UCF Head Coach Johnny Dawkins Building Momentum on Recruiting Trail

As UCF men's basketball kicks off the 2026-2027 season next week, head coach Johnny Dawkins and his staff have remained aggressive on the recruiting trail, hosting multiple recruits throughout the offseason.

UCF football's home opener was the first major recruiting event, as six high school prospects came out to watch the Knights and visit the campus.

While Dawkins missed out on 4-star guard Lucai Anderson, he did secure a major recruiting win.

On Thursday morning, the Knights received a major commitment, with 6-foot-6 combo guard Jacoby Briscoe pledging to UCF.

Briscoe, who is currently ranked the No. 2 player in all of Virginia, is the fifth-highest rated recruit in UCF hoops history, and is considered one of the best shooters in his class.

But, the work doesn't stop there, as Dawkins has continued to host some of the top 2027 prospects.

Last weekend, as part of UCF's historic victory over then-ranked No. 2 BYU, two more players visited Orlando - Joshua Leonard and Deuce McDuffie.

Leonard, who is ranked the No. 28 player in the 2027 class, plays his high school ball at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. 

The 6-foot-6 forward has a plethora of offers from big-time programs like Tennessee and Michigan, and would be a huge get for Dawkins.

247 Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein described Leonard as a "versatile two-way forward" who is still looking to add more wing skills.

Leonard is more of a natural power forward, but has shown some growth as a perimeter player.

Finkelstein also noted that Leonard is a strong rebounder and defender, providing majo value on the glass.

McDuffie, on the other hand, is a natural 3-man, playing his senior year at Monarch Academy in Kansas City, KS. 

Like Leonard, McDuffie has multiple offers from competitive Power 4 programs, including TCU and West Virginia.

247 Sports' Andrew Cherico recanted McDuffie's positive remarks about his visit to UCF.

"I had a great visit with UCF," McDuffie said. "I really liked the coaches and the system they have, and I feel like they believe in me and see my potential. Overall, it was a great experience."

These positive comments have been a theme from recruits visiting Orlando during this recruiting cycle, as the newly-committed Briscoe also talked about being pleased with the coaching staff's vision for his future.

As the Knights enter the 2026-2027 season, winning games and competing within the Big 12 will help sway these recruits to Orlando.