UCF DB Jailen Duffie Excited To Prove Himself in the Big 12

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Jailen Duffie proved himself at the FCS level, developing into an all-conference cornerback at North Dakota State, but he must start that journey all over with the UCF Knights.

Duffie started his career at North Dakota State. He had over 20 offers from FCS programs coming out of high school in 2023 and chose the Bison, who were rapidly rising in the MVFC.

The NDSU transfer said he was developed to the best of his ability. After redshirting his freshman year, Duffie became a starter on a championship team. He started 20 of his 25 games over the past two seasons.

North Dakota State won the Division I FCS Championship in 2024. Duffie compiled 26 tackles (18 solo) in eight starts and one tackle for loss in the quarterfinals victory against Mercer.

Last season, the 5-foot-11 cornerback was named to the All-MVFC Second Team. He locked down receivers he lined up against, and quarterbacks did not throw to his side of the field, as he recorded two pass breakups.

Duffie said what stood out about the Bison were their "want" and "consistency" in workouts. That has helped elevate the program from FCS to FBS as it joined the Mountain West Conference.

He entered the transfer portal and followed his defensive backs coach, Will Johnson, to UCF. Their reunion was short-lived as the Minnesota Vikings poached Johnson.

Despite an unexpected turn of events, the Knights welcomed their new transfer with open arms. Duffie spent the summer connecting with his teammates.

"Those summer workouts that build trust within each other, just knowing who's going out there, who's going to give it their all," Duffie told local media on Tuesday. "Who's going to put it on the line for the guy next to them, and then there was another, like, the program thing we did."

He said DJ Bell has taken him under his wing. Bell has invited him out for late-night workouts in the indoor facility, using the JUGS machine.

Duffie joins a senior-laden defensive back unit with Jayden Bellamy and Braeden Marshall headlining the group. UCF's secondary boasted a top-three passing defense last year, allowing 185.1 yards per game.

The former All-MVFC Second Teamer is aiming to contribute to that lockdown defense. He said his off-man coverage has improved throughout the summer since leaving NDSU.

Duffie said the Bison played a lot of man coverage and switched up looks to confuse the offense. His versatility could help defensive coordinator Alex Grinch give him different assignments throughout the game and open the playbook to call creative plays.

NDSU and Duffie have both jumped to the FBS after successful seasons at a lower level. The new Knight is excited to keep playing at a high level and contribute to a winning season for UCF.

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