A landmark legal injunction paves the way for the All-Big 12 linebacker’s return, bolstering Scott Frost’s defense as legal hurdles shift like a high-speed video game.
Amidst the landmark court injunction allowing 2022 high school graduates to pursue an additional year of eligibility, UCF is looking to bring back some talent from last year's defense.
Thus far, linebacker Cole Kozlowski and defensive back Phillip Dunnam are the two players who have expressed interest in a potential reunion, but there are still some legal aspects that need to work themselves out.
For Kozlowski, however, he seems to be in line for a return, as he was officially added to the roster on Monday.
Head coach Scott Frost spoke on the ongoing situation following Monday's practice, comparing the situation to a classic video game series.
"I don't know his official status," Frost said. The rules are changing faster than Mario Brothers when you go through warp zones. He was cleared to be back and is enrolled in classes, but we’re waiting on a final decision."
Earlier this week, Kozlowski appeared at UCF's practice in street clothes before gaining a different-colored jersey, and on Monday, appearing in the Knights' normal white uniforms.
This is a huge pickup for UCF, who seemingly now has a returning pair of linebackers manning the middle with Kozlowski and Lewis Carter.
After playing both sides of the ball in high school, Kozlowski opted for defense at the next level, playing his first three seasons with Colgate.
The 6-foot-2 linebacker made an immediate impact, appearing in nine games as a freshman, and getting his first taste of Division I competition.
In 2023, Kozlowski took another step, leading the Raiders in passes broken-up with five while adding 60 tackles.
As a junior, Kozlowski elevated again, leading the team and the Patriot League in tackles and assisted tackles (133), while ranking second in the Patriot League in solo tackles (66).
After showing he was one of the most dominant defensive forces amongst mid-major programs, Kozlowski took the jump to Power 4 football, signing with UCF.
He immediately made an impact, serving as a consistent and vocal leader on the defensive side of the ball.
The senior linebacker totaled three double-digit tackle games throughout the year against Baylor, BYU and an 11-tackle, one-sack performance against the Mountaineers.
After recording 82 total tackles on the season, including two sacks and three pass deflections, Kozlowski was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team.
While preparing for the NFL Draft, where he eventually went undrafted, Kozlowski was one of three Knights to participate in the inaugural American Bowl.
Alongside Keli Lawson and Paul Rubelt, Kozlowski displayed his skills in front of various NFL scouts and legendary head coaches.
Following the bowl, Kozlowski sought an extra year of eligibility to return to UCF, but it was denied.
Now, he has a unique opportunity to perhaps make right on this denial and return to the program where he broke out within the Big 12 Conference.
For a UCF team looking to make noise in an open Big 12, adding Kozlowski would instantly make the Knights more of a threat.
