Wikipedia

UCF Knights football

TheUCF Knights footballteam represents theUniversity of Central Floridain the sport ofAmerican football.The Knights compete in theDivision IFootball Bowl Subdivision(FBS) of theNational Collegiate Athletic Association(NCAA) and are a member of theBig 12 Conference.[5]Theirhead coachisGus Malzahn.The Knights play their home games at the 48,000-seatFBC Mortgage Stadium,which is located on UCF's main campus inOrlando, Florida,United States.[6]

UCF Knights football
2024 UCF Knights football team
First season1979;45 years ago
Athletic directorTerry Mohajir
Head coachGus Malzahn
3rd season, 28–23 (.549)
StadiumFBC Mortgage Stadium
(capacity: 48,000[1])
Year built2007
Field surfaceGrass
LocationOrlando, Florida [a]
NCAA divisionDivision I FBS
ConferenceBig 12 Conference
Past conferencesMAC(2002–2004)
C-USA(2005–2012)
American(2013–2022)
All-time record298–233–1[2](.561)
Bowl record6–9 (.400)
Claimed national titles1 (2017)
Conference titles6 (2007,2010,2013,2014,2017,2018)
Division titles6 (2005,2007,2010,2012,2017,2018)
RivalriesCincinnati(rivalry)
South Florida(rivalry)
Consensus All-Americans1
ColorsBlack and gold[3]
Fight song"Charge On"
MascotKnightro
Marching bandMarching Knights
OutfitterNike[4]
Websiteucfknights

UCF first fielded a varsity football team in the fall of 1979 as anNCAA Division IIIprogram and subsequently completed their ascension to Division I–A, now known as the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), in1996,becoming the first program in NCAA history to have played in all four divisions of football (and the only one untilJames Madisonjoined FBS in 2022).[7]As a Division I–AA program, the Knights made the 1990 and 1993playoffs,and were picked as the preseason No. 1 team to start the 1994 season.[8]

Through the completion of the 2023 season, UCF has compiled 293 victories, six division titles, and six conference championships.

The Knights have made 15 postseason appearances since joining the FBS, including winning oneBowl Championship Seriesbowl, the2014 Fiesta Bowl,and oneNew Year's Sixbowl, the2018 Peach Bowl.The program has produced one ConsensusAll-American,Kevin Smithin 2007, and threeHeisman Trophycandidates,Daunte Culpepper(QB) in 1998,Kevin Smith(RB) in 2007, andMcKenzie Milton(QB)[9]in 2017 and 2018.

History

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See also:List of UCF Knights football seasonsandList of UCF Knights bowl games

Early history (1979–1984)

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The UCF football program can be traced back to a speech given by theuniversity's second president,Dr. Trevor Colbourn,in January 1979.[10]Colbourn believed that a successful athletics program would bring the university greater renown, and tasked Dr.Jack O'Learywith the job of creating a new football program at the school.[11]In addition, Colbourn changed the name of the school to the University of Central Florida (prior to this, the college was known as Florida Technological University), to express the university's expanded academic scope.[12]

Beginning at theDivision IIIlevel, O'Leary, then the university'sathletic director,held a meeting of prospective players, who paid $14 per night to stay in the dorms and brought their own uniforms to the tryouts, in March 1979.[13]This would be the first football tryouts for prospective players, and would serve as the first that many students would hear about the new athletic program.[11]O'Leary had previously served as an assistant coach atAlabamaunderPaul "Bear" Bryant.[14]He would spearhead the effort to raise more than $40,000 to start the program, and would complete a deal for the team to play in theTangerine Bowl.[11]Without a budget to hire a staff, O'Leary reached out to six UCF graduate students as volunteer assistants.[11]From there, O'Leary was able to lureDon Jonas,a formerNFLquarterbackand Orlando dignitary, to become UCF's firsthead football coachon a voluntary basis.[11]

One day during a practice, O'Leary pulled the team aside and unveiled the template for uniforms of "The Fighting Knights".[15]He would reveal a template that would follow the team into the 21st century: black jerseys, gold pants and gold helmets.[11]Less than one year after Colbourn had envisioned a football program for the university, UCF played its first game on September 22, 1979, againstSt. Leo University.[16]The Knights would prove victorious with a 21–0 shutout,[17]and less than a week later, the Knights would win their first home game by defeatingFt. Benning,7–6.[18]Jonas led the Knights to a 6–2 inaugural season, behind an average attendance of 11,240, including a Division III record crowd of 14,138.[18]Following the season, in March 1980, Jonas was offered the Knights head coaching job as a full-time position.[19]After leading the team to a 4–4–1 and 4–6 record in 1980 and 1981 respectively,[20][21]Jonas would leave the Knights following the 1981 season.[18]During the 1980 season, the Knights earned the only tie in program history, an 11–all game againstMiles,[22]andTim Kigginsbecame the first Knight to sign a professional contract.[18]After his departure, Jonas remained involved in the program, including doing radio broadcasts of UCF football games and a radio sports talk show.[23]Jonas led the Knights to a 14–12–1 (.518) record in three seasons.[24]

Following the departure of Don Jonas,Sammy Weir,who was the head coach atLake Howell High School,became UCF's new head coach and led the Knights in their move up toDivision IIin 1982.[18]Another change to the university's athletic programs in 1982 was the departure of O'Leary as athletic director, and the hiring ofBill Peterson,who was theFlorida Statehead coach from 1960 to 1970.[25]In their first season playing Division II ball, the Knights went 0–10, and Weir decided not to return for the 1983 season.[26]One bright spot of the season was that Mike Carter became the first Knight to sign with an NFL team, theDenver Broncos.[25]

