The Knights lean on newfound composure and key transfer talent to navigate quarterback injuries and conquer a pivotal conference schedule.
Big 12 play starts on Saturday for the UCF Knights, and coach Scott Frost believes non-conference play has prepared his squad for the toughest stretch.
UCF ended non-conference play 2-1, winning its favored matchups against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats and the Georgia State Panthers. The Pittsburgh Panthers handed the team its lone loss, as the offense struggled and star quarterback Alonza Barnett III left the game hampered.
Frost named Florida International transfer Keyone Jenkins as the starter while Barnett is out for multiple weeks. Jenkins struggled throwing the ball, finishing with 7-for-17 with one interception, but recorded two rushing touchdowns.
UCF had a rough first half against Georgia State, allowing 24 points. It's an uncharacteristic performance by the defense, which held opponents to nine points before last Saturday.
Frost praised the team's composure after its second-half comeback, as the offense and defense held each other down.
"I think one of the best things we did Saturday night was that nobody panicked," Frost said during Monday's media availability. "Nobody listened to any noise. We just kept doing what we were supposed to do and found a way to win."
The defense held the Panthers to two field goals, while the offense responded with 24 points in the second half.
That composure is crucial for the Knights when conference play begins, as they face programs with star players and need to execute at a high level.
Frost highlighted that the team is focusing on converting third downs, as they are 3-for-12 on third downs.
"The first thing is we got to get in manageable thirds," Frost said. "That number gets skewed a little when we're going to go for it on fourth down."
UCF often goes for it on fourth down when the yardage is manageable. The team is 1-for-4 on fourth-down conversions, including a 0-for-3 performance against Pittsburgh.
It is the fourth season in the Big 12, and with an abysmal 7-20 record, change must come sooner. A 2-7 conference record last season is a significant reason why the Knights missed a bowl game for the second straight year.
UCF has a more manageable conference schedule this season, as it dodged two powerhouses: the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Utah Utes.
Dodging two powerhouses can bring a sigh of relief, but it doesn't suggest every matchup becomes more favorable. ESPN's matchup predictor has favored the Knights' victory over the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils.
UCF bolstered its depth during January's transfer portal window, building a solid foundation for a turnaround in 2026. The Big 12 is a gauntlet of strong teams, sometimes featuring ranked opponents, and it's time for the Knights to step up.
Dominance isn't expected, as it was during their time in the AAC, but the team needs to start winning like a Power Four team.
