UCF Knights Football Offseason Preview

One of the most enigmatic and fascinating coaches in college football, Gus Malzahn, was released by Auburn after the 2020 season, enabling him to land at UCF and start over in his coaching career in 2021. Malzahn’s first ride at UCF was exciting but bumpy and volatile – in other words, it was a typical Malzahn season. At Auburn, Malzahn was capable of great excellence and spectacular failure. You saw a little bit of each in UCF’s 2021 journey. The Golden Knights were, overall, a solid team with a 9-4 record. However, they let some games get away from them which could have led to a much better bowl bid. UCF lost to Louisville and Navy, two teams which struggled for most of the year. Had UCF taken care of business in those games, it might have finished 11-2 instead of 9-4. The defense allowed under 25 points per game, but in the losses to Louisville and Navy, it allowed an average of 38 points. The season wasn’t bad, but it still felt like a missed opportunity to achieve something more. That’s a normal Gus Malzahn season.

As the scene shifts to 2022, UCF and Malzahn made a big splash in the transfer portal. Incoming transfer receiver Kobe Hudson and defensive lineman Lee Hunter give the Knights two top-75 transfers in the country. Linebacker Terrence Lewis is a top-100 transfer. UCF got a few more transfers who are ranked among the top 200 transfers in the United States. There are a lot of new faces on this roster, but they have ample playing experience from their days at other programs.

Key Personnel Lost

Defensive tackle Kalia Davis was an NFL draft pick. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oklahoma. He will be replaced by former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Losses at receiver and tight end are part of the picture for this team entering 2022. Incoming transfer tight end Kemore Gamble will try to fill in as one of this team’s more valuable pass catchers.

Receiver Brandon Johnson is an NFL undrafted free agent, as is defensive end Markaviest Bryant. Tackle Marcus Tatum is a UDFA, too. Center Cole Schneider left for the pros as well. UCF attempted to replace those important players with its transfer portal acquisitions.  

Important Incoming Freshmen

Cornerback Nick Martinez chose UCF over Auburn. Wide receiver Quan Lee chose the Knights over Florida, even though he is from Gainesville, the town where the Gators play. Lee also picked UCF over Miami. He is a track star who gives UCF a massive infusion of speed. There is a lot to like about the incoming freshman class.

Key Position Battles

The offensive line needs to be able to physically control games so that UCF doesn’t blow leads late in games and can keep the defense fresh and rested. UCF was a volatile team last season, and teams become less volatile and more dependable if their offensive line can establish full control of the line of scrimmage.

Biggest Offseason Goal(s)

The Knights have so many new players in so many new positions. The main goal of the offseason is to get these players situated and make them feel comfortable and confident in their assignments, so that when the regular season arrives, confusion and uncertainty will not dominate the locker room. Players will know exactly what they need to do on gameday.