Lou Sabanreplaced Weir as the Knights head coach in 1983.[27]Saban had previously coached atMiami,Army,Northwestern,and in the AFL and NFL with theBuffalo BillsandBoston Patriots,to name just a few.[25]In UCF's first Black and Gold Spring game held in 1983, the defense won 14–6.[21]The Knights finished the 1983 season 5–6, including the team's first win over a Division I–AA opponent.[25]Starting the 1984 season filled with optimism, the Knights were shaken by a 1–6 start.[28][self-published source?]Following the disappointing beginning to the season, Saban stepped away from the program, and was replaced on an interim basis by assistant coachJerry Anderson.[25]Saban had a 6–12 (.333) record during his tenure as the Knights head coach.[29]Anderson finished out the year with the team in an interim position, with a 1–3 (.250) record.[30]UCF finished the season with a 2–9 mark.[25]In the course of the three seasons following Jonas' departure, the Knights went through three head coaches, and amassed a 7–25 record.[25]

Gene McDowell era (1985–1997)

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Reeling after a disappointing string of seasons, there were discussions within the community about the possibility of dismantling the program,[31]and Peterson announced his retirement as the university's athletic director.[32]In addition, due to financial troubles, the team had to postpone plans to move up toDivision I-AA.[25]Without a head coach or athletic director, President Colbourn hiredFlorida Stateassistant coachGene McDowellto fill both positions.[33]McDowell took the helm in 1985, and hired his eventual successor and formerPittsburgh SteelersquarterbackMike Kruczekas hisoffensive coordinator.[25]The Knights would finish with a 4–7 mark in McDowell's first year, including a 42–21 loss to UCF's first-ever Division I–A opponent,Louisville.[25]Due to financial hardships, McDowell waived half of his annual salary, and FSU head coachBobby Bowdendonated uniforms and cleats to the program.[25]

McDowell would the lead the Knights to their first winning season since 1979, with a 6–5 record in 1986.[34]Also that year,Ted Wilsonbecame the first UCF player to be selected in the1987 NFL draft,being picked by theWashington Redskinsin the 10th round.[35]Following an 8–3 regular season record in 1987,[36]the Knights earned their first trip to theDivision IIplayoffs, where they earned a 1–1 record.[34]After starting the 1988 season with five straight wins, UCF would be ranked No. 2 in Division II.[34]During a game against the defending D-II national championsTroyat theCitrus Bowl,UCF fans were so loud at one point that the Trojans quarterbackBob Godseycouldn't call plays.[37]Godsey complained to the referee about the crowd noise, but instead of helping Troy, the referee called a delay of game penalty on the Trojans.[38]The"Noise Penalty" gameis legendary at UCF, and the win over Troy thrust the Knights into the position as the No. 1 ranked team in D-II.[34]Between 1986 and 1990 under the leadership of McDowell, the Knights held a 24–6 record at the Citrus Bowl.[34]

During McDowell's tenure, the program moved up toDivision I-AAin 1990.[39]In their first year in the division, the Knights earned a 10–4 record, a program best, and a trip to theI–AA playoffs.[40]UCF would make it to the semifinals, and became the first school in history to qualify for the I–AA playoffs in its first season of eligibility.[39]The Knights would finish the 1991 and 1992 with winning seasons as well.[41][42]In 1992, Dr.John Hitt,UCF's fourth president, announced that the program would make the move toDivision I-Ain 1996,[43]and he hiredSteve Sloanas the university's new athletic director.[39]Earning their eighth winning season in 1993, the Knights would again make the playoffs.[39]During the season, the team won their first game over a Division I–A team, a 38–16 victory atLouisiana Tech.[44]After another impressive season, UCF was selected as the preseason No. 1 to start the 1994 season.[45]The 1994 season would prove disappointing however, as the Knights would finish the season ranked No. 20 with a 7–4 record.[39]During the team's final season in Division I-AA, the Knights were reinvigorated by freshman sensationDaunte Culpepper.The quarterback would lead the Knights to a 6–5 record, and their tenth straight winning season in 1995.[46]

On September 1, 1996, UCF officially made its foray intoDivision I-A.[47]At that time, the Knights became the first football program to play in four different NCAA divisions (III, II, I-AA and I-A).[46]In their first two seasons in Division I-A, the Knights posted identical 5–6 records behind Culpepper. In 1997, assistant coachAlan Goochwas named the national assistant coach of the year, due to his work withdeafrunning backDwight Collins.[46]In the wake of a federal fraud scandal revolving around impropercellular phonebenefits and use, McDowell resigned as head coach on January 20, 1998.[46][48]Over his 13-year tenure at UCF, McDowell earned an 86–61 (.585) record.[49]

Mike Kruczek era (1998–2003)

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After the abrupt departure of Gene McDowell, offensive coordinatorMike Kruczekwas named UCF's new head coach on an interim basis.[50]He would receive the position permanently later in 1998.[46]Daunte Culpepper led UCF to its best season ever with a 9–2 record in 1998 (with losses only coming toPurdue[51]andAuburn).[52]Culpepper finished 6th in the Heisman Trophy voting and set the NCAA record for completion percentage that year (73.4%).[46]Following the season, Culpepper was drafted with the 11th pick in the first round of the1999 NFL draftby theMinnesota Vikings,marking the highest ever draft pick of a UCF player.[46]

The Knights proved to be a scary team on the road against heavily favored opponents, with close losses including a 10–6 loss atAuburnin1998,a24–23 lossatGeorgiain1999,[53]and a 21–17 loss atGeorgia Techin2000.[54]Kruczek's biggest victory would come in 2000 againstAlabamaatBryant–Denny StadiuminTuscaloosa, Alabama,when the Knights won 40–38 on a last-second field goal byJavier Beorlegui.[55][56]After finishing 9–2 in 1998,[57]UCF received a tentative verbal agreement to play in the inauguralOahu Bowl.[58]That arrangement, however, was contingent onUCLAfinishing the season undefeated; the Oahu Bowl was otherwise committed to taking a team from thePac-10.[59]On the final day of the regular season,Miamiupset UCLA, setting off a chain reaction that sentWashingtonto the Oahu Bowl and left the Knights out in the cold.[60]

