The Palmetto star snubbed the Knights for Kansas, but UCF’s future remains bright as record-breaking recruits and proven sophomores prepare to anchor a high-octane receiving corps.
After decomitting from Kansas State last week, 3-star prospect Nazir Pitchford reopened his commitment with programs like UCF, Kansas, North Carolina, and USF in the running for his pledge.
Despite the Knights locking in an official visit with Pitchford later in the month, he has also locked in multiple other visits, including his former commitment's rival: Kansas.
"LOCKED!! #RockChalk," Pitchford wrote via X.
Pitchford, a local product and Palmetto, FL, native, plays both wide receiver and defensive back, recording six tackles and one pass breakup in his junior campaign, while adding 344 yards and seven touchdowns on 34 receptions.
Although we have seen Travis Hunter make his way through college playing both sides, Pitchford will likely end up playing more offense than defense, as his statistics as receiver outweigh his defensive metrics.
In his sophomore season, Pitchford recorded 43 receptions for 752 yards and nine touchdowns in 10 games.
While he would be a nice boost, if the Knights missed out on Pitchford, their wide receiver room is well rounded, with a mix of returning and incoming talent.
Sophomore wide receiver Waden Charles is one of the most intriguing returners for the Knights, gearing up for a big second season.
As a true freshman, Charles hauled in 26 receptions for 290 yards, while showing he can be a major contributor for seasons to come.
Charles proved as a consistent plug-and-play option for UCF, filling in nicely when his name was called. But, he truly began to make an impact late in the season. On senior night, Charles posted a career-high six receptions for 78 yards.
In the following week against BYU, Charles had 50 yards on four catches. Throughout the season, he averaged 11.2 yards per reception, a promising sign for such a young talent.
Incoming freshman Tyren Hornes is also an intriguing prospect, with his latest ranking boost making him the most highly-touted recruit in program history.
According to TheUCReport, "No one climbed higher in the final ESPN 300 update than Tyren Hornes. The UCF commit balled out at the UA All-America game and now ranks as the No. 12 WR in the class."
Hornes announced his commitment to UCF at the same Under Armour All-America event last year. Hornes won MVP of the event, foreshadowing an impressive senior season at Booker High School.
He joins a wide receiver room that is returning a lot of production, including: junior Duane "Speedy" Thomas, Charles and junior tight end Dylan Wade, who set the program-record for yards by a tight-end last season.
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