UCF QB Rocco Marriott Earning First Team Reps in Practice

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The UCF Knights are preparing for the future by developing freshman quarterback Rocco Marriott in practice as he redshirts this season.

Marriott is behind seniors Alonza Barnett III and Keyone Jenkins on the depth chart. His placement is expected, but he has the luxury of learning from his veterans on the sidelines.

Barnett (James Madison) and Jenkins (FIU) have starting experience at their previous programs. The James Madison transfer started every contest in the past two seasons and led the team to its first College Football Playoff appearance last year; the FIU transfer started 33 games for the Panthers over three seasons.

Their leadership is a stable pillar for the freshman to rely on. Marriott watches Jenkins lead the Knights on the sidelines, but he's the star quarterback in practice.

UCF offensive coordinator Steve Cooper said Marriott gets reps against the first-team defense with the first- or second-team offense. Those are valuable reps for a freshman, who's considered one of the biggest 2026 recruiting steals.

"He's getting closer day by day," Cooper said during Tuesday's media availability. "Excited about his future. But really it's pretty simple. Like, you've got to give the guy reps, and we're doing that."

Marriott recorded his first career touchdown in Week 1 against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.

The freshman took his first read-option run for 17 yards, bouncing outside and missing the end zone by one yard. Coach Scott Frost called a quarterback dive, and Marriott punched in a one-yard run to push UCF's lead to 73.

He could have some action against the No. 22 Houston Cougars last Saturday, as trainers tended to Jenkins, who was dealing with cramps. Frost opted for Kaleb Annett for one drive before the starter returned.

UCF sees potential in Marriott, and they're giving him the reps to improve behind the scenes. It's too far ahead, but he's quietly building a case to start as a redshirt freshman.

Mikey Keene was the last true freshman to start for the Knights in 2021. He led the team with 1,730 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions, stepping up for Dillon Gabriel's absence.

Marriott dual-threat abilities fit the offensive scheme Frost runs. He has shown a bit of that against Bethune-Cookman and dominated Missouri high school football.

The freshman tallied over 10,000 career yards and 160 touchdowns as a Platte County Pirate.

This season is development for Marriott, and the Knights' coaching staff is prioritizing that. He's learning from experienced veterans, and he even got his first taste of how fast-paced college football is compared to high school.

Marriott could become the face of UCF football sooner rather than later.

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