UCF Football and Softball Teams Face Challenging Seasons Ahead

Orlando, FL – With the 2025 college football season just around the corner, tensions and expectations are high for the UCF Knights. After a disappointing 2024 season, where the team ended with a 4-8 record, major changes took place in the offseason. Coach Gus Malzahn has left his position to become the offensive coordinator at Florida State, leading to Scott Frost‘s return as head coach.

This transition has prompted a significant roster overhaul, with nearly 40 players entering the transfer portal. While new faces have joined the team, concerns about how the Knights will perform in their third year in the Big 12 remain prevalent.

Sports analysts are not optimistic about UCF’s prospects. ESPN‘s Eli Lederman, Max Olson, and Adam Rittenberg ranked UCF last in the Big 12, citing the loss of key players, including running back RJ Harvey, receiver Kobe Hudson, and defensive tackle Lee Hunter. “The Knights have had 34 scholarship players depart this offseason,” they noted. “They were hit especially hard along the offensive line with several players transferring to different schools.”

Amid this uncertainty, the Knights welcomed quarterback Tayven Jackson and several other new recruits. Analyst Bill Connelly commented, “UCF has the lowest returning production levels in the conference, and Frost will start out with an offense that boasts almost literally no proven pieces.”

Meanwhile, UCF’s softball team faced an early exit in the NCAA tournament, suffering a 4-3 loss to Michigan. This marked the first time since 2014 that UCF has lost in the opening round of a regional tournament. Coach of the Knights expressed disappointment about the team’s execution late in the game, highlighting the need to improve on closing innings after scoring.

Despite their strong start, UCF could not maintain their lead, with Michigan making a comeback late in the game. UCF now faces Eastern Illinois in an elimination game, hoping to avoid being swept in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2012. “We have to execute, get runners in scoring position, and have better pitches in those situations,” said the coach.