UCF LB Cole Kozlowski Makes Quiet Season Debut

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As the NCAA hashes out the remaining eligibility disputes surrounding the class of 2022 high school graduates, UCF football received a big addition.

Fifth-year linebacker Cole Kozlowski, who earned All-Big 12 Third Team recognition last season, recently won his case, and was deemed eligible for the remainder of the season.

On Saturday, in the Knights' 42-28 loss to Oklahoma State, Kozlowski made his first appearance of the season, recording just one tackle.

Expect Kozlowski's snap count to continue to rise as he gets more time in practice and re-adjusts to the speed of the college game.

With standout linebacker Lewis Carter still sidelined with injury, Kozlowski returning gives defensive coordinator Alex Grinch a proven commodity alongside transfer linebacker Tackett Curtis.

After playing both sides of the ball in high school, Kozlowski opted for defense at the next level, playing his first three seasons with Colgate.

The 6-foot-2 linebacker made an immediate impact, appearing in nine games as a freshman, and getting his first taste of Division I competition.

In 2023, Kozlowski took another step, leading the Raiders in passes broken-up with five while adding 60 tackles.

As a junior, Kozlowski elevated again, leading the team and the Patriot League in tackles and assisted tackles (133), while ranking second in the Patriot League in solo tackles (66).

After showing he was one of the most dominant defensive forces amongst mid-major programs, Kozlowski took the jump to Power 4 football, signing with UCF.

He immediately made an impact, serving as a consistent and vocal leader on the defensive side of the ball.

The senior linebacker totaled three double-digit tackle games throughout the year against Baylor, BYU and an 11-tackle, one-sack performance against West Virginia.

Kozlowski totaled 82 tackles on the season, including two sacks and three pass deflections, while serving as one of Grinch's vocal leaders as well.

While preparing for the NFL Draft, where he eventually went undrafted, Kozlowski was one of three Knights to participate in the inaugural American Bowl.

Alongside Keli Lawson and Paul Rubelt, Kozlowski displayed his skills in front of various NFL scouts and legendary head coaches.

Following the bowl, Kozlowski sought an extra year of eligibility to return to UCF, but it was initially denied.

Now, he has a unique opportunity to make right on this denial and return to the program where he broke out within the Big 12 Conference.

Entering next week's matchup against No. 8 BYU, having Kozlowski playing close to full-strength would be a big boost against the Cougars' impressive rushing attack.

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