clear
  • Game attendance: 44,206
  • TV announcers (FS1): Dan Hellie (play-by-play) and Petros Papadakis (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 37-yard field goal, 4:17, Knights 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 3:51.
Second quarter
  • UCF – Myles Montgomery 1-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 9:39, Knights 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, 1:32.
  • HOU – Amare Thomas 64-yard pass from Conner Weigman (Ethan Sanchez kick), 7:52, Knights 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:47.
  • HOU – Latreveon McCutchin 45-yard interception return (Ethan Sanchez kick), 6:36, Cougars 14–10.
  • UCF – Jaden Nixon 15-yard run (Noe Ruelas kick), 2:05, Knights 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:31.
  • UCF – Phillip Dunnam 43-yard interception return (Noe Ruelas kick), 1:36, Knights 24–14.
  • HOU – Ethan Sanchez 40-yard field goal, 0:00, Knights 24–17. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 1:36.
Third quarter
  • HOU – Dean Connors 9-yard pass from Conner Weigman (Ethan Sanchez kick), 7:38, Tied 24–24. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 2:28.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 54-yard field goal, 1:06, Knights 27–24. Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 1:38.
Fourth quarter
  • HOU – Ethan Sanchez 30-yard field goal, 11:19, Tied 27–27. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 4:47.
  • HOU – Ethan Sanchez 22-yard field goal, 2:31, Cougars 30–27. Drive: 15 plays, 62 yards, 7:51.
Close
More information Statistics, HOU ...
StatisticsHOUUCF
First downs2614
Plays–yards80–43360–282
Rushes–yards49–21030–146
Passing yards223136
Passing: comp–att–int20–31–315–30–2
Turnovers42
Time of possession34:3825:22
Close
More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HoustonPassingConner Weigman20/31, 223 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
RushingConner Weigman22 carries, 82 yards
ReceivingAmare Thomas5 receptions, 103 yards, TD
UCFPassingTayven Jackson15/29, 136 yards, INT
RushingJaden Nixon11 carries, 62 yards, TD
ReceivingDylan Wade6 receptions, 80 yards
Close

UCF hosted Houston in the ninth annual edition of the Space Game. The Knights fell to the Cougars 30–27 after an interception in the endzone with 11 seconds left in regulation. The Knights defense forced four turnovers – defensive back Phillip Dunnam set a single-game school record with three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. It was UCF's first loss in the nine-year history of the Space Game, and they fell to 4–5 on the season (1–5 Big 12).

UCF led 3–0 after the first quarter. Houston was held to a turnover on downs, a punt, and an interception by Phillip Dunnam (his first of three). The second quarter, however was explosive for both teams. Mekhi Mews muffed a punt, and UCF recoved at the Houston 25 yard line. Four plays later, Myles Montgomery was in the endzone, and UCF led 10–0. Houston responded with a 64-yard bomb to Amare Thomas, which made the score 10–7. Moments later, Tayven Jackson's pass was intercepted by Latreveon McCutchin, who returned it 45 yards for a touchdown. UCF responded, however, with a 10-play, 75 yard drive, capped off by a 15-yard touchdown run by Jaden Nixon. Three plays later, Phillip Dunnam picked off Conner Weigman, and returned the ball 43 yards for a touchdown (his second interception of the game). UCF led 24–17 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Phillip Dunnam's third interception led to a UCF field goal, and a 27–24 lead to start the fourth quarter. Houston tied the score with an 11-play, 63 yard drive, ending in a field goal. UCF went three and out, and punted back to Houston. The Cougars drove 62 yards, burning almost 8 minutes off the clock. The Knights defense stiffened, and kept the Cougars out of the endzone. Houston kicked a field goal, and went up 30–27 with 2:23 to go.

Aided by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty assessed on the kickoff, UCF started their drive at the 46 yard line. Devi Belfort came in at quarterback. Two big runs by Belfort got the Knights to the Houston 27. On 3rd & 13 with 11 seconds to go, Belfort's pass to the endzone intended for Duane Thomas was intercepted by Kentrell Webb, and the game was over.

at No. 6 Texas Tech

See also: 2025 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team
UCF Knights (4–5) at No. 6 Texas Tech Red Raiders (9–1) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Knights 0 2 709
No. 6 Red Raiders 14 24 10048
Close

at Jones AT&T Stadium • Lubbock, Texas

  • Date: Saturday November 15, 2025
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m. CST / 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 86 °F (30 °C), N 17 mph
  • Game attendance: 60,229
  • Referee: Henry Johns
  • TV announcers (FOX): Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst), and Josh Sims (sideline)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • TTU – Cameron Dickey 12-yard run (Stone Harrington kick), 13:57. Red Raiders 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:03.
  • TTU – Jacob Rodriguez 2-yard run (Stone Harrington kick), 9:29. Red Raiders 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:14.