Kruczek guided the team as a Division I-A independent until2002.[61]After six difficult years as an independent, UCF played its much-anticipated first season as a football-only member of theMid-American Conferencein2002.[56]They finished runner-up in the East division with a 6–2 conference record. They finished the season 7–5 overall, completing their 14th winning season in the past 17 years.[62][22]The excitement, however, would be short-lived.[56]After signing a three-year contract extension at the beginning of the2003 season,[63]Kruczek was fired following a 3–7 start.[64]Kruczek was replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach and former playerAlan Goochwho finished out the dismal 3–9 season[65]with losses to Mid-American Conference rivalsMarshallandMiami (OH).[56]The Marshall game marked UCF's first nationally televised home football game as it was aired onESPN2.[66]Kruczek ended his six-year stewardship of UCF with a 36–30 (.545) record.[67]

An increased travel burden, lack of competitiveness, and lack of natural rivals within themidwest-basedMACsaw UCF begin to explore the possibility of a different conference affiliation after just a couple years in the conference. Furthermore, the UCF athletic department was interested in an all-sports conference membership rather than a football-only affiliation.[68][56]In 2003, UCF was invited as an all-sports member ofConference USAbeginning with the 2005 season.[69][56]

George O'Leary era (2004–2015)

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Coach O'Leary

Following the disappointing 2003 season,Minnesota Vikingsdefensive coordinatorand formerGeorgia Techhead coachGeorge O'Learywas named UCF's head coach in2004.[70]This was a controversial and bold hire because O'Leary had previously left Georgia Tech after the 2001 season and been named head coach atNotre Dame,but resigned in disgrace five days into his tenure after inconsistencies were found on his resume.[71]The difficult coaching transition for 2004, the Knights' final year in the Mid-American Conference, saw the team hit rock bottom, going 0–11.[72]

Conference USA

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In2005,UCF started their firstseasonas a member ofConference USA.Not expected to improve much over 2004, they surprisingly won their first conference game againstMarshall,23–13, ending the school's 17-game losing streak, then the nation's longest such streak.[73][70]UCF fans celebrated by storming the field and tearing down the goal posts.[74]Students came back to the campus and celebrated further by jumping into UCF's Reflection Pond (a practice normally reserved forSpirit Splash).[75]UCF then went on to win eight out of the remaining nine games on their schedule, finishing 7–1 in C-USA games and 8–5 overall,[76]winning the East Division and hosting the first everC-USA Championship game,which they lost, 44–27, toTulsa.[77][70]Shortly thereafter, UCF was invited to play in their first everbowl game,theHawaii Bowl,losing toNevada49–48 in overtime due to a missedPATthat would have tied the game.[78]In 2005 O'Leary was chosen bySportsIllustratedfor the coach of the year award and received votes for the largerBobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award.[70]In May 2006, UCF extended O'Leary's contract for 10 years and increased his pay to $1 million plus incentives per year after he engineered the fourth-best single-season turnaround in college football history.[79][80]

2007

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After an anemic 2006 which saw theGolden Knightsgo a mere 4–8,[81]the team rebranded in2007in preparation for its move to its new on-campus venue, Bright House Networks Stadium (later known as Spectrum Stadium and now as FBC Mortgage Stadium).[82]They dropped the "Golden" from their name, becoming the "UCF Knights".[83]Fortunes seemed to have changed as the Knights moved into new facilities. After defeating a BCS AQ conference school for just the second time ever,NC Stateby a score of 25–23,[84]they inaugurated their new stadium by hosting and losing to national power No. 6Texasby a score of 35–32.[85]The Knights lost to archrivalSouth Floridaby a score of 64–12 inTampa,[86]but went on to have a 10–4 overall record and won the C-USA East again, hosting the Championship game againstTulsaonce more.[87]UCF defeated Tulsa in a near-reversal of the 2005Conference USAChampionship Game 44–25,[88]thereby gaining UCF's first ever Conference Championship title and a berth in the2007 Liberty Bowl.Following UCF's victory, the Knights received 35 votes in theAP Poll,but did not reach the top 25, ranking 27th.[89]The Knights lost the Liberty Bowl inMemphis, Tennesseeby a score of 10–3 toMississippi State.[90]The Knights went on to finish the year with its first 10 win season in the FBS. In 2007,Kevin Smithset an NCAA record with 450 rushing attempts and rushed for 2,567 yards, placing him 2nd on the NCAA's all-time single season rushing list behind onlyOklahoma State'sBarry Sanders.[91]Despite this, he was not selected even as a finalist for theDoak Walker Award.[91]He also was the only running back in the 2007 season to rush for more than 100 yards against the Texas Longhorns.[91]He was a fan favorite, especially with student section atBright House Networks Stadium.[91]Smith originally stated that he would return for his senior season at UCF,[92]however, he later changed his mind, announcing on January 6, 2008, that he would declare for the2008 NFL draft.[93]He was selected with the first pick in the third round by theDetroit Lions.[94]

2008

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On March 18, 2008, running backEreck Planchercollapsed shortly after a conditioning drill, and was then transported to a nearby hospital where he died approximately one hour later.[95]ESPN'sOutside The Linesprogram on November 2, 2008, interviewed players who were at the training session at which Plancher became ill, and which after he died, and stated that the session was longer and far more rigorous than O'Leary and other UCF Athletics officials have admitted to publicly.[96]They also alleged that O'Leary and other coaches had initially warned players off from providing assistance to Plancher when he became visibly distressed.[97]After a 14-day trial in 2011, a jury found the UCF Athletics Association guilty of negligence in the death of Plancher. The jury awarded each of his parents $5 million.[98]Uponappeal,however, theFlorida Supreme Courtsided with theUniversity of Central Florida,ruling thatsickle-cell diseasecaused the death and the university didn't owe any money to Plancher's family.[97]

2009

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After a lackluster 4–8 season in 2008,[99]UCF bounced back with an 8–5 record in 2009,[100]including winning their last six straight C-USA games. Among those wins was their first victory over a nationally ranked team, beating then No. 12Houstonon November 14 by a score of 37–32 at Spectrum Stadium.[101]UCF finished with a 45–24 loss toRutgersin theSt. Petersburg Bowl,their third bowl appearance in five years.[102]Entering the 2010 season, with the recruitment ofJeffrey Godfreyand return of key seniors, includingBruce Miller,there were high hopes for the Knights.[103]After winning 5 straight games, and posting an 11-game conference winning streak, the Knights were ranked for the first time in school history following their nationally televised 40–33 victory overHoustonon the road.[104]For the polls released on November 7, 2010, UCF was ranked in all three major college polls.[105]The Knights were ranked 25 in theAP Poll,23 in theUSA Today Coaches Polland 25 in theHarris Poll.[106]In their first game as a nationally ranked squad, the Knights fell 31–21 toSouthern Missin Orlando.[107]UCF would bounce back and defeatTulaneby a score of 61–14[108]andMemphisby a score of 37–17.[109]With the wins, the Knights secured the C-USA Eastern Division championship and reentered the polls.[110]

