UCF HC Scott Frost Feeling "Really Confident" in Second Year

In head coach Scott Frost's first go-around at UCF, the second year of his tenure (2017) was the iconic undefeated season, memorialized by a self-proclaimed "National Championship."

In today's landscape of college football, with twelve teams making the postseason, it is very likely that the Knights would have had the opportunity to officially win the National Championship, but we will never know.

Now, entering Frost's second season back with the program, the Knights are poised to improve and get back to bowl contention.

"I'm really confident," Frost said at Big 12 media day on Tuesday. "Everything just feels so much better than it did before."

Last season, UCF finished with a 5-7 record, dropping all seven games in conference play.

Quarterback play was shaky all season long, as FAU transfer Cam Fancher, the day-1 starter, was injured early on into the season opener.

Indiana transfer Tayven Jackson took over, providing some solid play, but really struggled on the road, dealing with his own handful of injuries as well.

This time around, UCF will enter the season with the most security at the QB position since John Rhys Plumlee, with Alonza Barnett III joining the ranks.

Barnett led James Madison to a College Football Playoff berth last season, and had a strong showing against Oregon in the first round.

Now, as he makes the jump to the Big 12, Barnett has his coaching staff's full trust.

Unfortunately, lingering injuries have kept Barnett sidelined throughout spring practices and OTAs, but Frost ensured Knight Nation that he will be ready to go soon.

"He's been out on the field and we got to see him do a lot with some of the OTA's and things that we're allowed to do now. Man, I'm impressed with his ability, but also his command and presence," Frost said. "We look like a different team with him in there. ... He'll be full go come fall camp."

Barnett's dual-threat ability fits UCF's mobile-QB oriented schematics on offense, while his leadership around the facilities has been praised throughout the offseason.

The former Duke also has plenty of weapons on the outside for him to target, with tight end Dylan Wade and wide receiver Waden Charles set to improve from last season.

Wade, who is entering his senior season, set multiple program records at his position last season, recording 43 receptions for 523 yards and five touchdowns.

With the new 5-for-5 eligibility rules, Wade may be in line for additional eligibility, along with other more-experienced players on the roster.

"It changes some of our decisions for next year immediately because there are some kids we weren't expecting to have an opportunity to retain that we might be able to if they want to be back and we want them back," Frost said.

The new rule should allow Frost to retain more talent than years past, while also gaining more opportunities to develop younger players.

Expectations and vibes are much higher heading into the 2026-2027 season.

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