UCF Defense Ranked 8th-Best in Big 12

UCF's defense was one of its calling cards last season, ranking at the top of the conference in multiple categories, and its reputation will run into next season as a top-eight defense.

X user ThroneSpud released their list of best defenses separated by conference, and the Knights appeared at the bottom of the Big 12. While eighth place looks disappointing on paper, the team's performance last season adds more pieces to the puzzle.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch turned the secondary into a top-three pass defense throughout the entire season. UCF finished third in passing yards allowed (185.1), behind Utah (177.8) and Arizona (165.3).

The four-man tandem of Jayden Bellamy, Braeden Marshall, Demari Henderson and Phillip Dunnam manned the secondary unit. Dunnam led the team in interceptions (three), and Bellamy led the defensive backs group in passes defended (eight).

UCF's passing defense helped the program finish fourth in total yards allowed (335.8), 2.2 more yards than BYU. Arizona finished second (308.5), and Texas Tech allowed the fewest yards in the conference (258.3).

The Knights allowed the seventh most points in the conference (23.6), 0.8 more than Houston. Before conference play kicked off, Grinch and his defense allowed 8.7 points in the three non-conference games against Jacksonville State, North Carolina A&T and North Carolina.

A key factor in the defense's sharp decline in points allowed was the uptick in competition. UCF allowed its opponents to score over 30 points in the last four out of five games to end the season.

Defending the run game was one weakness of the Knights' defense. They ranked ninth in rushing yards allowed (150.7), the first finish under the top eight in the major stats.

Former Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was the only player to rush over 150 yards against UCF. The team's struggles kicked in against mobile quarterbacks and teams with multiple running backs.

The matchup against Houston saw three players run for over 60 yards: quarterback Connor Weighman and running backs DJ Butler and Dean Conners.

UCF was one of the better defenses last season, excluding defending the run, and it's likely the program can repeat its 2025 performance in 2026. The Knights have a deep secondary unit with experienced returners and Grinch manning the coordinator position for another year.

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