Frost embraces UCF's new roster stability, prioritizing quarterback acquisitions to solidify the team's foundation and ignite spring camp competition.
Coach Scott Frost walked to the media podium for the first time since Dec. 3, sporting UCF's black and gold gear to reflect on the team's activity in the 2026 transfer portal on Friday.
The 31 players added in this year's portal cycle feature promising young talent and older, experienced players who can make instant contributions next season.
UCF's new additions have created a stable foundation for the program heading into spring training camp. The stability of the 2026 roster has increased Frost and his coaching staff's confidence in teaching their players the scheme and building continuity.
"It was rough last year," Frost said. "Coaching and instructing guys that you weren't even sure were going to be on your team in the fall. This year, it's kind of built, it's done. We're always looking to add talent, and if there's ways we can acquire some more down the road, we will. But for the most part, the nuts and bolts of our team are here. I think we can more confidently get to work in teaching guys [the] scheme, building continuity together [and] knowing that the group we have right now is the group that's going to be taking the field together, and it's a comforting feeling."
The most significant improvement from last year's roster is the quarterback position. Signing a new quarterback was one of Frost's priorities heading into the portal, as it played a factor in some transfers' decision to play for him in Orlando.
"There's a lot of skilled players that when you talk to their agents about potentially coming to our school, one of their first questions was who's the quarterback going to be?" Frost said. "And so, you know, that made that a priority for us for more reasons than the obvious. It would be a priority anyway, but I think that's certainly one of the first dominoes that needed to fall in order for us to fill out the team that we were able to bring in."
The Knights got their biggest domino to fall with the home-run signing of James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III. Frost confirmed that Barnett III would be leading the charge as the starter next season.
UCF also added Keyone Jenkins, a three-year starter at Florida International and Kaleb Annett from Boise State. These additions fill the backup spots that are vital in case of injuries, which was an issue last season.
Tayven Jackson (North Texas), Jacurri Brown (Rice) and Cam Fancher (Michigan State) battled for the starting gig last season, in which Fancher won. It's much different this year, as the battle is for the backup spots.
"You know, we're definitely approaching this year with 'we have our number one,'" Frost said. "I think the battle's really for two, three and beyond."