Following a record-shattering season in Orlando, the Knights’ star playmaker secures an elite 88 overall rating, cementing his status as one of the nation's most dangerous offensive weapons.
Dylan Wade's historic season for the UCF Knights last season has earned him much recognition throughout the offseason, appearing as an 88 overall in College Football 27.
Wade's overall puts him in a four-way tie for fourth place with BYU's Benjamin Brahmer, Temple's Peter Clarke and Iowa's DJ Vonnahme. His career season last year is a significant reason for his high rating in the video game.
He hauled in 43 receptions for 523 yards and five touchdowns, all career highs for him. Those numbers mark a single-season record for a UCF tight end in the program's FBS history -- since 1996.
The Orlando native led the Knights' receiving corps in touchdowns, but ranked second in receptions and yards. Wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr. tallied 10 more receptions and eight more yards to top Wade.
His most impressive outing came against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Wade recorded 145 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions in UCF's 17-14 comeback victory.
Coach Scott Frost spoke highly of his tight end's performance, crediting him for providing the team with energy.
"He's become one of our best weapons, and he certainly can keep improving, and I know he knows that," Frost said. "The plays he made out there really gave us seven and set us up for the winning one."
Former Knights quarterback Tayven Jackson connected with Wade on an 83-yard touchdown reception, the first play after halftime. It became the 6-foot-2 tight end's longest career reception and tied for the sixth-longest reception in UCF's history.
He also caught a 50-yard reception that helped set up the game-winning field goal to send the seniors out with one last home victory in their college careers. Wade was one of the most reliable receivers for UCF last season, tallying five or more catches five times, including six catches twice.
Wade returns to UCF for his final year of college football and will lead the tight ends room once more. Although there is a new starting quarterback for the Knights in Alonza Barnett III, Wade is a steady and reliable presence.
Beyond all the expectations and statistical achievements, Wade said he wants to leave a legacy behind for the Knights and have no regrets in his final year.
"I just want to be able to say I left it all on the line," Wade said. "I did everything I could for the team. No regrets, you know what I'm saying? Nobody can say anything bad about me."
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