Alonza Barnett III rallies the Knights with a defiant "Why not us" mentality, promising an explosive, championship-caliber offense as UCF launches its highly anticipated season under the lights.
After an offseason filled with expectation and excitement for the upcoming season, UCF kicks off the 2026-2027 campaign at 7:00 p.m. Thursday night.
The Knights will play host to Bethune-Cookman, looking to start the year off on a high note despite some possible inclement weather.
Ahead of the matchup, Alonza Barnett III, UCF's starting quarterback, delivered his final message to the fanbase.
"I want the the nation to know that we're a tough team," Barnett said. "Not only that, but, I think the power of believing in yourself, the power of believing in each other is bigger than anything that anybody could say."
This "Why not us" mentality has been echoed throughout the facilities, as players have talked about setting loftier expectations than years past.
Each position group has talked about an individual goal and a team goal, while keeping the main focus on a Big 12 Championship.
Barnett has spearheaded this belief, talking about wanting to replicate the success he had with James Madison and finish his collegiate career on a high note.
"I look forward to enjoying each and every game as it’s my last collegiate season…" Barnett said in mid-July. "Fans can expect a great brand of football, some fireworks here and there and some really consistent play."
This consistent QB play is something that UCF has not had in some time, with multiple players filling in at the position.
Head coach Scott Frost has talked about having multiple evenly-evaluated QBs and the dilemma that provides a staff, while emphasizing that this year has been different.
One of Barnett's main weapons on the outside, Duane Thomas Jr., had strong things to say about his QB1 following a recent practice.
"AB, I heard Cush [Preston Cushman] call him a point guard, and that's exactly what he is," Thomas said. "Today, he dished out to a couple different guys in one drive and that's what you want to see from a quarterback."
Thomas went on to reference a recent post from UCF's X account, which showed Barnett completing passes to multiple different receivers, spreading the wealth in practice.
With Barnett at the helm and plenty of weapons at his disposal, UCF's offense should be much more consistent and explosive.
"Explosive" was exactly how Thomas predicted the Knights' offensive production to be, saying that having a bonafide starter in the room definitely helps.
With the Week 1 opportunity against a team the Knights are heavily favored against, Barnett could burst onto the scene with a big performance.