Second quarter

  • TTU – Reggie Virgil 5-yard run (Stone Harrington kick), 14:55. Red Raiders 21–0. Drive: 13 plays, 51 yards, 4:05.
  • UCF – Penalty on Howard Sampson enforced in the end zone for a safety, 10:11. Red Raiders 21–2.
  • TTU – Reggie Virgil 30-yard run (Stone Harrington kick), 4:42. Red Raiders 28–2. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 1:49.
  • TTU – Reggie Virgil 8-yard pass from Behren Morton (Stone Harrington kick), 2:58. Red Raiders 35–2. Drive: 3 plays, 23 yards, 1:02.
  • TTU – Stone Harrington 45-yard field goal, 0:02. Red Raiders 38–2. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 1:02.

Third quarter

  • UCF – Dylan Wade 8-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas kick), 10:57. Red Raiders 38–9. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:03.
  • TTU – Stone Harrington 53-yard field goal, 9:13. Red Raiders 41–9. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 1:38.
  • TTU – Cameron Dickey 1-yard run (Stone Harrington kick), 3:10. Red Raiders 48–9. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 2:45.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays
Close
More information Statistics, UCF ...
StatisticsUCFTTU
First downs1326
Plays–yards62–23071–499
Rushes–yards29–5235–205
Passing yards178294
Passing: comp–att–int27–33–127–36–0
Turnovers20
Time of possession30:5329:07
Close
More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UCFPassingTayven Jackson27/33, 178 yards, TD, INT
RushingJaden Nixon15 carries, 32 yards
ReceivingDylan Wade6 receptions, 45 yards, TD
TTUPassingBehren Morton14/20, 149 yards, 1 TD
RushingCameron Dickey11 carries, 77 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingCaleb Douglas5 receptions 90 yards
Close

UCF faced 6th-ranked Texas Tech. The Red Raiders routed the Knights 48–9. UCF dropped to 4–6 on the season (1–6 Big 12). The only offensive points for the Knights came at the beginning of the third quarter; an 8-yard pass from Tayven Jackson to Dylan Wade.

vs Oklahoma State

See also: 2025 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team
Oklahoma State Cowboys (1–9) at UCF Knights (4–6) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 7 7 0014
Knights 0 0 71017
Close

at Acrisure Bounce House • Orlando, Florida

  • Date: Saturday November 22, 2025
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 83 °F, sunny
  • Game attendance: 41,723
  • Referee: Tutashinda Salaam
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Leger Douzable (analyst)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • OKST – Gavin Freeman 5-yard pass from Zane Flores (Logan Ward kick), 8:06, Cowboys 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:54.
Second quarter
  • OKST – Zane Flores 6-yard run (Logan Ward kick), 0:50, Cowboys 14–0. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 5:35.
Third quarter
  • UCF – Dylan Wade 83-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas kick), 14:39, Cowboys 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 83 yards, 0:13.
Fourth quarter
  • UCF – Dylan Wade 2-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas kick), 9:12, Tied 14–14. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 3:43.
  • UCF – Noe Ruelas 34-yard field goal, 0:57, Knights 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 5:49.
Close
More information Statistics, OKST ...
StatisticsOKSTUCF
First downs1316
Plays–yards58–22861–396
Rushes–yards30–10436–125
Passing yards124271
Passing: comp–att–int13–28–116–25–2
Turnovers12
Time of possession28:3231:28
Close
More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
OKSTPassingZane Flores13/28, 124 yards, TD, INT
RushingRodney Fields Jr.19 carries, 87 yards
ReceivingGavin Freeman5 receptions 40 yards, TD
UCFPassingTayven Jackson16/25, 271 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingMyles Montgomery18 carries, 81 yards
ReceivingDylan Wade4 receptions 145 yards, 2 TD
Close

Noe Ruelas kicked a 34-yard field goal with 57 seconds left to lift UCF over Oklahoma State by the score of 17–14 on Senior Day. The Cowboys took a 14–0 lead into halftime, but the Knights scored 17 unanswered points in the second half for a comeback win.

