Rocco Marriott flipped to UCF, becoming a top 2026 recruiting steal. His dual-threat talent promises an explosive future in Orlando's high-octane offense.
The UCF Knights won on and off the field on Nov. 22, 2025. Defensive back Braeden Marshall caught the game-sealing interception on Senior Knight, and Rocco Marriott flipped his commitment from James Madison to UCF.
Charles Power, the director of scouting and rankings for Rivals, created a list of the "Biggest 2026 Recruiting Class Steals," posted on X on Wednesday. Marriott topped the list, and the graphic included his picture.
The four-star quarterback committed to play for the JMU Dukes on May 8. However, his recruiting was still open, which coach Scott Frost saw as an opportunity to pursue.
"We actually spoke with Rocco some back earlier in the year," Frost said. "We had a commitment at the time. He was committed somewhere else at the time, and we didn't want to get really serious about it unless the opportunity here was going to be available and felt like he was in a position that it was viable."
Marriott became UCF's highest-star quarterback recruit when he flipped his commitment. The 6-foot-4 Missouri native led Platte County High School to back-to-back state championships and perfect records.
He's accumulated over 10,000 career yards and over 160 touchdowns during his time as a Platte County Pirate. Frost had high praise for Marriott's senior season and his fit in UCF's high-octane offense.
"He's big. He's fast," Frost said. "He can really throw it. He's a competitor. He's played multiple sports. I think he's hungry. I think he has a lot of potential."
Marriott possesses immense potential as the Knights' future starting quarterback. Now, he sits behind JMU transfer Alonza Barnett III to learn the ropes of college football.
Frost said Marriott has a lot of traits he looks for in a quarterback and is excited to work with him. Marriott's dual-threat ability is one of the few traits Frost searches for, and continues the UCF trend of having a versatile quarterback at the helm.
His blend of size, speed and arm strength gives Frost and quarterback coach McKenzie Milton a solid foundation to build upon. Marriott's collegiate journey will start in Orlando when spring camp begins within the next month.
He'll refine his skills over the next year to prepare himself for carrying the mantle of starting quarterback at the next level.
For now, while he's developing, UCF fans will see Marriott on the sidelines, anticipating his debut and seeing if he lives up to the hype as the Knights' highest-rated quarterback recruit.