2010

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The Knights would go on to win the2010 Conference USA championship game,defeatingSMU17–7.[111]Following the win, UCF entered theBCS standingsfor the first time in program history, ranking No. 25.[112]The Knights ended the 2010 season with a 10–6 victory overGeorgiain theAutoZone Liberty Bowl,marking the team's first-ever bowl victory.[113]UCF would end the season ranked 20th in the final coaches poll and 21st in the final AP rankings.[114]

2011

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2011proved to be a disappointing season as UCF finished with a 5–7 record and were not bowl eligible for the first time since 2008.[115]The season included out-of-conference losses toFIU[116]andBYU,[117]as well as conference losses to then-winlessUAB,[118]a 1-point loss to No. 23Southern Miss[119]and the continuation of the Knights woes at quarterback, asJeff GodfreyandBlake Bortlesbattled for playing time.[120]Following the 2011 season, Jeff Godfrey planned on transferring, though he later decided to return to the Knights as awide receiver.[120]

Invitation to Big East

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It was announced on December 7, 2011, that UCF would join theBig East Conference,but was rebranded theAmerican Athletic Conferencesoon thereafter,[121]in all sports beginning in 2013.[122]

Following an investigation into recruiting violations in the men's basketball and football programs in 2011, on July 31, 2012, the NCAA announced sanctions – in addition to penalties UCF had previously self-imposed.[123]The NCAA imposed a one-year postseason football ban.[124]The penalty was in addition to a $50,000 fine, adding two years to UCF's previously proposed three years' probation, reduction of football scholarships, and tighter limits of football recruiting visiting days.[125][126]

2012

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In 2012, the Knights finished 10–4[127]and won their fourth C-USA East Division championship, though they would fall 33–27 in overtime toTulsain theleague title game.[128]UCF would play in the2012 Beef 'O' Brady's Bowland win 38–17 overBall Stateas quarterbackBlake Bortleswould be named the game's MVP after throwing four touchdown passes.[129]

2013

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On April 19, 2013, UCF won its appeal with the NCAA and was eligible for postseason play in 2013.[130]The appeal would prove crucial, as in2013,O'Leary led the Knights to their first twelve-win season (12–1),[131]first perfect conference record (8–0), first win against aBig Tenopponent (Penn State),[132]first win against aTop–10 team(No. 8Louisville),[133]third conference title, and the program's first appearance and victory in aBCSbowl game, defeating No. 6Baylor52–42 in the2014 Fiesta Bowl.[134]The game was one of the biggest upsets of the BCS era.[135][136]On January 7, 2014, UCF was ranked No. 10 in the season's final AP Poll, the highest ranking in school history.[137]Blake Bortleswould be drafted in the first round at third overall by theJacksonville Jaguarsin the2014 NFL draft.[138]

2014

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The Knights finished 9–4 in 2014.[139]The Knights kicked off the season inDublin, IrelandagainstPenn State,losing to the Nittany Lions by a score of 26–24.[140]O'Leary's squad dropped to 0–2 after losing to No. 20Missouriby a score of 38–10.[141]Central Florida then won its next five; defeatingFCSfoeBethune–Cookman,[142]Houston,[143]BYUin overtime,[144]Tulane[145]andTemple.[146]The Knights' five-game winning streak was snapped with a 37–29 loss toUConnon November 1.[147]UCF won its next four to close the regular season; toppingTulsa,[148]SMU,[149]archrivalSouth Florida[150]andEast Carolina,where a last-second Hail Mary pass earned UCF a shared conference title.[151]O'Leary's Knights accepted a bid to the2014 St. Petersburg Bowl,a game they lost toNC Stateby a score of 34–27.[152]

2015

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The 2015 season, which began with high hopes, would be a disaster. After dropping their first three, UCF lost toSouth Carolinaby a score of 31–14 on September 26 to fall to 0–4.[153]Following UCF's 59–10 loss toHoustonon homecoming,[154]dropping the Knights to an 0–8 record to start the2015 season,O'Leary resigned as head football coach.[155][156]Quarterbacks coachDanny Barrettwas named interim head coach and led the team for the remaining four games of the season.[157]UCF finished the 2015 season at a winless 0–12, its third such campaign in program history.[158]

Scott Frost era (2016–2017)

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Coach Frost

After an extensive coaching search,Oregonoffensive coordinatorScott Frostwas named as UCF's new head coach on December 1, 2015.[159][160]Serving under head coachMark Helfrich,Frost had overseen one of college football's quickest and most explosive offenses at Oregon, won multiplePac-12conference championships, coached quarterbackMarcus Mariotainto aHeisman Trophywinner in 2014[161]and sent many players into theNational Football League.[162][163]All this after a successful collegiate playing career at quarterback forStanfordandNebraskain the 1990s and in theNational Football Leagueas a safety for five years.[164]

2016

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In 2016, Frost and his explosive, up-tempo offense led the Knights to a 6–7 record.[165]UCF began the Frost era with a 38–0 shutout win overFCSopponentSouth Carolina State.[166]After losing its next two toBig Tenopponents No. 5Michiganin a rout[167]andMarylandin double overtime,[168]the Knights defeatedFIU[169]andEast Carolina.[170]Central Florida then suffered a close 26–25 loss due to a late touchdown pass toTempleon October 15.[171]The Knights rebounded the following week to defeatUConnby a score of 24–16.[172]UCF suffered a defeat on October 29 toHouston,[173]then responded with wins overTulane[174]andCincinnati,gaining bowl eligibility.[175]Frost's squad concluded the regular season with losses toTulsa[176]and archrivalSouth Florida.[177]The Knights lost toArkansas Statein the2016 Cure Bowlby a score of 31–13.[178]After the 2016 season, Oregon fired Mark Helfrich.[179]Amidst rumors that he might be interested in the Ducks opening, Frost announced he was not interested in Oregon and that he would return as UCF's head coach in 2017.[180]Ironically, the position eventually went to UCF's rival coach,South Floridahead coachWillie Taggart.[181]

