UCF Names Jenkins as Starting QB Against Georgia State
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Keyone Jenkins will lead the UCF Knights offense as the starting quarterback for the next several weeks while Alonza Barnett III is sidelined.
It comes as no surprise that the Florida International transfer beat out Boise State transfer Kaleb Annett for the starting role. Annett hasn't appeared in a college football game since committing to Boise State in 2023.
Jenkins became a perennial starter for the Panthers over the last three seasons. He threw for 1,742 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions last season, and added 132 yards and five touchdowns on 51 carries.
The Knights need stability at a position that's been plagued by injuries since 2021, and the FIU transfer offers that at a high level.
UCF heads into its final nonconference game against the Georgia State Panthers. Saturday's game is the best opportunity for the senior to adjust early before Big 12 play begins next week against Texas Christian.
Coach Scott Frost said the team will go as far as Barnett takes them, and now, that responsibility lies on Jenkins' shoulders.
He's a solid fit in Frost's scheme, which favors dual-threat quarterbacks. Frost uses their mobility to extend plays or gain extra yards on the ground.
Jenkins rushed for 310 yards and 13 touchdowns throughout his career. Eleven of those scores came during his freshman (six) and junior (five) campaigns.
The most difficult adjustment for the lefty is building chemistry with his receivers on the fly.
He built that relationship in spring when the coaching staff took a precautionary approach to Barnett's minor injuries and sat him out. UCF's star quarterback took Jenkins' place in the summer and fall when he returned.
That's why the Georgia State game has grown in significance for the Knights. It's not about ending nonconference play with a 2-1 record; it's about leaving confident that Jenkins can lead the charge in Barnett's absence.
Offensive coordinator Steve Cooper will adjust the offense to Jenkins' strengths to make the transition as smooth as possible.
The offensive line also needs to step up their protection to limit the chances of their quarterback getting sacked or injured. Injuries are the last thing the Knights need, and they cannot dive deeper into the quarterback room.
Jenkins' debut will show signs of how ready he is to lead the offense and keep the team afloat. His performance influences whether UCF can compete in the Big 12 without Barnett or record its fourth straight losing conference record.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos