UCF Knights is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +0.3. UCF Knights enters the season with a power rating of +0.3, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The UCF Knights host Bethune-Cookman next in Week 1. In 2025, UCF Knights went 5-7 overall, 4-8 against the spread, and 6-6 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the UCF Knights Power Rating of +0.3 is 0.1 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. UCF Knights have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 10,785 miles, ranking 23th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Bethune-Cookman | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Pittsburgh | 819 mi | 1,638 mi |
| Week 3 | Georgia State | Home | 1,638 mi |
| Week 4 | TCU | Home | 1,638 mi |
| Week 5 | Houston | 859 mi | 3,355 mi |
| Week 6 | Oklahoma State | 1,061 mi | 5,477 mi |
| Week 7 | — | Bye | |
| Week 8 | BYU | Home | 5,477 mi |
| Week 9 | Baylor | Home | 5,477 mi |
| Week 10 | Kansas | 1,076 mi | 7,629 mi |
| Week 11 | Arizona State | Home | 7,629 mi |
| Week 12 | Iowa State | Home | 7,629 mi |
| Week 13 | Colorado | 1,578 mi | 10,785 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
After a 2025 season plagued by quarterback uncertainty and injuries, UCF landed James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III, the 2025 Sun Belt Player of the Year. Barnett threw for 2,806 yards, rushed for 589, and accounted for 38 total touchdowns while leading JMU to a College Football Playoff appearance. His proven production is expected to stabilize an offense that averaged just 24.3 points per game and scored touchdowns on only 55% of its red-zone trips in 2025.
The Knights overhauled their backfield with two key transfers. Louisville transfer Duke Watson averaged 8.9 yards per carry as a freshman in 2024, and FCS Central Arkansas transfer Landen Chambers arrives after a 1,273-yard season. Former top recruit Taevion Swint also returns after redshirting in 2025, giving UCF a deep and explosive committee to complement Barnett's dual-threat ability.
UCF's secondary returns almost intact and should be the defense's backbone. Cornerbacks Jayden Bellamy (eight breakups, one interception) and Antione Jackson (five breakups) lead the group, while safeties Braeden Marshall (two interceptions) and Demari Henderson (61 tackles) provide experience. This continuity gives coordinator Alex Grinch a reliable back end to build around.
UCF posted 27 sacks in 2025, but 10 came from departed veterans Nyjalik Kelly and Malachi Lawrence. The team will rely on returners Isaiah Nixon and Sincere Edwards to step into larger roles, along with Akron transfer Bruno Dall. How this group performs will determine whether the defense can generate consistent pressure against Big 12 offenses.
Both kicking and punting roles are filled by transfers. Texas transfer Will Stone handled kickoffs for the Longhorns but has never attempted a college field goal, while Wisconsin transfer Atticus Bertrams brings experience at punter. Their performance will be critical in close games, especially given UCF's recent red-zone struggles.
UCF Knights is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
UCF Knights holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +0.3, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
UCF Knights's home field advantage rating is 3.2 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
UCF Knights travels 10,785 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 23th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
UCF Knights: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +0.3.
