Veteran transfer Keyone Jenkins battles a high-upside freshman and a former Boise State backup for the relief role as the Knights prioritize stability behind starter Alonza Barnett.
UCF football opens the 2026-2027 season this Thursday against Bethune-Cookman, looking to start the year on a strong note and pick up a win in front of a big home crowd.
Starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III will be looking to make a strong first impression alongside his new offense, but his backup is still in question.
According to head coach Scott Frost, the QB2 position is "fluid" right now, with Florida International University transfer Keyone Jenkins leading the way for the time being.
Jenkins, one of many in-state transfers, has thrown for for nearly 7,000 yards in his three-year career.
Given the nickname "Lights out," Jenkins has shown the ability to be serviceable at the Group of Five level.
While last season was a bit of a down year for Jenkins, who posted career lows in passing yards (1,742) and passing touchdowns (9), he brings a level of experience to the room that will be crucial if Barnett misses time.
Of course, Barnett missing time is not in the cards for UCF, but the QB position has been a revolving door over the past few seasons due to injuries and inconsistency.
Barnett projects as a bringer of stability to the position, but depth in the room is important.
Four-star freshman quarterback Rocco Marriott is another interesting piece of the puzzle, as he flipped his commitment to join UCF this upcoming season. Marriott was previously committed to James Madison.
Standing at 6'4 and weighing 220 pounds, Marriott's physical tools are advanced for his age and many Knights fans are excited to see him in black and gold.
One user on X, @dali_drama,= tweeted prior to his official flip, saying "Rocco Marriott's build for a freshman QB moves me. Close." That's just what the Knights did.
Throughout the offseason, Marriott had been praised for looking and playing older than he is, while flashing the special physical traits that had him so highly-ranked in high school.
Boise State transfer Kaleb Annett is another member of the QB room competing for the role.
He got a lot of work with the second unit throughout camp, but is yet to take a collegiate snap.
Annett redshirted during his first season with Boise State, serving as the team's backup last year.
But, he was a high-level producer in high school, finishing his career with 4,163 yards and 41 touchdowns and recording nine games with three or more touchdown passes.
As a senior, Annett threw for 2,751 yards and 30 touchdowns, adding 197 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Frost has frequently talked about the depth of the room being solid, which gives him a security blanket if Barnett were to go down.
Jenkins leads the way, but having younger options like Annett and Marriott gives Frost something to develop throughout the season.