2017

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Surprising even himself, Frost and his team went on to an undefeated regular season in 2017, defeatingFIU,[182]Maryland,[183]Memphis,[184]Cincinnati,[185]East Carolina,[186]Navy,[187]Austin Peay,[188]SMU,[189]UConn,[190]Temple,[191]and rivalUSFin aWar on I-4shootout.[192]The Knights were supposed to playMemphison September 9, but due toHurricane Irmabattering the state ofFloridathat weekend, the game, which originally had been moved up one day to September 8,[193]was rescheduled for September 30.[194]In order to reschedule theAmerican Athletic Conferencegame, UCF canceled their scheduled game withGeorgia Tech,leaving the team with only 11 regular season games as opposed to the usual 12.[195]The breakout season for Frost and his team made him one of the most sought-after coaches on the market, drawing interest fromFloridaand his alma mater,Nebraska.[196]Frost passed on the Florida job but avoided questions about returning to Nebraska.[197]In the2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game,Frost's team went on to play Memphis for the second time and won the title in a 62–55 double overtime thriller, securing UCF's third conference championship win.[198]

Just hours after winning the AAC, sources confirmed that Frost would be taking a seven-year, $35 million deal to become Nebraska's new head coach.[199]Frost and his staff returned for one last game in the2018 Peach Bowl.[200]The No. 12 ranked Knights faced No. 7 ranked Auburn, and defeated them 34–27 to close out their undefeated season with a 13–0 record.[201][202]After the win, UCFathletic directorDanny Whiteclaimed anational championshipfor the team,[203]while theColley Matrix,an NCAA-recognized national champion major selector, also ranked UCF as the number-one team of the season on its final ranking.[204]The team celebrated with a parade atWalt Disney World.[205]Additionally, the team's coaches were paid bonuses for their performance, the school hung a national championship banner inSpectrum Stadium[206]and gave out national champion rings.[207]The claim sparked considerable controversy and debate over whether theCollege Football Playoffshould be expanded.[208][209][210]

Josh Heupel era (2018–2020)

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On December 5, 2017,Missourioffensive coordinatorJosh Heupelwas named UCF's head football coach.[211]Heupel arrived in Orlando with some impressive credentials, overseeing explosive offenses during his time as offensive coordinator at Missouri and his alma materOklahoma.[212]UCF signed Heupel to a five-year contract worth a fully guaranteed $1.7 million in annual base salary.[213]

2018

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In Heupel's first season, UCF rode its high-powered offense to start the season 12–0 and extend its winning streak to a school-record 25 games. In theirrivalrygame atSouth Florida,star quarterbackMcKenzie Miltonsuffered a gruesome knee injury and was taken straight to the hospital, eventually requiring multiple surgeries to save the leg. Milton was out for the season, and never played another down for UCF, transferring toFlorida Stateafter the 2020 season and playing his final season of eligibility there in2021.Back-up quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. took over and guided the Knights to win that game as well as theConference championship gamea week later againstMemphis.The undefeated and 8th-ranked Knights were once again not selected for the College Football Playoff. Without Milton, the Knights were beaten by future Heisman winner Joe Burrow and theLSU Tigersin theFiesta Bowl.

2019

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In Heupel's second season, UCF lost a regular season game for the first time since 2016, atPitt,whose fans promptly rushed the field to celebrate. UCF also fell on the road toCincinnati,whose fansalsopromptly rushed the field to celebrate. UCF dropped out of the Top 25 for the first time in two years. UCF finished the season defeatingMarshallin theGasparilla Bowl.

2020

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In Heupel's third and final season, UCF started the season ranked, but lost three games in the regular season, including their first home loss since 2016 (snapping a 21-game home winning streak) and their first conference loss to Memphis, ever. They posted a winning record for the fourth straight year, but were blown out byBYUin theBoca Raton Bowl.

On January 27, 2021, Heupel was hired to coach theTennessee Volunteersby Tennessee's new athletic director, the sameDanny Whitewho had hired Heupel at UCF.

Gus Malzahn era (2021–present)

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On February 15, 2021, new athletic directorTerry MohajirnamedGus Malzahnas UCF's new head coach. The two had previously worked together atArkansas State,and Malzahn made a name for himself with a 68–35 record atAuburnfrom 2013 to 2020, including three wins overAlabamain theIron Bowlrivalry, an appearance in the2014 BCS National Championship Game,and twoNew Year's Sixbowl appearances.[214]His Auburn team lost to UCF in one of those New Year's Six appearances, the 2018 Peach Bowl.

2021–2023

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Malzahn won in hisdebutwith the Knights, defeatingBoise State,36–31. Following several critical injuries, including to starting quarterbackDillon Gabriel,Malzahn's first season ended with a 9–4 record (3rd inAAC) including a win againstFloridain theGasparilla Bowl.

In2022,UCF's final year inThe American,Malzahn guided the Knights to a 9–3 regular season record (2nd inAAC). They clinched a spot in theAAC Championship Game,facingTulane.

