Fueled by a shared history at Boise State, this strong-armed gunslinger reunites with his former mentor to ignite the Knights' offense and battle for a backup role.
Kaleb Annett and Steve Cooper's relationship dates back to their time together at Boise State, and after one season apart, Annett reunited with Cooper at UCF.
The 6-foot-3 quarterback did not see action in two seasons with the Broncos, arriving in Orlando aiming to prove his talents to the coaching staff. While Annett watched from the sidelines, Cooper helped Boise State's offense explode with current Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty at the helm.
Boise State finished with a 12-1 record, earned a first-round bye in the College Football Playoffs and the No. 3 seed in 2024. Its offense ranked fifth nationally in scoring (37.3 points per game) and eighth nationally in rushing yards per game (240.4 yards).
Although Annett did not record any in-game snaps during his tenure with the Broncos, he said he and Cooper studied the playbook extensively during the 2024 season, which has made his transition to UCF easier.
"When I was a freshman at Boise, we were grinding that playbook together," Annett said last Saturday. "So just having the prior connection, and then seeing a familiar face right, it's been awesome. And then he coaches hard, and it's been really, really fun in the room."
With no college film to analyze, Annett's play style, looking back to his high school days, could provide insight into what he could do for the Knights if he earns playing time.
Ranked as a three-star recruit, Annett finished his career at Corona Del Mar in Newport Beach, California, throwing for 4,163 yards and 41 touchdowns. He recorded nine games with three or more touchdown passes.
His high school performance indicates he has a strong arm capable of completing deep passes, an aspect of the offense UCF lacked last season.
Annett said he likes to model his game after NFL players, like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, who also have strong arms.
"I like to model my game off of guys in the NFL, obviously, like Mahomes, Josh Allen and guys that are able to create when the pocket breaks down," Annett said. "I think I do that really, really well. But also knowing down distance situational stuff. I think I do a good job of that, conceptualizing and processing."
The Boise State transfer is competing with FIU transfer Keyone Jenkins, and freshmen Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr for the backup quarterback spot.
While he's fighting to earn playing time in the Knights' black and gold, his decision to transfer to UCF was influenced by his previous relationship with Cooper and quarterback coach McKenzie Milton.
"I think in life, a lot of the stuff is relationship-based," Annett said. "And having that prior relationship with Coach Coop and then KZ. It kind of was a no-brainer, really. And then Orlando's such a beautiful spot, and UCF has a bunch of traditions and a lot of history."
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