Returning home, Montgomery found renewed purpose and joy, transforming his career and leaving a lasting legacy with the Knights.
Two years away from his home state, Myles Montgomery felt lost and was distant in Cincinnati until he made the change to return to Florida in 2024.
Montgomery committed to the Bearcats as a three-star running back out of Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach. The Florida native redshirted his freshman year and played four games the following year. He saw much more playing time in his redshirt sophomore year, rushing for 438 yards on 66 carries for two touchdowns.
However, he wasn't in a great place mentally and desired a change of scenery when transferring. Montgomery returned to the Sunshine State in 2024 and, since his homecoming, has felt more like himself than before.
For that, he said he owes UCF his life.
"It means a lot to me," Montgomery said. "UCF has changed my life forever for the good. Like I said before, this is probably the best decision I made in my life. They changed it for the better."
Revitalized with a newfound joy in Orlando, Montgomery became a part of a deep running back room for the Knights. He split reps with current Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey and Peny Boone.
Montgomery showed out in his first game against New Hampshire, rushing for 77 yards on eight carries and 49 receiving yards on one catch. His 49-yard catch was his first touchdown in the Acrisure Bounce House and is Montgomery's fondest memory as a Knight.
"At first, I didn't think he was going to see me because I was way over there and the ball came a little low," Montgomery said. "So, I'm like, 'Oh my god, I got to catch this,' and as I'm running, I'm like, 'I might score,' and I broke that little swipe tackle. I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' I'll never forget that."
His receiving touchdown showcased his ability to make an impact on the field in multiple ways. Montgomery aspires to become an NFL running back, like Harvey, and versatility in the backfield is something NFL scouts examine in prospects.
Montgomery acknowledged that people cut film more, so displaying how he can affect the game in various ways will convince scouts he's a player who should be on the field at all times. Stats highlight the lead runner's multifaceted playstyle.
He graded out as the team's best run blocker with a 79.8 rating in his first year. Montgomery has compiled 595 yards on 118 carries, including back-to-back games of 100 or more rushing yards against Kansas State and Kansas earlier this season. He's also racked up 151 yards on 14 catches.
Montgomery's a workhorse for the Knights. He's a Swiss army knife, useful in multiple situations effectively. His work ethic and versatility present to NFL scouts what he brings to the next level, but more importantly, it establishes a legacy UCF fans can remember.
"When people say my name, I want them to remember me as a lunch pail guy, a hard hat guy," Montgomery said.