UCF may be getting a familiar linebacker back in the mix, with Cole Kozlowski expected to return after a major court ruling last week, according to a source.
Kozlowski was back on campus Wednesday and watched the Knights’ third preseason practice while he worked through the process of rejoining the program, though his status could still shift depending on what happens with future court decisions.
The move stems from a ruling by Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado, who on Saturday issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA that gives a fifth year of eligibility to all Class of 2022 athletes.
Sweeney followed that up on Sunday by clarifying that the decision does not let those players skip existing transfer rules, roster limits or revenue-sharing amounts. She also made clear the ruling does not apply to players who signed pro contracts over the summer and want to return to college.
The NCAA is appealing the ruling.
Kozlowski, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound New Jersey native, was a key part of UCF’s defense last season. He started 12 games at middle linebacker as a senior and finished second on the team with 82 tackles. He went undrafted and did not sign with a professional team.
Coach Scott Frost said Monday there are still some hoops to jump through, but he would welcome Kozlowski back.
“We’ll always look for ways to upgrade our roster, but it’s way too early to know what that means at this point. We’re certainly exploring some options,” Frost said.
Frost also stressed that the Knights would be selective about any addition to the roster.
“It’s got to be the right guy. We have such a good culture.
We’ve got such a good thing in the building. It’s got to be the right guy,” Frost added.
“We’re trying to figure all that out, just like everybody else right now.”
If Kozlowski does return, he would likely begin near the bottom of the linebacker depth chart. UCF already has middle linebacker Lewis Carter back after he led the team with 92 tackles last season, and the room also includes transfers Tacket Curtis, Jahleel Culbreath and Rashad Henry, plus high school additions Preston Hall and Matthew Occhipinti.
The biggest immediate hurdle for Kozlowski would be getting back into game shape in time for the season opener against Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 3.
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