Knights' star DB Phillip Dunnam eyes NFL dreams, leaving UCF with a record-breaking performance and Big 12 honors. He declared for the 2026 Draft.
Phillip Dunnam aims to become the 53rd UCF player to play in the NFL, as he announced his 2026 NFL Draft declaration on Instagram on Tuesday.
Here's what Dunnam said in his declaration post.
The 6-foot-1 defensive back was a key starter for the Knights, who were ranked third in pass defense in the Big 12. Dunnam also entered UCF's record books with his career performance against Houston in the annual Space Game.
He recorded three interceptions against quarterback Connor Weigman. It was a career-high for Dunnam, and he ran one of his turnovers into the end zone for a pick-six.
"That was my first one," Dunnam said. So, I'm just kind of feeling it out. That was my first career touchdown. So, I'm feeling it out when I got to the end zone. I'm really just soaking it all in. That's why you see me put my hands out just soaking it all in, man. It was a great feeling."
Dunnam's performance earned him the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week award. He's spent one year with the Knights, and he leaves the program better than it was when he transferred in 2024.
The Miami Beach native started his journey at Indiana in 2022, where he didn't receive much playing time. Dunnam improved in his second year with the Hoosiers, earning consistent playing time before returning home to Florida and playing for FAU.
He was a key piece for the Owls' defense, just like he was for UCF this year. Dunnam has 172 tackles (112 solo, 60 assisted), 13 pass deflections, one forced fumble, nine interceptions (250 yards returned) and one touchdown over his collegiate career.
Dunnam's college chapter comes to a stellar close, and another chapter begins as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft.