The Knights offense was mostly inept in the first half, with two turnovers, three punts, and no points. Oklahoma State (1–9 and in last place in the Big 12 going into the game) scored on their opening drive, and extended their lead to 14 just before halftime. UCF got the ball to start the second half, and immediately got on the board. On the first play from scrimmage, Tayven Jackson found Dylan Wade wide open for an 83-yard touchdown pass. The Knights defense would shutout the Cowboys in the second half, holding them to only 27 second half offensive yards.

Early in the fourth quarter, Antione Jackson's punt return set the Knights up at the Cowboys 45 yard line. Tayven Jackson drove the Knights 45 yards in 8 plays for the tying score. On 4th & Goal from the Cowboys 2 yard line, Jackson found a wide open Dylan Wade in the right endzone. It was Wade's second touchdown catch of the game. The Knights defense forced a punt, and got the ball back with 6:33 left in regulation. UCF drove to the Cowboys 16 yard line. Ruelas kicked the go-ahead field goal with 57 seconds left on the clock. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Zane Flores's pass was broken up by Braeden Marshall and intercepted by Jayden Bellamy. The Knights improved to 5–6 (2–6 in Big 12), and stayed alive for bowl eligibility.

During the second half, fans in the north endzone, adjacent to the student section, began a Tarps Off rally, the first-such at the Bounce House.

at No. 11 BYU

See also: 2025 BYU Cougars football team
UCF Knights (5-6) at No. 11 BYU Cougars (10-1) – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Knights 14 0 7021
No. 11 Cougars 0 17 21341
Close

at LaVell Edwards Stadium • Provo, Utah

  • Date: Saturday November 29, 2025
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST / 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 60,389
  • Referee: Michael VanderVelde
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Matt Schumacker (play-by-play), Dustin Fox (analyst) and Sherree Burruss (sideline)
  • Preview • Recap • Gamecast
More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • UCF – Dylan Wade 4-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas kick), 9:27, Knights 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:33.
  • UCF – Agyeman Addae 20-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Noe Ruelas kick), 3:39, Knights 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 3:40.
Second quarter
  • BYU – LJ Martin 1-yard run (Will Ferrin kick), 13:34, Knights 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:59.
  • BYU – LJ Martin 1-yard run (Will Ferrin kick), 4:54, Tied 14–14. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 4:01.
  • BYU – Will Ferrin 26-yard field goal, 0:09, Cougars 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 1:51.
Third quarter
  • BYU – LJ Martin 4-yard run (Will Ferrin kick), 8:54, Cougars 24–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 6:06.
  • BYU – Parker Kingston 55-yard punt return (Will Ferrin kick), 7:13, Cougars 31–14.
  • UCF – Tayven Jackson 4-yard pass from Agyeman Addae (Noe Ruelas kick), 3:39, Cougars 31–21. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:42.
  • BYU – Parker Kingston 46-yard pass from Bear Bachmeier (Will Ferrin kick), 0:47, Cougars 38–21. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:37.
Fourth quarter
  • BYU – Will Ferrin 50-yard field goal, 3:53, Cougars 41–14. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:44.
Close
More information Statistics, UCF ...
StatisticsUCFBYU
First downs1521
Total yards296407
Rushing yards42118
Passing yards254289
Turnovers20
Time of possession24:5235:08
Close
More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UCFPassingTayven Jackson21/37 232 yards, 2 TD
RushingMyles Montgomery7 carries, 29 yards
ReceivingDuane Thomas Jr.4 receptions, 74 yards
BYUPassingBear Bachmeier21/25 289 yards, 1 TD
RushingLJ Martin22 carries, 95 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingParker Kingston6 receptions, 126 yards, TD
Close

UCF jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, but BYU would overpower the Knights on their way to a 41-21 victory. Tayven Jackson threw two touchdown passes, and caught a touchdown pass. The Knights finished 5-7 on the season, failing to become bowl eligible for the second consecutive season. The loss was UCF's 9th straight road loss, dating back to the 2024 season.

