Phil Steele honors UCF’s defensive powerhouse, spotlighting Lewis Carter’s leadership and secondary standouts Antione Jackson and Jayden Bellamy as the Knights aim for a dominant Big 12 campaign.
Phil Steele named linebacker Lewis Carter and defensive backs Antione Jackson and Jayden Bellamy to his 2026 Preseason Big 12 team on Friday morning.
The trio of UCF Knights is returning leaders on the defense. Carter led the team in tackles last season, tallying a career-high 92 tackles (52 solo) and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention at the end of the season.
He was one of UCF's leaders last season. Entering his final college season, he is still growing in that aspect. The 6-foot linebacker is embracing a leadership role, just like his teammate Duane Thomas Jr.
"One thing I can work on, I feel like, is just becoming more vocal," Carter said. "I'm not that all outgoing vocal guy. That's one thing I can work on coming back. I'm trying to work on it. I can say I'm getting better at it as well."
Jackson is entering his third season with the Knights, cementing himself as a staple of the defensive back group. The Lauderhill, Florida native totaled 39 tackles (seventh on the team) and a career-high five pass breakups.
Three of Jackson's pass breakups came in consecutive weeks -- Houston, then-No. 6 Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. He makes Steele's 2026 Preseason Big 12 Fourth Team as a punt returner.
The 6-foot-1 defensive back returned 16 punts for 188 yards last season. His 188 yards rank best in the Big 12 and 17th nationally.
Jackson wants to help UCF win a conference title and is trying to model his game after the NFL pros. He is picking new defensive backs coach David Overstreet II's brain to understand what it takes to thrive at the next level.
"I ask him about the guys he coached, like their routine," Jackson said. "What they're doing on a daily basis. What do you think I can do better on a daily basis?"
Bellamy finished with an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention last year, joining his teammate. He posted a career-high in pass breakups (eight) and hauled in a game-sealing interception against Jacksonville State to win the season opener.
The Freehold, New Jersey, native also tipped a pass from Oklahoma State quarterback Zane Flores, leading to the game-sealing interception by Braeden Marshall. Bellamy has consistently graded as a top cornerback in the Big 12, according to PFSN's Cam Mellor.
It is a promising sign that Steele's 2026 Preseason Big 12 Team featured three Knights. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has impactful players to continue cementing the team as one of the better defenses in the conference.
The Knights' defense could be a significant reason for their success next season, as the team aims to break a two-year bowl drought.
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