Keyone Jenkins secures the backup quarterback role as Scott Frost unveils a fluid lineup featuring a dynamic backfield battle and notable depth at tight end and linebacker.
UCF football has high expectations heading into the 2026-2027 campaign, with the season kicking off this Thursday against Bethune-Cookman.
On Tuesday, the team released the initial depth chart heading into the opener, with some surprises littered throughout the listing.
Senior Florida International transfer Keyone Jenkins is sitting in the QB2 position for now, with Kaleb Annett and Rocco Marriott filling in as alternates, given the "OR" designation.
Head coach Scott Frost talked about the backup QB position on Monday, confirming that Jenkins has the early lead, but calling the situation "fluid."
At running back, Duke Watson was listed as the clear starter, beating out fellow transfer Landen Chambers for the primary role.
Both Watson and Chambers are projected to share a majority of the work, with the two backs providing different skillsets to Frost's offensive attack.
But, redshirt freshman tailback Taevion Swint is another player in the backfield who should see opportunity, adding another dimension to UCF's rushing attack.
Watson is a big-play threat with top-level speed, while Chambers is a physical downhill runner, likely serving as the short-yardage back.
Swint is similar to Watson, while maybe providing the highest receiving upside of the trio.
The most notable designation on the offensive page of the chart was redshirt-freshman tight end Caden Piening being listed equivalent to Dylan Wade.
Piening was a highly-ranked recruit coming out of high school, but Wade is coming off the best season from a tight end in program history.
Regardless, Piening has clearly showed enough to compete for significant time this upcoming season, giving the Knights two dangerous weapons in the tight end room.
On defense, most of the starters are not surprising, but some of the "OR" designations listed are interesting.
Arkansas transfer edge rusher Ken Talley is one player who is gone under the radar at camp, but has clearly impressed, splitting first-team reps with Sincere Edwards.
Both players will likely line up opposite of one another, as UCF looks to replicate some of the success the D-line had with Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly.
Another interesting note is Cole Kozlowski not being listed on the depth chart.
With the developing situation surrounding the NCAA and additional eligibility court rulings, it seems the Knights will be without their All Big-12 linebacker for at least Week 1.
Lewis Carter, who has been hailed as the leader of UCF's defense, will be joined by Jayden Jennings and Tackett Curtis.
Jennings is entering his second year with the program, while Curtis has familiarity with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch from their time together with USC.
Both players bring significant playing experience, and should fill in nicely alongside Carter.
UCF is a huge favorite against Bethune-Cookman this Thursday, and should get off to a strong start.
Seeing the multiple "OR's" listed on the chart means the team has significant depth, and should be set for improvement.
