Despite a low national ranking following a rocky Big 12 debut, Scott Frost leans on a veteran transfer haul to spark a signature year-two turnaround in Orlando.
CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli released his list of the top 68 Power Four coaches in College Football on Tuesday morning, and UCF's Scott Frost's ranking remained unchanged heading into his second season.
Fornelli ranked Frost as the 62nd-best coach in the Power Four. He cited that the Knights did not have a great season last year, finishing 5-7 (2-7 Big 12). However, he mentioned Frost's second year of his first tenure that could change his ranking next year.
"Frost was only 6-7 in his first season at UCF in 2016 and then went 13-0 the next year," Fornelli wrote. "So if history repeats itself, I bet he's much higher than this next May."
Achieving another undefeated season would be difficult for Frost, especially since UCF is not in the AAC. The program made the jump to the Big 12 three seasons ago and has not fared well.
They are 7-20 in conference play since joining in 2022, putting together more losing streaks than winning. The Knights have struggled to stay afloat in a stacked Big 12, facing five ranked opponents over the past three seasons.
While going undefeated is unlikely, UCF has recruited the players to help win more games. Frost and his coaching staff were active in January's transfer portal, recruiting over 30 players.
They prioritized experience and proven production over big names. Wide receiver Josh Derry and linebacker Tackett Curtis are examples of what players the Knights targeted.
"Yeah, you know, we hunted for that [toughness]. You're not ever going to bat a thousand with anything you're looking for or trying to do. But, we want to get older," Frost told reporters on Jan. 29. "We want to get more experience. We wanted more proven production, and I think with high-character guys that have played a lot of football, I think you're inevitably going to get some tougher guys."
UCF has gotten tougher, and Frost witnessed it firsthand throughout spring camp. He highlighted his team's buy-in, the desire to improve and help the program win games.
"We have guys that want to do the right things and not just because they're getting told to do something; they want to do the right things, so they want to be good," Frost said on May 5. We're not spending a lot of time coaching character and work ethic as we were."
Although Fornelli ranked Frost as the 62nd-best Power Four coach, he has the players to change that ranking next year. It's a long time before fall camp -- and the beginning of the season -- but Frost has the utmost confidence in his team.
Join the Community. Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
