UCF’s linebacker room is drawing real attention before the season even gets rolling, and for good reason. Pro Football Focus put Lewis Carter and Cole Kozlowski among the Big 12’s top-10 returning linebackers, a sign that the Knights are bringing back two of the conference’s most productive defensive pieces.
Carter checked in at No. 8 with a 75.9 grade, while Kozlowski landed right behind him at No. 9 with a 75.6. UCF was one of only two teams in the Big 12, along with Texas Tech, to place more than one player on the list.
That kind of recognition lines up with what UCF has tried to build this offseason. Scott Frost worked to keep key contributors from last year’s roster in place while also adding through the transfer portal, and on defense, the return of Carter and Kozlowski gives the Knights something they can hang their hat on. Both players are back with another year of experience, and Kozlowski’s eligibility situation appears to point toward an extra season, which would keep the tandem together in the middle of Alex Grinch’s defense.
Carter’s first year with the program was busy. He piled up 92 total tackles, added two sacks and forced two fumbles, all while emerging as a steady voice on the field. He finished strong, too, posting 12 or more tackles in three of the final four games, including matchups against Texas Tech, Houston and BYU.
At media day, Frost made it clear how much Carter means to the defense: "Like Lew Carter is the clear leader on defense for us," Frost said at media day. "We didn't really have that a year ago either.
The vocal guy out in front. I think guys like that are going to give us a a little bit easier path to hopefully some success."
Kozlowski has been every bit the productive partner beside him. The senior linebacker had 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 earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors.
Between the production, the continuity and the leadership, UCF has a linebacker duo that looks like one of the league’s best returning groups.
In Other News...
Former UCF Star Keyshawn Hall Is Back In A Recruiting Battle
Keyshawn Halls college career may not be as finished as it once looked. After leading the Big 12 in scoring at UCF and then spending his senior season at Auburn, the former Knights standout is still eligible to return to the college game under the sports new eligibility rules, which has put him back on the radar for programs looking to add a proven scorer.
Social media chatter has already started to swirl around his next move, and Halls name is being floated in connection with multiple high-profile schools. He played for Bruce Pearl at Auburn and earned Third-Team All-SEC honors there, so the appeal is obvious, but for now there is no official commitment and the next step in his recruiting process remains open. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Faces A Kicking Decision That Could Shape Its Season
The kicking job at UCF is still very much up for grabs after Noe Ruelas moved on, and the Knights are sorting through a competition that could matter more than it looks in August. Will Stone, who arrived with a background as Texas kickoff specialist, is in the mix alongside redshirt freshman Noah McGough, and both bring the kind of leg strength that can get a staffs attention even if neither has long run as a college starter.
Stones case is particularly intriguing because this is his final season, and he has made it clear he wants a chance to prove he can handle more than kickoffs. For a program looking to settle one of the most pressure-filled spots on the field, the decision is less about hype than trust, and UCF will keep watching who handles the routine kicks, the pressure reps and the little things that usually decide a season-long answer. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Added Secondary Depth That Could Matter More Than Fans Think
UCF kept adding to its defensive backfield with the addition of Jailen Duffie, a North Dakota State transfer who brings a rare blend of secondary help and kicking versatility for the 2026 season. Duffie arrived with some real pedigree, too, after earning All-Missouri Valley Football Conference second-team honors in 2025, which gives the Knights a depth piece who has already proven himself at a respected FCS program.
For now, the expectation is that Duffie fills a backup role, but the more interesting part of the fit may be what comes next. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has made clear he wants a defense built so multiple players can contribute at a high level, and that kind of structure often rewards players who are ready when their number is called. Duffie could be one of those names in 2027 if his development continues on schedule. [Read more 🡒]