UCF Adds Game-Changing Transfers That Could Shift Big 12 Power Balance

UCF's aggressive transfer portal haul is reshaping its Big 12 outlook, with five standout newcomers poised to make an immediate impact.

UCF Reloads Through the Portal: Five Transfers to Watch as the Knights Gear Up for Big 12 Battle

In today’s college football landscape, the transfer portal isn’t just a tool - it’s a lifeline. And in Scott Frost’s first full cycle back at the helm of UCF, he and general manager Trent Mossbrucker didn’t waste any time using it to retool the roster. Over 30 new faces are headed to Orlando, and the Big 12 has already spotlighted five of them - a mix of high-upside youth and proven talent that could have a real impact on the Knights' 2026 campaign.

Let’s break down the five transfers drawing early attention - and why each could be a key piece in UCF’s Big 12 puzzle.


RB Duke Watson (Louisville)

If you're looking for explosive potential, Duke Watson is your guy.

The sophomore running back made national waves as a freshman at Louisville, leading the country with an eye-popping 8.9 yards per carry. That kind of efficiency doesn’t just happen - it’s a sign of elite burst, vision, and game-breaking ability.

Injuries slowed him down this past season, but the talent is there, and so is the versatility. Watson isn’t just a between-the-tackles runner - he can catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in space.

In Frost’s offense, which thrives on tempo and mismatch creation, Watson could be a perfect fit. If he stays healthy, don’t be surprised if he becomes a focal point of the Knights’ attack.


DE La Jesse Harrold (Florida State)

At 6-foot-5 and over 250 pounds, La Jesse Harrold looks the part of a Big 12 edge rusher - and then some. A multi-sport athlete in high school (football, basketball, and track), Harrold brings rare athleticism and upside to UCF’s defensive line.

He didn’t see the field as a freshman at Florida State, but that’s not unusual for young pass rushers adjusting to the speed of the college game. What matters is the raw tools - and Harrold has them.

With both Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly off to the NFL, the Knights have holes to fill on the edge. Harrold may not be a finished product yet, but the ceiling is sky-high.

Expect defensive coordinator Alex Grinch to find creative ways to unleash him.


DT Artavius Jones (Miami)

Another in-state product with big-time pedigree, Artavius Jones joins the Knights after a redshirt season at Miami. Like Harrold, he came in as a 4-star recruit and spent his freshman year behind a loaded defensive line that features multiple projected first-rounders.

That experience - even from the sidelines - can be invaluable. Practicing against elite competition every day sharpens technique, builds toughness, and prepares players for the grind of Power Five football.

Jones brings size and strength to the interior and could be a key part of UCF’s rotation up front. Together with Harrold, he represents the next wave of Knights defenders tasked with anchoring the trenches.


QB Keyone Jenkins (FIU)

Quarterback depth is always a premium, and UCF added a solid option in junior transfer Keyone Jenkins. The former FIU standout brings experience and production - nearly 7,000 passing yards over three seasons - to a quarterback room that’s still sorting out its pecking order.

Presumed starter Alonza Barnett III leads the way, with freshmen Dante Carr and Rocco Marriott waiting in the wings. Jenkins slots in as the likely QB2, but don’t underestimate the value of having a battle-tested veteran ready to step in.

He’s mobile, savvy, and capable of pushing the ball downfield - all traits that fit what Frost wants in his signal-callers. Even if he doesn’t start, Jenkins’ presence raises the floor of the position group.


S TJ Branch (Colorado)

Rounding out the group is safety TJ Branch, a former 4-star recruit who spent his freshman year at Colorado. Though he didn’t see game action in Boulder, Branch was a hot commodity out of high school, with offers from blue-blood programs like Michigan, Auburn, Florida, and Miami.

Now he’s back in his home state, looking to carve out a role in UCF’s secondary. At 6 feet tall with good range and instincts, Branch adds depth and upside to a defensive backfield that already has some intriguing pieces. Under Alex Grinch, who’s known for aggressive, fast-paced defenses, Branch could find himself in a rotation early - especially if he flashes in spring camp.


The Big Picture

UCF isn’t just plugging holes - they’re building a foundation.

With a blend of high-ceiling freshmen and experienced transfers, the Knights are positioning themselves to compete right away in a deepening Big 12. Frost’s return has brought new energy to the program, and this portal class reflects that urgency.

It’s still early, and spring ball will tell us a lot more about how these pieces fit. But one thing’s clear: UCF isn’t sitting back. They’re going after it - and with this group of transfers, they’ve got the tools to make some noise.