In2023,UCF officially moved into theBig 12 Conference.In doing so, the Knights became the firstNCAAfootball program to play at every sanctioned level:Division III,Division II,Division I-AA,Division I-A(Independent),Group of Five,andPower Five.[215]

Conference affiliations

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Championships

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National championship

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Under head coach Scott Frost, the2017 Knightscompleted a 13–0 perfect season.[216]The Knights were not selected for theCollege Football Playoff,instead completing their season with a New Year's Day win in the2018 Peach Bowlover the No. 7Auburn Tigers.[216]UCF athletic directorDanny Whitestated that UCF would claim the 2017 national championship, hang a national title banner, and hold a national championship parade and celebration.[216][217][218]On January 8, the day of the2018 College Football Playoff National Championship,Florida GovernorRick Scottproclaimed the team national champions by way of their undefeated season andtransitive wins,via Auburn's regular season victories, over both participants in that night's upcoming CFP championship game.[219]

On January 9, 2018, theColley Matrix,an NCAA-recognized National Champion Major Selector, and an algorithm formerly used as part of theBCScomputer rankings, ranked UCF No. 1.[220][221][222]All other NCAA-recognized major selectors named Alabama as their 2017 national champion.[223]: 115 While it is not historically uncommon for certain polls to pick a champion other than the BCS or CFP winner, 2017 UCF is the only team which actively claims a national championship that was not awarded by the BCS/CFP or the AP Poll since the beginning of the BCS era, which was criticized by national media, fans, and even head coach Scott Frost; however, 2017 UCF is also the only team to ever finish a season ranked #1 by an NCAA-recognized major selector and be left out of the CFP, a unique circumstance and a reason for the recognized claim.[224]

2017 Alabama won the CFP and 9 of the 10 NCAA-recognized major selectors—thus, they were the consensus national champions. 2017 UCF won 1 of the 10 NCAA-recognized major selectors—thus, they were a non-consensus champion. Of note, there are over 25 instances of teams officially claiming a non-consensus national title (which entails winning at least one NCAA-recognized major selector, none of which were the AP Poll, Coaches Poll, NFF/FWAA and, formerly, the UPI).

Season Conference Coach Selector Overall record Conference record Bowl Opponent Result
2017 The American Scott Frost Colley Matrix 13–0 8–0 Peach Bowl Auburn W34–27

Conference championships

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Under George O'Leary's leadership, the Knights won four C-USA Eastern Division Championships (2005,2007,2010,2012), and two Conference USA Championships (2007,2010). O'Leary also led the Knights to The American conference championship in their first year in the league (2013), earning the conference'sautomatic berthto aBCSbowl game.In2014,the Knights clinched back-to-back conference championships. The Knights won The American conference championship in2017under head coach Scott Frost, and again in2018under head coach Josh Heupel for the program's second set of back-to-back conference titles.

Season Conference Coach Overall record Conference record
2007 Conference USA George O'Leary 10–4 7–1
2010 11–3 7–1
2013 The American 12–1 8–0
2014† 9–4 7–1
2017 Scott Frost 13–0 8–0
2018 Josh Heupel 12–0 8–0

† Co–champion

Division championships

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UCF won four division crowns and subsequently made four appearances in theConference USA Championship Game,more than any other C-USA school, with the last being in 2012. Three of the four appearances were against Tulsa of the Western Division. The Knights went on to win two of the four C-USA Championship Games in which they appeared.

After moving to theAAC,UCF won two more division titles. In2022,after the AAC had eliminated divisions, UCF qualified for a thirdAAC Conference Championship Gameappearance by finishing as the #2 seed.

Season Division Coach Opponent CG Result
2005 C-USA East George O'Leary Tulsa L 27–44
2007 Tulsa W44–25
2010 SMU W17–7
2012† Tulsa L 27–33
2017 AAC East Scott Frost Memphis W62–55
2018 Josh Heupel Memphis W56–41

† Co–championship

Bowl games

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Further information:List of UCF Knights bowl games

UCF has played in 15 bowl games and has compiled a 6–9 record in those games.[225]Since elevating toDivision I FBS,UCF has beenbowl-eligiblefor 19 of 28 seasons,[226]and received their first bowl invitation in 2005. The Knights nearly earned a bowl berth in 1998, when Daunte Culpepper led the team to a 9–2 record. UCF has been ranked going into their bowl game four times, being ranked No. 24 in 2010 (Liberty), No. 15 in 2013 (Fiesta), No. 10 in 2017 (Peach), and No. 7 in 2018 (Fiesta).[227][228]In 2019, though they had slipped out of the top 25 prior to the game, the Knights won their bowl game (Gasparilla) and placed No. 24 in the final rankings. In 2020, they were ranked No. 21 in the preseason poll and in week 4 they were ranked the highest at No. 11 but lost to unrankedTulsaand they fell out of the rankings; in week 16 they were unranked but they received votes, but after a loss in their bowl game (Boca Raton), they didn't receive any votes and were unranked in the final rankings.

Season Coach Bowl Opponent Result
2005 George O'Leary Hawaii Bowl Nevada L 48–49OT
2007 Liberty Bowl Mississippi State L 3–10
2009 St. Petersburg Bowl Rutgers L 24–45
2010 Liberty Bowl Georgia W10–6
2012 Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl Ball State W38–17
2013 Fiesta Bowl 6Baylor W52–42
2014 St. Petersburg Bowl NC State L 27–34
2016 Scott Frost Cure Bowl Arkansas State L 13–31
2017 Peach Bowl 7Auburn W34–27
2018 Josh Heupel Fiesta Bowl 11LSU L 32–40
2019 Gasparilla Bowl Marshall W48–25
2020 Boca Raton Bowl 16BYU L 23–49
2021 Gus Malzahn Gasparilla Bowl Florida W29–17
2022 Military Bowl Duke L 13–30
2023 Gasparilla Bowl Georgia Tech L 17–30

Playoffs

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NCAA Division I-AA playoffs

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The Knights appeared in the Division I–AA playoffs twice with a record of 2–2.

Season Coach Playoff Opponent Result
1990 Gene McDowell First Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals		 Youngstown State
William & Mary
Georgia Southern		 W20–17
W52–38
L 44–7
1993 First Round Youngstown State L 30–56

NCAA Division II playoffs

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The Knights appeared in the Division II playoffs once with a record of 1–1.

Season Coach Playoff Opponent Result
1987 Gene McDowell Quarterfinals
Semifinals		 Indiana (PA)
Troy State		 W12–10
L 10–31

Head coaches

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UCF has had 12 head coaches since organized football began in 1979.[229]Gene McDowell,George O'Leary,Scott Frost,andJosh Heupelhave led the Knights to the postseason. O'Leary, Frost, and Heupel have coached the team to an FBS conference championship, and aBCS/NY6bowl game. Before leading UCF in 1983 and 1984,Lou Sabanwas a head coach in both theAmerican Football League(AFL) and theNFL.[230]O'Leary also coached in the NFL between 2002 and 2004.

