Led by a veteran secondary and elite linebacker depth, Alex Grinch’s senior-laden unit leverages thousands of snaps to anchor the Knights’ quest for Big 12 defensive dominance.
The UCF Knights have the eighth-most experienced defense among all 138 FBS teams, even more experienced than Miami, who went to the National Championship Game.
CBSSports’ Cody Nagel posted the most experienced defenses based on total defensive snaps. UCF ranked eighth with 2,302 defensive line snaps, 2,120 EDGE snaps, 3,934 linebacker snaps and 7,074 defensive back snaps.
The Knights have a senior-laden defensive back and linebacker room. Braeden Marshall and Jayden Bellamy headline the defensive back group. Tackett Curtis, Lewis Carter and Jahleel Culbreath headline the linebacker group.
Experience doesn’t equate to success, but it lays the foundation for it. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has the pieces to keep UCF a top pass defense.
Grinch turned the Knights into a top-three passing defense in the Big 12. UCF allowed 2,221 yards in 12 games — Utah (second) and Arizona (first) are the two programs ahead.
Bellamy, now entering his final college season, graded out as a top cornerback in the conference, according to PFSN’s Cam Mellor. He was first in most forced incompletions with 11 and finished as the sixth-ranked cornerback in the Big 12. He had an 85.1 rating, 3.3 points higher than Jay'Vion Cole, who was ranked below him.
UCF’s pass defense struggled at times because of the Big 12’s team strength. Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson diced up the Knights’ defense in the Bears’ 30-3 blowout victory.
However, UCF stayed afloat and ended the season as the third-best pass defense. The defensive back room had one of the best retentions throughout January’s transfer portal cycle.
Carter has developed into a lead linebacker under Grinch. He was a backup at Oklahoma, but ascended after transferring to UCF.
The 6-foot linebacker led the team in tackles with 92 (53 solo), a career-high for him. He missed UCF's Week 2 matchup against the North Carolina A&T Aggies, which was his lone absence of the season.
Carter is entering his final college season and could man the captain position once more. He’ll mentor the young, upcoming players before he plays his final game in the black and gold colors.
As the countdown for the 2026 season dwindles, UCF has one of the most experienced defenses in the FBS. A senior-laden defense can help the Knights remain a formidable defense in the Big 12.
Grinch has the experienced players —including Curtis who played under him at Wisconsin — to elevate UCF’s performance and improve upon a 5-7 finish last season.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