Personnel

Roster and coaching staff

Coaching staff additions

More information Name, Position ...
Name Position Old team Old position
Scott FrostHead coachLos Angeles RamsSenior Analyst
Alex GrinchDefensive coordinator/SafetiesWisconsinCo-defensive coordinator/Safeties
Steve CooperOffensive coordinator/tight ends coachBoise StateAsst. to Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks
Pete AlamarSpecial teams coordinatorRiceAsst. Head coach/Special Teams coordinator
Mike DawsonDefensive run game coordinator/Edge RushKansasDefensive Assistant
Shawn ClarkOffensive lineAppalachian StateHead coach
McKenzie MiltonQuarterbacksTennesseeOffensive Analyst
Jimmy BealRunning backs Utah StateRunning backs
Mark D'OnofrioLinebackersStanfordInside Linebackers
Brandon HarrisDefensive backsFlorida AtlanticCo-defensive coordinator/Secondary
Sean BecktonAssociate Head coach/Wide receiversUCF*Senior Analyst
Kenny MartinDefensive tacklesUCF*Defensive tackles
Travis FisherSenior defensive analystSyracuseCornerbacks coach
Austin HerinkSenior offensive analystWashingtonOffensive quality control
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  • : retained

Coaching staff departures

More information Name, Position ...
Name Position New team New position
Gus MalzahnHead coachFlorida StateOffensive coordinator
Tim Harris Jr.Offensive coordinator/wide receivers coachPass game coordinator/wide receivers coach
Herb HandOffensive line coachOffensive line coach
Ernie SimsLinebackers coachAssistant linebackers coach/defensive analyst
Addison WilliamsCo-defensive coordinator/defensive backs coachNebraskaDefensive backs coach
Darin HinshawCo-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coachPurdueQuarterbacks coach
Brian BlackmonSpecial teams coordinator/tight ends coachETSUAssistant head coach/tight ends coach
Kam MartinRun game coordinator/running backs coachTulsaAssociate head coach/running backs coach
Trovon ReedCornerbacks coachUSCCornerbacks coach
Ross NewtonChief of staff/interim linebacker coachPelham High SchoolHead coach
Ted RoofDefensive coordinator/inside linebacker coachN/AN/A
Kenny IngramDefensive ends/edge rush coachN/AN/A
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Roster

2025 UCF Knights Football

Quarterbacks

Running backs

  •  4 Taevion Swint – Injured Fr.
  •  5 Jaden Nixon – Redshirt Sr.
  •  21 Stacy Gage – Redshirt Fr.
  •  22 Myles Montgomery – Redshirt Sr. (C)
  • 32 Tyler Wrenn – Redshirt Sr.
  • 35 Agyeman Addae – Fr.
  • 42 Chance Nixon – Fr.

Wide receivers

  •  3 Marcus Burke – Redshirt Sr.
  •  6 Ric'Darious "DayDay" Farmer – Injured So.
  •  7 Duane Thomas Jr. – Jr.
  •  8 Bredell Richardson – Redshirt Fr.
  •  9 DJ Black – Redshirt Jr.
  • 12 Carl Jenkins Jr. – Fr.
  • 13 Chris Domercant – Redshirt Sr.
  • 19 Waden Charles – Fr.
  • 39 Andrea Parisi – Redshirt Fr.
  • 81 Zack Palmer – Fr.
  • 82 Jordyn Bridgewater – Redshirt Fr.
  • 85 Carson Hinshaw – Redshirt Fr.
  • 86 Chase Hinshaw – Fr.
  • 87 Dwartney Wortham – Redshirt Jr.
  • 89 Caleb Rollerson – Redshirt Fr.

Tight ends

  •  0 Dylan Wade – Jr.
  •  1 Kylan Fox – So.
  • 18 Caden Piening – Fr.
  • 80 Max Drag – Redshirt So.
  • 83 Dallan 'Deebo' Coleman – 5th-Sr.
  • 84 Thomas Wadsworth – Redshirt Jr.
  

Offensive Lineman

  • 50 Patrick Barnett – Redshirt 5th–Sr.
  • 52 Carter Miller – Redshirt Jr.
  • 53 LaParka Langston – Jr.
  • 55 Cameron Kinnie – Redshirt 5th–Sr.
  • 57 Camp Lott – Fr.
  • 58 Connor Meadows – Redshirt Jr.
  • 61 Owen Spell – Jr.
  • 62 Jabari Brooks – Redshirt 5th–Sr.
  • 63 Shaheem Hill – Redshirt Jr.
  • 64 Gaard Memmelaar – Redshirt 5th–Sr.
  • 65 Jaquez Joiner – Fr.
  • 66 Colin Cook – Redshirt 5th–Sr.
  • 67 Noah Senka – Redshirt Fr.
  • 68 Ethan Higgins – Redshirt So.
  • 69 Paul Rubelt – Redshirt 5th–Sr. (C)
  • 70 RaiShaun McHaney – Fr.
  • 71 Thomas Gearity – Redshirt Fr.
  • 72 Dominick Campbell – Redshirt Jr.
  • 73 Jacob Maiava – Fr.
  • 74 Matthew Prigmore – Redshirt So.
  • 75 Andrew Phelan – Redshirt So.
  • 76 Justin Royes – Redshirt So.
  • 77 Keegan Smith – Redshirt Sr.
  • 78 Preston Cushman – Redshirt Jr.