Coach Tenure Record Bowl/playoff record Pct
Don Jonas 1979–1981 14–12–1 .537
Sammy Weir† 1982 0–10 .000
Lou Saban 1983–1984 6–12 .333
Jerry Anderson† 1984 1–3 .250
Gene McDowell 1985–1997 86–61 3–3 .585
Mike Kruczek 1998–2003 36–30 .545
Alan Gooch† 2003 0–2 .000
George O'Leary 2004–2015 81–68 3–4 .544
Danny Barrett† 2015 0–4 .000
Scott Frost 2016–2017 19–7 1–1 .731
Josh Heupel 2018–2020 28–8 1–2 .778
Gus Malzahn 2021–Present 24–16 1–2 .600

† – denotes interim coach

Venues

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Citrus Bowl (1979–2006)

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Camping World Stadium,the Knights' home field from 1979 to 2006

Until 2007, the Knights played their home games at theCitrus Bowl(formerly Orlando Stadium, and now Camping World Stadium) in downtown Orlando. Located about 15 miles (24 km) from UCF's main campus, the stadium originally opened in 1936. The stadium's first college football game was played inJanuary 1947betweenCatawbaandMaryville.[18]UCF played its first football game at the Citrus Bowl in September 1979, a 7–6 victory overFort Benning.The facility was the home of theCitrus Bowl,and numerous neutral site games.

By 2004, Orlando city officials and UCF's administration expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the aging facility. While UCF was the primary leasing tenant of the Citrus Bowl for 25 years, they received little revenue from football games, and the stadium's capacity (65,000) was considered too large for the Knights. With an average attendance of 20,000–30,000 spectators per game, the stadium was left with a mostly empty appearance. The Knights' record home attendance of 51,987 (set at the2005 C-USA Championship) was still far short of capacity. The location off campus was considered a significant factor in the inability to sustain a sizeablestudent section,while the stadium's upper decks were rarely occupied for UCF games.

When the university approached the city about possible renovations and new revenue-sharing measures for the stadium, they were met with resistance. The city generally wanted UCF to stay, but expected them to help pay for the upgrades to the facility.[231][232]At one point during the negotiations, stadium officials told then UCF Athletic Director Steve Orsini that "the value of UCF's fans was nothing".[233]Though the city had expressed interest in renovating the Citrus Bowl with or without UCF's support, funding was seriously in doubt. The city was in the planning stages for anew arena,newperforming arts center,and "creative village", with stadium renovations seemingly taking less and less priority.[234][235]

The Knights compiled an overall record of 112–60–1 at the Citrus Bowl, which includesDivision II playoff gamesin 1987, aDivision I-AA playoff gamein 1990, the2005 C-USA Championship Gameand the2016 Cure Bowl.

FBC Mortgage Stadium (2007–present)

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FBC Mortgage Stadium,the Knights home field since 2007.

In early 2005, as a response to the deteriorating condition of the Citrus Bowl, and lack of revenue derived from the games there, UCF formally proposed building an on-campus stadium. Additional motivations included drawing more students to the games, a more intimate setting, and establishinggame-day traditionson campus. In December 2005, theUCF Board of Trusteesapproved the construction of a new on-campus stadium.[236]The new stadium, at the time namedBright House Networks Stadium,was originally planned to open in time for the2006 football season,but neighborhood opposition delayed the time frame by a year.

Stadium construction began in 2006 and was finished in time for the 2007 season. The first home-game took place on September 15, 2007, as the Knights nearly upset the No. 6-rankedTexas Longhorns.The currentseating capacityof the stadium is 44,206,[237]and plans provide for a future expansion to 65,000 seats. Although the Knights lost their first on-campus home game, they finished the remainder of the stadium's inaugural season undefeated. UCF has hosted theC-USA Championship Gametwice, and theAAC Championship Gametwice. Following the2014 season,the stadium underwent an $8 million renovation. The Wayne Densch Center for Student-Athlete Leadership was constructed on the east facade of the stadium, and a party deck known as the "Carl Black and Gold Cabana" was added to the east stands.[238][239][240]By many accounts the stadium was built cheaply and as fast as possible. Due to these factors the stadium tends to bounce up and down giving it the nickname "The Bounce House". The stadium was renamed to Spectrum Stadium in April 2017 followingCharter Communicationsacquisition ofBright House Networks.[241]After the naming rights deal with Spectrum expired after the 2019 season, the stadium was renamed theBounce Housefor the Knights 2020 season.

Just over two weeks before the2019season opener, the UCF athletic department announced that the entire season-ticket allotment was sold out for the first time in school history.[242]In addition, they created a formal waiting list for season tickets, also for the first time. In the press release, then-UCF athletic directorDanny Whiteteased a possible expansion of the facility in the future if ticket demand remains high.

Rivalries

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Though UCF remains a relatively young program that has shifted conferences several times, it has several long-standing rivalries with schools throughout the duration of Conference USA and The American. The university's biggest rival historically is theirinstate rival,theUniversity of South FloridaBulls,played from 2005 to 2008, and since 2013.[243]Other rivalries include theEast Carolina UniversityPirates,MemphisTigers,andHoustonCougars.[244]

One other unofficial rivalry, known as theCivil Conflict,exists between UCF andUConn.However, UCF does not acknowledge the rivalry, and has publicly dismissed it.[245][246][247]

South Florida (USF)

edit
Main article:South Florida–UCF football rivalry

TheWar on I–4dates years before the two schools ever played a game against each other. The matchup was the subject of much discussion and fan enthusiasm since the 1990s, though the first game was not played until 2005. The rivalry, often known as the "War on I–4" or "I–4 Corridor Clash",[248]continued as a four home-and-away series through the 2008 season. The Bulls won each of the four games, which all drew strong crowds, but South Florida declined to continue the series after 2008.[249][250][251]The UCF–South Florida game resumed as a regular conference game beginning with the 2013 season, as UCF joined the American Athletic Conference.[252]The Knights won the first game as conference members 23–20 before 45,952 in Orlando.[253]In 2014, the Knights won for the first time at Raymond James Stadium, and delivered the first home shut-out in South Florida history, 16–0. In 2015, South Florida defeated the UCF Knights 44–3 to finish a winless 0-12 season for the second time in UCF history. In 2016, the War On I-4 trophy was introduced for the first time. USF took home the trophy by defeating UCF 48–31 and clinching their first 10-win season in school history, only for UCF to take the trophy back from them the following year.

