Are the 2026 UCF Knights Underrated in the Big 12?

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Multiple media outlets have ranked the UCF Knightsnear the bottom of the Big 12 despite an active offseason that saw them sign over 30 players who fit coach Scott Frost's scheme.

Has that made them an underrated team heading into next season? Barstool Sports' Evan McDowell believes UCF is one of two overlooked squads in the conference.

The Knights had an abysmal Big 12 record last season, winning two games against the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. McDowell thinks that number will rise.

He highlights a more manageable schedule, avoiding two of the best three teams: the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Utah Utes. UCF will meet BYU, who dashed its bowl hopes last season, for the second straight year.

Dodging two powerhouses can bring a sigh of relief, but it doesn't suggest every matchup becomes more winnable. ESPN's matchup predictor has only favored the Knights' victory over the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils.

They'll still have their work cut out for them in a conference stacked with talent.

McDowell broke down the program's strengths, including new additions and proven returners who stood out last season. He mentioned transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III and transfer running backs Duke Watson and Landen Chambers on offense.

Barnett elevated the James Madison Dukes with his dual-threat capabilities and was named All-Sun Belt First Team quarterback. He led the program to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, debuting as the No. 12 seed.

The No. 5 seed Oregon Ducks cut JMU's historic run short, defeating them 51-34. Barnett did not freeze or struggle under the bright lights, totaling 318 yards and three touchdowns.

The former Duke said he was blessed to have a solid infrastructure and winning culture at his previous program, and he sees a similar establishment at UCF.

"There's already that culture, that infrastructure, and we have the guys, so it's not just about me; it's about all of us and the belief that I have in them, you know, being able to elevate this program," Barnett said.

Watson and Chambers are competing for the starting reps, but they give Frost another formidable duo, like Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon from last season. They each bring a different specialized skill — explosive plays from Watson and power from Chambers.

Frost and general manager Trent Mossbrucker sought players with experience and proven production in January's transfer portal. They executed their vision, but that hasn't been enough to change the media's expectations for the program.

UCF has assembled a roster to stay competitive and win games in the Big 12. Multiple players have echoed that they are playing with a chip on their shoulder and championship aspirations.

"Six championship teams in the past six years," Barnett said. "So, you know, why can't it be us? We have the talent."

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos