Despite a high-profile transfer haul, skepticism lingers as the Knights battle a dismal conference record. Now, a revamped roster must overcome low expectations to reclaim their postseason relevance.
On3's Brett McMurphy released his Big 12 Preseason Power Rankings on Thursday, and UCF appeared on the list as a bottom-eight program in the conference.
Although the Knights had an active transfer portal, many analysts aren't too impressed with the team's offseason. The strength of the Big 12 also factors into UCF's low rankings on various lists.
The Knights have a 7-20 Big 12 record since joining the conference three seasons ago -- from a dominant team in the American Athletic Conference to a struggling program in the Power Four.
UCF started last season by sweeping the non-conference slate against Jacksonville State, North Carolina A&T and North Carolina. It was a good start, and to earn a bowl game bid, the team needed to win three more games.
However, once conference play began, it all went downhill. The Knights struggled to score over 20 points, excluding the Space Game against Houston.
The offense couldn't string together long drives, which put the defense at a disadvantage. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch transformed the secondary into a top-3 pass defense, but the more they are out on the field, the more mistakes they're at risk of making.
UCF's bowl game contention came down to upsetting then-No. 11 BYU, which started well. An explosive second half from the Cougars shut the door on the Knights, ending their season at 5-7.
Coach Scott Frost and his staff landed James Madison transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III, a top-70 newcomer in college football. Many analysts view the addition of the former Duke to Frost's offensive scheme positively.
Barnett III could unlock the Knights' deep passing game, paired with his ability to extend plays with his legs. They also surrounded him with various targets: transfer wide receivers Josh Derry (Monmouth) and Jonathan Bibbs (Louisiana Monroe), and transfer running backs Landen Chambers (Central Arkansas) and Duke Watson (Cardinals).
Frost and his staff added a mix of experience and youth to their roster to compete in the Big 12. Heading into the second season of his second tenure, UCF has the opportunity to silence and prove the critics wrong.
Next season will be the Knights' fourth year in the Power Four, and although dominance isn't the expectation, they have to start winning like they're a Power Four team. A 7-20 conference record and two-year bowl drought do not bode well for the program's future in the conference.
UCF has consistently appeared in the bottom half of Big 12 rankings throughout the offseason, and it is a crucial summer to bring things together and change the narrative.
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