UCF Football 2026 Preview: Can Alonza Barnett III Spark a Breakthrough Year For Scott Frost?

UCF nearly reached a bowl game in the first season of Scott Frost’s return despite starting over with 70 new players, struggling in the red zone and leaving far too many points on the field. Year 2 feels different, largely because James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III gives Frost an experienced, dynamic quarterback who looks like an ideal fit for an offense built around speed, designed runs, outside-zone concepts and quick RPOs. The Knights also got deeper at running back and receiver, with considerably less uncertainty along the offensive line than they had a year ago.

The defense kept UCF competitive last season, particularly against the pass, although finding a consistent pass rush remains a major question. Still, the combination of an improved offense, a difficult home-field advantage in Orlando and a schedule featuring plenty of winnable Big 12 games has both of us buying a Year 2 jump.

Is UCF merely headed back to a bowl, or can Barnett and Frost turn the Knights into one of the conference’s surprise teams? .

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