Speedster Duke Watson brings explosive playmaking to the Knights' rebuilt backfield, pairing elite versatility with a history of leading the nation in yards per carry under Scott Frost.
Entering the 2026 season, expectations for UCF football have risen, with head coach Scott Frost talking about the increased continuity and depth of his new-look roster.
One area of serious overhaul is in the backfield, as lead back Myles Montgomery moved on to the NFL.
However, the Knights coaching staff attacked the portal, acquiring multiple solid running backs, such as Landen Chambers and Duke Watson.
Chambers, a bigger back, projects as the workhorse for Frost's offense, while Watson's speed and big-play ability makes him a huge threat for opposing defenses.
On Tuesday, at the Big 12's Media Day, Frost talked about what Watson brings to the offense.
"He's a potential home run every time," Frost said.
Before coming to Orlando, Watson played two years at Louisville, bursting onto the scene in his freshman season with an average of 8.9 yards per carry, which led the nation.
Watson was limited due to injury this past season, but has shown both raw talent and versatility in his young career.
The former Georgia high school standout was ranked as s 3-star transfer, falling within the top-25 transfer backs in the country, according to 247 Sports.
Back in April, Watson outlined his decision to join UCF, praising Frost as a big component.
"[Coach] Frost and Bill, they made it seem like home," Watson said. "As soon as I stepped on campus, it just felt like football. I loved it, though. The plan they had for me, and I just felt like that I can do great things at UCF."
Frost and General Manager Trent Mossbrucker have both said that Watson is a guy they've kept their eyes on since high school and someone Mossbrucker has spent time with in the past.
Watson's prior relationship with Mossbrucker during the pair's time at Louisville was also a big selling point.
"I mean, I was very excited really," Watson said. "Especially because I used to work with Trent at Louisville, so him coming down here, it really just worked out perfectly for me and they already know my playing style. How I like to work, and it just felt perfect."
Alongside Chambers, Watson should be able to fill a late-down back role, while also serving as UCF's primary pass-catching threat out of the backfield.
But, Watson has remained team-first, describing himself as an all-around back.
"Fast, physical, and downhill. Really, I'm more of a team player, too," Watson said. "I love to protect the quarterback, love to pass block, you know. I'm more of an all-around player."
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
