UCF expects to be busy when transfer window opens on Friday
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It’s a safe bet that UCF will be a major player when the 15-day football transfer portal window opens on Friday.
The Knights are coming off a 5-7 season in Scott Frost’s return to the program.
In its first year under Frost, UCF focused on roster restructuring by bringing in a significant number of newcomers. The Knights welcomed a total of 63 new players, which included 36 Division I transfers, 18 high school signees, and nine walk-ons.
Most of the starts this past season came from transfers, accounting for 77% of the total, while only 23% came from recruits.
Two dozen players have already declared their intention to enter the transfer portal and more are expected over the next two weeks. Among those to declare are several starters, including quarterback Tayven Jackson, center Carter Miller, and defensive tackle John Walker.
However, the coaching staff believes the turnover won’t be nearly as massive as it was this time last year.
“College football now, it’s crazy,” Frost said during the Early Signing Period on Dec. 3. “We have to decide what’s best for our team and who needs to stay and who needs to go. Players need to decide what’s best for them and who wants to stay and who doesn’t.”
UCF has already retained several players who figure to play larger roles in 2026, including receivers Duane Thomas Jr. and Day Day Farmer, running back Taevion Swint, and offensive lineman Connor Meadows.
They have also brought in 13 high school recruits during the early signing period, which includes quarterbacks Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr.
Still, the Knights will be active participants in the transfer market, looking to fill specific needs at quarterback, running back, offensive line, defensive line and linebacker.
UCF football transfer tracker: Knights continue to reshape roster
The departure of Jackson and backup Jacurri Brown leaves the Knights in need of veteran leadership at quarterback. Some possible replacements could be Western Carolina’s Taron Dickens, Iowa State’s Rocco Becht and Missouri’s Beau Pribula.
New offensive line coach AJ Blazek has his work cut out for him as the offensive line lost four starters from last season, making the group a priority in free agency. The unit needs a massive upgrade if the Knights hope to make up ground in the Big 12.
The defense, which was the strength of this team, lost about 27 players in the offseason due to graduation or the transfer portal. Those players accounted for about 53% of the team’s tackles and about 74% of sacks.
Replacing starters such as edge rushers Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly, along with linebacker Cole Kozlowski and safety Phillip Dunnam, will be critical heading into spring camp.
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
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