Frost reveals optimism for 2026, highlighting toughness and experience sought in a robust transfer portal haul, led by new quarterback Alonza Barnett III.
Thursday afternoon, UCF head coach Scott Frost addressed media publicly for the first time in the new year.
"I'm really happy with how everything went. It was a really fast process this year. The portal was different this year," Frost said. "Last year, it seemed like it stretched out forever and then we had a spring portal."
Frost went on to day that he thinks the portal system has improved, but still provided hurdles for him and his recruiting staff. Overall though, he ensured fans that UCF is "in a good place."
Frost also talked about the traits and characteristics that the Knights searched for in the portal.
"Yeah, you know, we we hunted for that [toughness]. You're not ever going to bat a thousand with anything you're looking for or trying to do. But, we want to get older," Frost said. "We want to get more experience. We wanted more proven production and I think with high character guys that have played a lot of football, I think you're inevitably going to get some tougher guys."
He went on to say that he can feel a difference in the type of people walking around the facility right now, which gives him confidence in how the portal class will pan out.
The Knights brought in 31 transfer portal additions this past class, including their likely replacement at starting quarterback, Alonza Barnett III.
Barnett III played his last season at James Madison, throwing for over 2,800 yards and 26 touchdowns. He led the Dukes to the College Football Playoff, throwing for 273 yards and scoring three total touchdowns, while compiling a 109.4 Quarterback Rating (QBR) against No. 5 Oregon.
Frost talked on what has impressed him so far with his new quarterback.
"What I love more than anything about Alonza is he's a winner and he's a proven winner. I think when you're a really good team, you have really exceptional leadership from that position," Frost said. "You have somebody that's tough at that position that other people want to get behind and play for and believe in. So, not even speaking about the talent that he brings, just really impressed with his demeanor."
Frost later talked about Barnett III's talent, saying he "can really throw it." He also credited him for his athletic ability, saying "he takes off when he needs to."
This is the first time since UCF recruited a definite-starting quarterback since bringing in KJ Jefferson from Arkansas two seasons ago.