UCF leadsSouth Florida8–6 in the football series through the 2022 season.[254]

Cincinnati

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Main article:UCF-Cincinnati football rivalry § Football

UCF leadsCincinnatiin the series 5-4 since 2023, though a rivalry has not been confirmed by the University of Cincinnati.[255]

Individual awards and honors

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All-Americans

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Every year, several publications release lists of their ideal "team". The athletes on these lists are referred to asAll-Americans.The NCAA recognizes five All-American lists. They are theAssociated Press(AP),American Football Coaches Association(AFCA),Football Writers Association of America(FWAA),Sporting News(TSN), and theWalter Camp Football Foundation(WCFF). UCF has had numerous players honored as first team All-Americans. To date, Kevin Smith is the only Consensus All-American.[256]

Conference honors

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2017:Scott Frost
2013:George O'Leary
2010: George O'Leary
2007: George O'Leary
2005: George O'Leary
2018:McKenzie Milton
2017: McKenzie Milton
2013:Blake Bortles
2007:Kevin Smith
2016:Shaquem Griffin
2014:Jacoby Glenn
2012:Kemal Ishmael
2010:Bruce Miller
2009: Bruce Miller
2012:Quincy McDuffie
2008:Joe Burnett
2015:Tre'Quan Smith
2010:Jeff Godfrey
2005: Kevin Smith

Heisman Trophy

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Quarterbacks Daunte Culpepper and McKenzie Milton, and running back Kevin Smith are the only Knights to finish in the Top–10 of voting for theHeisman Trophy.[257][258][259]

Year Name Position Finish
1998 Daunte Culpepper QB 6th
2007 Kevin Smith RB 8th
2017 McKenzie Milton QB 8th
2018 McKenzie Milton QB 6th

Honored numbers

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UCF retires a student-athlete's jersey but does not retire the respective jersey numbers. The Knights coaching staff can choose to reissue a given number, as the retirement of the jersey does not require that the number not be worn again.[260]

Other honors

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Knights in professional football

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NFL

edit
See also:List of UCF Knights in the NFL draftandCategory:UCF Knights football players
Brandon Marshall, Class of 2006

As of July 2024, 24 former UCF players are on an NFL roster.

NFL

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[269]

UFL

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CFL

edit

Schedule

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UCF joined theBig 12 Conferencein 2023 after ten seasons in theAmerican Athletic Conference.[270]Beginning in2024,UCF will be one of 16 full members for football, and the Big 12 will maintain a nine-game regular season intra-conference schedule. The conference announced a four-year scheduling matrix on November 1, 2023. Each team will play each other team in the conference at least once both home and away over the four-year period.[271]Geography will be prioritized in order to minimize travel disruption. UCF will have five intra-conference home games in 2024 and 2026, and four in 2025 and 2027. UCF's buddingrivalrywithCincinnatiwas not officially protected, but the two teams will play three out of the four seasons. They will also play Baylor, BYU, Colorado, Iowa State, and West Virginia three times.

UCF's intra-conference opponents for 2024–2027 will be as follows:

Season Home Away
2025 Houston,Kansas,Oklahoma State,West Virginia Baylor,BYU,Cincinnati,Kansas State,Texas Tech
2026 Arizona State,Baylor,BYU,Iowa State,TCU Colorado,Houston,Kansas,Oklahoma State
2027 Cincinnati,Colorado,Kansas State,Texas Tech Arizona,Baylor,Iowa State,Utah,West Virginia

Future non-conference opponents

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Officially announced out-of-conference schedules as of September 2024 are as follows.[272]Since theBig 12maintains a nine-game intra-conference schedule, the Knights will play three out-of-conference games annually.[273]Furthermore, the conference requires at least one of the three out-of-conference games to be against aPower Fouropponent.[274]

In July 2021, UCF and theFlorida Gatorsjointly announced a three-game series. The two teams will play atGainesvillein 2024 and 2033, and atOrlandoin 2030.[275][276]In August 2022, UCF announced they would hostJames Madisonin 2029.[277]In February 2023, FAU and UCF agreed to reschedule a planned 2025 meeting until 2028, opening up a date for UCF.[278]

On May 2, 2024, UCF announced the scheduling of home-and-home series withNorthwestern(Big Ten) andPitt(ACC).[279]

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Jacksonville State
(Aug. 28) 		Bethune–Cookman(FCS)
(Sept. 5) 		atNorth Carolina
(Sept. 4) 		Maine(FCS)
(Aug. 31) 		James Madison
(Sept. 8) 		Florida
(Sept. 14) 		Northwestern
(Sept. 6) 		atFlorida
(Sept. 3)
North Carolina A&T(FCS)
(Sept. 6) 		atPitt
(Sept. 12) 		UT-Martin(FCS)
(Sept. 11) 		atNorthwestern
(Sept. 9) 		Pitt
(Sept. 15)
North Carolina
(Sept. 20) 		UMass
(Sept. 19) 		Louisiana
(Sept. 18) 		FAU
(Sept. 16)

See also

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Footnotes

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  1. ^The UCF campus has an Orlando mailing address but is entirely located in unincorporatedOrange County, Florida

References

edit

General:

  • Holic, Nathan, and the UCF Alumni Association.University of Central Florida: The Campus History Series(2009),ISBN978-0-7385-6768-6
  • MacCambridge, Michael.ESPN College Football Encyclopedia: The Complete history of the Game(2005),ISBN1-4013-3703-1

In-text:

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