UCF’s Scott Frost Believes Caden Piening Has NFL Potential

Caden Piening has had a career season for the UCF Knights, thriving as a starting tight end next to Dylan Wade.

Piening earned the role after impressing in spring and fall camp, building on his limited success as a freshman before injuries forced him to redshirt.

He's developed into a reliable pass blocker and receiver, hauling in four receptions for 60 yards and one touchdown. Piening scored his first career touchdown in UCF's 21-13 win over the TCU Horned Frogs last Saturday.

The redshirt freshman ran up the seam, and Keyone Jenkins zipped a pass to him before the defense could react. TCU defenders wrapped him up to prevent the score, but Piening stretched out his arms to cross the ball into the end zone.

Piening said he watched film on former Knights tight end Jordan Akins, whom Scott Frost coached during his first tenure, in his postgame press conference.

Frost shared high praise for the young tight end, saying he has a "really high seeing" and that spectators are seeing what he can do. Akins is a high bar for Piening, but UCF's coach believes he has the potential to reach his level.

"He's still got a ways to go to catch Akins," Frost said during Monday's press conference. "He played in the league for a long time and was a really good player, and I think Caden can get there."

Akins became a star at UCF, especially contributing to the 2017 squad's undefeated streak. He caught 32 passes for 515 yards and four touchdowns, earning him First Team All-ACC honors.

The alumnus declared for the 2018 NFL Draft after a career season and joined the long list of NFL Knights.

The Houston Texans selected him with the 98th pick in the third round, becoming the highest tight end draft pick in program history. Akins signed a four-year, $3.32 million contract that included a signing bonus of $761,520

He became an instant contributor in his rookie and sophomore seasons, combining for 53 catches for 643 yards and two touchdowns. Those two years were his best, then he turned into a journeyman in 2022.

Akins signed with the New York Giants, then returned to the Texans in 2022, joined the Cleveland Browns in 2023 and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.

The former UCF star is the model for Piening, who still has several seasons left in Frost's offensive system. It's clear he's Wade's successor after he graduates and continues his football career.

Piening's steady growth is an encouraging sign for Knights fans. He's becoming a foundational tight end and will continue developing throughout tough Big 12 play.