Despite a low conference ranking, the Knights pin their resurgence on dual-threat quarterback Alonza Barnett III to ignite an offense that sputtered during last year’s Big 12 play.
The UCF Knights haven't received much love for their offseason activity, and their placement in the Big 12 post-spring rankings continues to reflect that sentiment.
USA Today's Paul Myerberg published his Big 12 post-spring rankings on Wednesday night, pondering which program benefits from Texas Tech's uncertainty with quarterback Brendan Sorsby. Myerberg believes the Knights won't benefit much from the Red Raiders' dilemma, as the team finished 12th in his rankings.
He highlighted James Madison quarterback transfer Alonza Barnett III as a significant reason for optimism about UCF in conference play.
"UCF brought in maybe the Power Four’s most intriguing quarterback transfer in former James Madison starter Alonza Barnett III, who had 3,395 yards of total offense for the Dukes in 2025," Myerberg wrote. "He’s one reason to be more optimistic about a unit that averaged a paltry 19.2 points per game in conference games last season."
Barnett III led JMU to its first College Football Playoffs appearance on the back of his stellar season. He paired his 3,395 yards of total offense with 38 total touchdowns (23 passing and 15 rushing).
The former Duke brings his dual-threat ability to Orlando, a trait that quarterback coach McKenzie Milton and coach Scott Frost value in their on-field playcaller.
UCF struggled against other Big 12 opponents, posting a 2-7 record that overshadowed its 3-0 start against non-conference opponents. The program only picked up wins over West Virginia and Oklahoma State.
Barnett III can bring consistent quarterback play to a Knights squad that struggled with health at that position last season. Tayven Jackson, Jacurri Brown and Cam Fancher all dealt with their fair share of injuries, leading to each of them earning legitimate snaps on the field.
The team averaged 39.7 points in its first three games, then plummeted to 19.2 points across seven conference games. UCF posted four games with fewer than 20 points, the offense couldn't extend drives and defenses forced turnovers against them.
Myerberg believes Barnett III can help turn around an offense that struggles in conference play, but it will take more than a playoff-caliber starting quarterback to mask the Knights' issues.
Frost and his coaching staff signed over 30 players in January's transfer portal window, prioritizing proven production over big, flashy names.
Some key offensive players UCF brought in are wide receivers Josh Derry (Monmouth), Jonathan Bibbs (Louisiana Monroe), Landen Chambers (Central Arkansas) and Duke Watson (Louisville).
These transfers could help diversify the Knights' offensive attack. Barnett III's strong arm can find Derry or Bibbs, or he can extend plays with his legs. Chambers or Watson can rack up big yards in the run game and stack together small runs to continue moving the chains.
UCF may have finished low in Myerberg's Big 12 post-spring rankings, but there is promise on the offensive side of the ball with the transfers they brought in that could turn the Knights around next season.
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