With a 76-team field looming, the Knights land a projected 12-seed as returning star John Bol and a revamped transfer roster aim for back-to-back tournament appearances.
Just a few months removed from UCF ending a six-year March Madness drought, the NCAA approved a bracket expansion, allowing 76 teams to make the field going forward.
Following the move, NCAA correspondent Andy Katz released his first updated predictions for next year's increased field, which saw the Knights sneak in as a 12-seed.
In this new format, UCF would be in a play-in game, as part of the last 12 in. In Katz's projection, the Knights matched up with Utah State - who was a popularly mocked pick to play UCF this past season as well.
Back in late January, ESPN's Joe Lunardi slotted UCF as an eight-seed, taking on the 12-seeded Aggies.
Utah State had an impressive season, finishing atop the ultra-competitive Mountain West conference.
UCF defeated Utah State in the two schools' lone face off back in 2004.
While the expansion theoretically makes it easier for UCF to return to the Big Dance this season, the Knights once again have a lot of roster turnover.
Despite losing solid production like Themus Fulks and Riley Kugel, the Knights were able to bring in some solid players in the transfer portal, while also retaining valuable pieces of last year's squad.
Sophomore center John Bol is the biggest retention for UCF, returning after a solid and consistent first year in Orlando.
Bol was the youngest player who saw action for UCF last season, serving as the Knights' starting big man all year, and showing positive signs of growth throughout the season.
The 7-foot rim protector has become a fan favorite and will be much more comfortable in his second season with the program.
Power forward Jamichael Stillwell is another looming question mark, as he is still seeking a potential fifth-year of eligibility from his time in junior college.
If Stillwell can return next season, he would provide a gritty, double-double machine for the Knights. Stillwell's nine double-doubles were the most since Tacko Fall, while he also shot an efficient 50.4% from the field.
Stillwell has shown ability to score on the inside and the mid-range, while occasionally knocking down a 3-pointer. If he can improve from deep, Stillwell may carve out a role in the NBA thanks to his size and rebounding ability.
Young talents like Mister Dean and Lewis Walker are also coming off of strong performances at their mid-majors, joining Dior Johnson, who returns to the Knights' program after lighting it up at Tarleton State.
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