UCF hosting more than a dozen recruits at Bethune-Cookman game
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More than a dozen high school recruits are expected to be on hand for UCF’s season opener against Bethune-Cookman at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium on Thursday.
Sixteen prospects, all from the state and most from the Central Florida area, were scheduled to appear, including those for the 2027, 2028 and 2029 recruiting classes.
Three-star defensive tackle Noah Robinson of Orlando Jones High School and three-star receiver Kaneilius Purdy of Lake Wales High headline a small group of high school players from the 2027 recruiting class. The other scheduled attendees include edge rusher Justin Kemp (The First Academy) and safety Ky’mani Fils-Amie (The First Academy).
UCF has 13 commitments for its 2027 recruiting class, led by Robinson and Purdy. The group ranks 80th in the nation according to 247Sports composite rankings and last in the Big 12.
The Knights, who have no commitments for the 2028 or 2029 classes, are hoping to make a good impression beginning on Thursday.
There are 10 prospects for the 2028 class expected, including receivers Axzavious Hawkins (Eau Gallie), Lamar Garrison (East Ridge) and Jaden Parks (Mainland), offensive guard Braden Olsen (Spruce Creek), defensive tackle Jordan McCrimon (Osceola), edge rusher Cornelius Laney (Ocoee), linebacker Avery Weigert (Chamberlain) and safeties Alex McCollough (Armwood), Jamarion Davis (Gadsen County) and Octavius Lewis (Edgewater).
Lake Wales quarterback Kingston Loydd and Melbourne Senior High running back Tyrese Jefferson from the 2029 class are expected to show up as well.
Flag football team honored
UCF’s 2026 women’s flag football team, which captured the inaugural Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic on the Arizona State campus in April, was expected to be honored during Thursday’s game.
It was the first national collegiate flag football event that featured NCAA Division I universities from across the country. The Knights defeated Florida 19-7 to go a perfect 6-0 and capture the title, as Kayla Ludwig won Offensive MVP honors and Eliana Higbie-Long took home Defensive MVP honors.
UCF’s flag football program has been around since 1979.
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