Kickers/Punters

  • 16 Noe Ruelas – Redshirt Sr.
  • 31 Noah McGough – Fr.
  • 40 Anthony Venneri – Redshirt Jr.
  • 97 Mason Denaburg – Fr.

Long snappers

  • 37 Rocklyn Kelley – Fr.
  • 47 Dalton Riggs – Redshirt Jr.
  

Defensive tackles

  • 13 Horace Lockett – Redshirt Jr.
  • 54 Trenton Turner – Fr.
  • 55 John Walker – Redshirt So.
  • 87 Andrew Rumph – Redshirt So.
  • 88 Derrick LeBlanc – Redshirt So.
  • 91 Keshaun Hudson – Redshirt Jr.
  • 92 Jeffson Lafontant – Redshirt So.
  • 94 Rodney Lora – Redshirt So.
  • 95 RJ Jackson Jr. – Jr.
  • 98 Tyrek'e Robinson – Redshirt Fr.

Linebacker

  •  0 Keli Lawson – Redshirt Sr. (C)
  • 16 T.J. Bullard – Redshirt Jr.
  • 20 Lewis Carter – Jr.
  • 28 Troy Ford Jr. – Redshirt So.
  • 30 Kam Moore – Redshirt Jr.
  • 32 Malakhi Boone – Fr.
  • 33 Phil Picciotti – Redshirt So.
  • 38 Jayden McDonald – Redshirt Sr.
  • 43 Cole Kozlowski – Sr.

Defensive back

  •  1 Ja'Cari Henderson – Redshirt Jr.
  •  2 Phillip Dunnam – Sr.
  •  3 Tony Williams – Fr.
  •  4 Braeden Marshall – Jr.
  •  5 DJ Bell – Redshirt Jr.
  •  7 Antione Jackson – Jr.
  •  8 Demari Henderson – Redshirt Jr.
  • 11 Jaeden Gould – Redshirt Jr.
  • 14 Isaiah Reed – 5th-Sr.
  • 17 Jaylen "AP" Heyward – So.
  • 18 Jakob Gude – So.
  • 19 Hudson Gibbs – Redshirt So.
  • 23 Jayden Williams – Redshirt Sr.
  • 25 Rukeem Stroud – Fr.
  • 26 Christian Peterson – So.
  • 27 Nicholas Antoine – Redshirt Jr.
  • 29 Jayden Bellamy – Redshirt Jr.
  • 34 Terrell Jackson – Redshirt Jr.
  • 36 Chase Jarrett – Redshirt Fr.
  • 49 Donnell Johnson – Redshirt So.
  

Cornerbacks

Defensive ends

  •  6 Isaiah Nixon – Redshirt So.
  •  9 Nyjalik Kelly – Sr.
  • 10 Sincere Edwards – So.
  • 12 Aymeric Koumba – Redshirt So.
  • 44 Josh Dorsainvil – Redshirt Sr.
  • 45 Quentin Hatch – Redshirt Jr.
  • 51 Malachi Lawrence – Redshirt Sr. (C)
  • 96 Anthony Coaxum – Redshirt Sr.
  • 99 Jamaal Johnson – Redshirt Jr.

