Knights land top QB Rocco Marriott, boosting future offensive firepower. A significant recruiting coup reshapes UCF's quarterback outlook.
Yesterday, the Knights had a big win - defeating Oklahoma State 17-14 on senior night. But, this was not the only victory for UCF as four-star quarterback Rocco Marriott flipped his commitment to join UCF next season. Marriott was previously committed to James Madison.
This is a huge get for head coach Scott Frost and the Knights as Marriott is a legit candidate to play next year. 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.
Marriott has been extremely effective this season for Platte County High School, displaying his dual-threat ability and hoisting Platte County to a 12-0 record.
In Marriott's last game, he led his team to a 46-33 victory while accounting for seven total touchdowns and over 370 yards.
Shortly after the news broke, previous UCF commit Kane Archer announced his decision to decommit. Archer had been committed to the Knights since April and in previous interviews, had voiced his excitement about joining the program.
In September, Knights247 reporter Andrew Cherico sat down with Archer to discuss his committment.
"I could go today," Archer said. I'm so pumped up to get down there. Coach Milton, Coach Frost. Those guys know what they are doing down there, and I'm ready. I'm ready to be a part of something special."
Now, just a few months later, Archer and UCF have gone their separate ways.
For UCF, Marriott is the biggest recruiting win in Frost's second tenure and for a school looking for a reliable option at quarterback, Marriott could be that developmental piece.
It will be interesting to see what other developments occur in the quarterbacking room before Marriott arrives on campus next season as current starter Tayven Jackson, freshman Davi Belfort, and even possibly Cam Fancher are currently set to return next season.