By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The 2025 season forecasts a pivotal chapter for the UCF Knights, as former head coach Scott Frost returns to Orlando aiming to reignite the magic from his undefeated 2017 campaign.

Armed with a five-year contract through 2029, Frost brings hope and history to a program that stumbled to a disappointing 4–8 finish in 2024.

Frost’s reappointment rekindles optimism among fans and players alike. His previous tenure at UCF produced a 13-0 record, and despite struggles at Nebraska, his return carries the potential of that golden era.

He fortified his staff with trusted confidants like McKenzie Milton as quarterbacks coach and associate head coach Sean Beckton, who now oversees the receiver corps.

The ground game remains the heart of UCF’s offensive identity.

In 2024, RJ Harvey rushed for 1,577 yards, ranking sixth in the FBS, before declaring for the NFL. The torch now passes to Myles Montgomery, a steady transfer from Cincinnati with a history of contribution, and Jaden Nixon from Western Michigan.

Although neither may replicate Harvey’s dominance, their physicality and versatility offer hope for improvement.

The offensive line will be key. New O-line coach Shawn Clark, known for molding NFL linemen, arrives with only one player, Paul Rubelt, as a returning starter. Building cohesion early will be vital for protecting quarterbacks and halfbacks.

UCF’s aerial attack averaged under 200 passing yards per game in 2024, a low point in recent memory. To improve, Frost needs production from a revamped receiving corps—Marcus Burke, DJ Black, and Duane Thomas Jr.—who are touted as fast and intriguing targets.

At quarterback, the competition includes transfers Tayven Jackson (Indiana), Cam Fancher (Marshall/FAU), and returner Jacurri Brown. Tayven Jackson brings starting experience and  high  efficiency.

On defense, turnover creation was scarce in 2024—only 11 in 12 games, ranking near the bottom nationally.

Frost has hired Brandon Harris to revitalize the secondary, blending experience with speedy, hungry returnees like the Henderson twins and Braeden Marshall, along with an impressive slate of transfers.

The linebacker corps has reason for optimism, led by Keli Lawson (Virginia Tech transfer), Jayden McDonald, and TJ Bullard, supported by newcomers Lewis Carter and others.

The D-tackles, represent continuity and grit—forged by veteran staffer Kenny Martin and bolstered by experienced returnees like John Walker.  Newcomers like Horace Lockett and R.J. Jackson will be great additions.

Externally, expectations are modest. RJ Young’s “Ultimate 136” ranks UCF 74th nationally, down from 54th last year, projecting a win total slightly over 5.5. PFF gives a similar outlook, projecting around 6.3 wins for the season.

Meanwhile, the Big 12 preseason media polls (via aggregated outlets) place UCF between 15th–16th in the conference.

UCF opens at home against Jacksonville State (Aug 28), then hosts North Carolina A&T before a challenging test at North Carolina (Sept 20) and at Kansas State (Sept 27).

A strong start could build momentum, while losses would underscore the rebuild ahead.

2025 is a season of reset and cautious hope for the Knights. Frost’s return brings familiarity and a blueprint for success, but roster turnover and inexperience at key positions pose real challenges.

If the offensive line gels, the running backs provide consistency, the quarterbacks mature, and the defense creates turnovers, UCF could surprise.

A 5–7 or 6–6 record, flirting with bowl eligibility, seems like a fair forecast—and a solid step toward reintroducing the Knights’ winning identity.