Legend

  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Coaching staff

  • Scott Frost – Head Coach
  • Sean Beckton Sr. – Associate head coach/Wide receivers
  • Alex Grinch – Defensive coordinator/Safeties
  • Steve Cooper – Offensive coordinator/Tight ends
  • Pete Alamar – Special teams coordinator
  • Mike Dawson – Defensive run game coordinator/Edge
  • Shawn Clark – Offensive line
  • Brandon Harris – Defensive backs
  • Mark D'Onofrio – Linebackers
  • Kenny Martin – Defensive Tackles
  • McKenzie Milton – Quarterbacks
  • Jimmy Beal – Running backs
  • Danny Hope – Co-Offensive Line
  • Austin Herink – Senior Offensive Analyst
  • Travis Fisher – Senior Defensive Analyst
  • Demeitre Brim – Defensive Analyst/Asst. Defensive Line
  • Drico Johnson – Defensive Analyst/Asst. Defensive backs
  • Jordan Johnson – Offensive Analyst/Asst. Running backs
  • Geron Hargon – Special Teams Quality Control/Specialist
  • Alex Farah – Offensive Quality Control/Asst. Offensive line
  • Alex Ward – Offensive Quality Control
  • Pete Haffner – Defensive Quality Control
  • Jihad Woods – Defensive Quality Control
  • Zach Duval – Director, Sports Performance
  • Andrew Strop – Associate Director, Sports Performance
  • Sean Beckton Jr. – Asst. Dir. of Sports Performance
  • Andrew Sims – Chief of Staff
  • Trent Mossbrucker – General Manager of Football Player Personnel, Acquisitions and Roster Management
  • Jeff Love – Executive Dir. of Player Personnel
  • Ryan Callaghan – Senior Dir. of FB Operations & Recruiting
  • Jeris McIntyre – Dir. High school relations
  • Deshon Lawrence – Senior Director of Player Development, Pro Liaison & Internal Operations
  • Ryan Beer – Dir. of Player Personnel
  • Dan Pirtle – Dir. of Player Personnel
  • Kaelen Skipper – Player Personnel Assistant
  • Lauryn Ford – Asst. Dir. of Operations
  • Jordan Litten – Dir. of FB Creative & Athletic Branding
  • Brad Helton – Asst. AD, Video Operations
  • Brian Lund – Associate AD. Head Football Athletic Trainer, Sports Medicine
  • Fred Donnell – Senior Associate Athletic Trainer
  • Elisabeth Bird – Athletic Trainer
  • Diarmuid Christie – Asst. Athletic Trainer
  • Kyle Flora – Asst. Athletic Trainer
  • Brad Anderson – Dir. of Equipment Operations
  • Austin Seymour – Associate Director, Equipment
  • Schuyler Silverglate – Asst. Director, Equipment Operations

→ Roster updated August, 2025
→ Depth chart updated August, 2025

Awards and honors

More information Player, Position ...
Player Position Award(s)
Jaden NixonRBWeek 2 — Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week[28]
Multiple playersOLWeek 4 — Big 12 Offensive Line of the Week[29]
Multiple playersDLWeek 8 — Big 12 Defensive Line of the Week[30]
Phillip DunnamDBWeek 11 — Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week[31]
Noe RuelasKWeek 13 — Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week[32]
Lou Groza Award semifinalist[33]
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All-Big 12 Conference honors

More information Player, Position ...
Player Position Award(s)
Malachi LawrenceDLAll-Conference First Team – Defense
Defensive Lineman of the Year (Honorable Mention)
Noe RuelasKAll-Conference Third Team – Offense
Special Teams Player of the Year (Honorable Mention)
Cole KozlowskiLBAll-Conference Third Team – Defense
Defensive Newcomer of the Year (Honorable Mention)
Jayden BellamyDBAll-Conference Honorable Mention – Defense
Phillip DunnamDBAll-Conference Honorable Mention – Defense
RJ Jackson Jr.DLAll-Conference Honorable Mention – Defense
Nyjalik KellyDLAll-Conference Honorable Mention – Defense
Duane Thomas Jr.WRAll-Conference Honorable Mention – Offense
Dylan WadeTE/FLEXAll-Conference Honorable Mention – Offense
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Notes

  1. [a]
    The stadium and the UCF main campus have an Orlando mailing address, but both are located in unincorporated Orange County.
  2. [b]
    As of August 29, 2025, official NCAA Statistics maintained an all-time record of 298–242–1.[19] The NCAA does not include one of the Knight's wins from 1979 (vs. Fort Benning, because Fort Benning is not a college team and the NCAA views this game as an exhibition).[20] In addition, UCF's 1980 record is disputed. The Carson–Newman Eagles were forced to forfeit their opening day 30–21 victory[21] over the Knights due to an ineligible player.[22] The official NCAA Statistics (possibly by error) maintain UCF's 1980 full season record as 3–5–1,[23] However, the school[24][25] and local media[26] claim a record of 4–4–1, interpreting the Eagles forfeit as a Knights win.
  3. [c]
    not including one exhibition game victory against the Russia national American football team in 1992[27]

References

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