The Big 12 has formed a partnership with Redbird Capital that hopes to drive revenue
The UCF Knights athletics department fully supports the Big 12's latest business deal but won't accept a component of it.
A day after the league announced a revenue partnership with Redbird Capital, UCF athletic director Terry Mohajir released a statement saying the school will partake in a credit option that allows each of the 16 teams up to $30 million.
The statement from Mohajir read: “UCF supports the Big 12’s new business development partnership with RedBird Capital and the opportunities it creates across the conference. This is a forward-thinking, proactive approach that will help drive future revenue growth. UCF Athletics will not exercise the one-time credit option.”
The deal calls for Redbird to provide the Big 12 with $12.5 million to help generate revenue throughout the league, especially with some schools being strapped for cash.
UCF HIGH ON DEFENSIVE LINE UNIT
Defensive tackles coach Kenny Martin has been with the program for four seasons, coaching up NFL talents like Lawrence, Lee Hunter and Ricky Barber.
On Thursday, Martin spoke to media following spring practice, where he expressed his excitement to work with this year's group.
"I'm thrilled of the group that I got. Like, all these guys came here and they worked. Last year, y'all heard me talk about taking baby steps because we wasn't close to where we were because everybody was so young," Martin said. "But man, this year, we got a whole bunch of older guys, experienced guys. So, I'm not teaching them how to practice, right? I'm teaching them what to do. So, again, that's that's been the thrill of of a coach. I kind of get to really coach football, get into the real details and and take it to another level."
KUGEL ENTERS DRAFT
Former UCF Knights guard Riley Kugel was considered a top NBA draft prospect a few years ago.
After finishing his collegiate career last season, he is ready to test the NBA waters. He recently announced he was entering the draft. He made a post via Instagram announcing his plays.
The social-media post read: "Gods timing! I will be declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft. Thanks to my coaches , teammates and all the people who have helped guide me to this position. To my best friend… Thank you for EVERYTHING, I love you mom. Keep steppin cause they gon hate on you regardless.."
Kugel played at Florida and Mississippi State before becoming leading UCF in scoring last season.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com