UCF football has more returning production than most FBS teams for 2026

Jul 28, 2026 - 09:10

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UCF football has more returning production than most FBS teams for 2026

Scott Frost inherited a mostly bare cupboard when he returned to UCF for the 2025 season, quickly having to keep his best players out of the transfer portal while recruiting more than 60 newcomers to Orlando. That won't be the same situation entering this fall, and he will hope that continuity contributes to improved results.

According to ESPN, UCF returns 61% of its total production, good for 29th out of the 138 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision. For comparison, in 2025, the average FBS team brought back 53.7% of its production, down from around 62% pre-COVID pandemic.

The Knights' incumbents on offense and defense combined for 110 starts, the fourth-highest total in the Big 12 entering the '26 campaign. UCF sought experience and proven production in the portal, adding 102 starts from its newcomers — most notably quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who logged 15 games behind center as James Madison won the Sun Belt Conference and made its first appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Aug 28, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Jacksonville State Gamecocks running back Cam Cook (4) runs the ball as UCF Knights linebacker Lewis Carter (20) moves in during the first quarter at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

In spite of the volume of holdovers, expectations largely remain low when it comes to UCF from a national perspective. ESPN has the Knights 60th overall in its SP+ rankings, 13th among its conference's 16 members, with an average of six wins. CBS Sports' Shehan Jeyarajah advised readers to bet the under on UCF's projected 5.5 wins, which would mean a third straight December without a bowl game.

Here is a breakdown on what UCF brings back, production-wise, from last year's squad — and what it brought in from other college programs.

Passing

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; UCF quarterback Alonza Barnett III speaks with reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

2025 stats: 250 completions on 403 attempts (62% completion rate), 2,649 yards, 12 touchdowns, 12 interceptions

2026 returning production: None

2026 D-I production added: 380 completions on 633 attempts (60% completion rate), 4,548 yards, 32 touchdowns, 14 interceptions

Rushing

PROVO UT - NOVEMBER 29: Agyeman Addae #35 of the University of Central Florida Knights rushes the ball during the first half of their game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

2025 stats: 388 attempts, 1,896 yards (4.9 yards per rush), 19 touchdowns

2026 returning production: 29 attempts, 95 yards (3.3 yards per rush), 0 touchdowns

2026 D-I production added: 291 attempts, 1,431 yards (4.9 yards per rush), 11 touchdowns

Receiving

Nov 22, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights tight end Dylan Wade (0) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

2025 stats: 250 receptions, 2,649 yards (10.6 yards per reception), 12 touchdowns

2026 returning production: 135 receptions, 1,505 yards (11.1 yards per reception), six touchdowns

2026 D-I production added: 148 receptions, 1,893 yards (12.8 yards per reception), 17 touchdowns

Defense

UCF Knights defensive back Demari Henderson (8) celebrates an interception during the first half of the game against Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Sept. 27, 2025.