In this modern age of college football, maintaining recruits is even harder than securing them. UCF has been trying to make it a point to recruit early to keep guys committed.
The 2026 recruiting class currently ranks as the 70th best class in the country and 15th in the Big 12 according to ON3 Sports. Obviously, this is not where the Knights want to be, so they are making early moves in the 2027 class.
The first big splash was made on Tuesday, as 2027 3-star quarterback Logan Flaherty announced his commitment to the program. Flaherty's decision to stay in Florida is not surprising because he attends the nearby Port Charlotte (Fla.)
Flaherty had offers from USF, Miami, Florida State, and Florida, but ultimately chose UCF because of the program and coach Scott Frost's vision for the future.
"Coach Frost has led a really good offense over the years and you know he came back to UCF," Flaherty told WINK News. "He brought a good staff with him. So I think they're locked in with that school. They're looking to build something big."
Flaherty saw a huge jump in his stock after his sophomore season, as he set a school record 34 touchdowns. But, he says it's just the beginning.
""I want to break the record. And hopefully I break it this year," said Flaherty. "If I do break it this year, it should lead me to the all-time scoring record which is 70 touchdowns."
Flaherty was praised for his ability to extend plays and his poise for his age. He could be an integral part of the future for UCF and marks the beginning of the 2027 recruiting for the Knights.
But, Flaherty is used to the pressure.
""As my job of being the quarterback you know some people say the most important position on the team, I needed to step up with a lot of people needing, having a younger group per se," Flaherty told WINK. "And I needed to be a leader for people to look up to and show people the right way to do things," said Flaherty.
Port Charlotte's team underwent a huge turnover last season, losing over 20 seniors, but Head Coach Jordan Ingman praised Flaherty for filling the void with his leadership.
"Towards the end of last year, he became our offensive leader. So coming into this year he was definitely, undoubtedly the guy," Ingman told WINK. "He's one of the guys who raises the intent of every single guy in the room. He's a tremendous leader. One of the best we've ever had."
This is a promising sentiment for UCF fans to hear as the quarterback position has been a revolving door for the past two seasons. But, with Flaherty on board, UCF’s future at quarterback — and in recruiting — looks a little brighter.