Texas transfer Will Stone and redshirt freshman Noah McGough battle for the starting job as the Knights search for leg strength and consistency to replace a veteran star.
Who will start at kicker for UCF is an unresolved question for the Knights after Noe Ruelas graduated and is chasing a career in the NFL.
The Knights added Will Stone, a place kicker from Texas, in January's transfer portal cycle, and he is competing with Noah McGough for the starting position as kicker.
Neither has created separation from each other heading into the summer, which could become an issue for UCF. Stone and McGough must fill in the shoes of Ruelas, who nailed 88.2% of his field goals -- three of them 50 yards or more.
Ruelas has three years of starting experience as a kicker, leading Connecticut, James Madison and UCF. Stone and McCough have no starting experience, giving insight into an issue for the Knights.
Special teams coordinator Pete Alamar complimented Stone's leg strength and his experience kicking in the College Football Playoffs.
"He's had two attempts as a place kicker," Alamar said on April 7. "Both of them were extra points in the semi-final against Ohio State a couple of years ago. Kickoff guy for four years there. So, the first thing that jumps out is he's got great leg strength. Really good leg pop."
Stone's leg strength could become a separating factor between him and McCough. Ruelas showcased the ability to nail field goals from 40 yards or more, and the former Longhorn's experience as a place kicker could aid him in the competition.
McGough made one field goal during his freshman campaign, coming against the North Carolina A&T Aggies to push UCF's lead to 68. He earned a redshirt throughout the year, so a look back into his high school career could give insight into how consistent he was.
He was first team All-District Kicker for three straight seasons and first in made field goals in Texas at 17. McGough converted 51 extra point attempts and four field goals for Jesuit High School.
The Dallas, Texas native averaged 53.9 yards in the 64 kickoffs he completed throughout his senior campaign, also showing some leg strength.
UCF's kicker competition is unresolved heading into the summer, but Alamar is not worried about having a starter right now. He said jobs are won in the fall, not the spring.
"If you come out and hit great in April and you don't hit well in August, that's not going to be the guy you went jogging out between the lines to win a game for you," Alamar said.
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