JMU transfer Alonza Barnett III brings proven winning, leadership, and a Pro Football Hall of Fame dream to UCF's offense this season.
UCF addressed one of its biggest positional needs — the quarterback — by signing Alonza Barnett III, and he became the sixth-ranked quarterback commit in the Big 12.
Barnett III transferred from James Madison to play his final collegiate season with coach Scott Frost and the Knights in Orlando. The interest was mutual for both parties, as they had each other at the top of their lists when the transfer portal opened.
"This was my first visit for a reason," Barnett III said in a video posted by UCF football on X. "
The JMU transfer led the Dukes to their first College Football Playoffs appearance as the No. 12 seed. Their historic season was cut short after the No. 5 seed Oregon defeated them 51-34.
Barnett III threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns, and added 45 yards on 12 carries for a touchdown in the loss to the Ducks. Although his season ended early, UCF's new leader had a stellar 2025 year.
He threw for 2,806 yards, 23 touchdowns and 8 interceptions on 58.4 percent completion, and added 589 yards and 15 touchdowns on 127 carries. Barnett III's stats earned him multiple awards: Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, First Team All-Sun Belt Quarterback and the Bill Dudley Award.
As he spends his final year in Orlando, Barnett III's time with UCF guides him closer to the goal he wants to achieve.
"This is just another step towards the dream I've been chasing, which is ultimately ending up in Canton, Ohio, in the Pro Football Hall of Fame," Barnett III said.
Frost spoke to local media three and a half weeks after signing his new starting quarterback and sang his praises ahead of spring training.
"What I love more than anything about Alonza is he's a winner, and he's a proven winner," Frost said. "I think when you're a really good team, you have really exceptional leadership from that position. You have somebody that's tough at that position that other people want to get behind and play for and believe in. Not even speaking about the talent that he brings, I'm just really impressed with his demeanor. And excited about the level of toughness and leadership that we should get from him."
Barnett III has assimilated himself with his new team, spending time training and encouraging them in the weight room. The JMU transfer will lead the charge when the season starts on Sep. 3 against Bethune-Cookman.
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