Cole Kozlowski may not be done at UCF after all.
After the recent court ruling that opened the door for 2022 high school graduates to gain an extra season of eligibility, the Knights could be in line to bring back a few familiar faces. On Sunday, Roundtable’s Demetrius Montero identified defensive back Phillip Dunnam and linebacker Cole Kozlowski as possible players who could benefit from the injunction.
Kozlowski appears to be the one furthest along in that process. He has already been pictured at UCF’s early practice sessions, and according to UCF journalist Stephen Leonard, he plans to return to the program.
That would give Alex Grinch’s defense an experienced piece in the middle, and one with a track record of production at every stop.
Kozlowski began his college career at Colgate after playing on both sides of the ball in high school, choosing defense at the next level. He saw action in nine games as a freshman, getting his first Division I experience right away.
His production kept climbing from there. In 2023, he led Colgate in passes broken up with five and added 60 tackles. Then, as a junior, he took another jump, finishing first on the team and in the Patriot League in tackles and assisted tackles with 133, while ranking second in the league in solo tackles with 66.
That run of dominance at the mid-major level helped him earn a move to Power 4 football at UCF, where he made an immediate impression. Kozlowski became a steady, vocal presence on defense and turned in three double-digit tackle games, coming against Baylor, BYU and in an 11-tackle, one-sack outing against the Mountaineers.
He finished the season with 82 total tackles, two sacks and three pass deflections, and was named All-Big 12 Third Team.
While preparing for the NFL Draft, where he eventually went undrafted, Kozlowski was also one of three Knights to take part in the inaugural American Bowl. He joined Keli Lawson and Paul Rubelt in front of NFL scouts and legendary head coaches.
If he is indeed back, he would pair with Lewis Carter to give Grinch a strong tandem in the middle of the defense, while also adding the kind of leadership and communication that can steady a unit.
In Other News...
UCF Could Get A Veteran Linebacker Back With One Big Hurdle Left
A familiar face may be on the way back into UCFs linebacker room after a U.S. District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction that opens the door for a fifth year of eligibility for Class of 2022 athletes. Cole Kozlowski was at preseason practice and is in the process of rejoining the team, giving the Knights a potential boost in experience as they continue sorting out the depth chart under Scott Frost.
There is still some fine print to work through, though, because Kozlowskis status could shift again if future court rulings change the eligibility picture. Frost has already signaled that he is open to the return, but he also stressed that the fit has to be right within the programs culture, which leaves Kozlowski with one final hurdle before anything feels settled. [Read more 🡒]
Dylan Wade Just Showed How Big He Is For UCFs Offense
Dylan Wades rise has become one of the most important developments for UCFs offense heading into 2026. The Orlando native, who transferred in from Maryland, put together a record-setting 2025 season for the Knights and has already piled up preseason recognition before a new snap is even taken, landing on multiple watch lists and honors as the summer turns toward camp.
The latest nod may be the one that best captures how far his profile has climbed. Wade was named to the 2026 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, putting him in line with the nations top tight ends and underscoring just how central he has become to what UCF wants to do on offense. For a program looking to build on last years momentum, his name keeps showing up for a reason, and it is only increasing the anticipation around what he might do next. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Faces A Huge Pass Rush Question Heading Into Fall Camp
The biggest question hanging over UCFs defense as fall camp nears is how it will replace the pass-rush production left behind by Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly, both of whom are now in the NFL. Those departures leave a notable hole at EDGE, where the Knights need new contributors to emerge quickly if the front is going to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Isaiah Nixon is expected to see his workload climb, while Sincere Edwards also looms as part of the answer after missing last season with injury. The depth chart beyond them is still taking shape, with Aymeric Koumba and several transfers in the mix, which gives UCF options but also leaves the position group in a state of transition heading into camp. [Read more 🡒]