With nonconference play officially in the books, the UCF Knights head into Big 12 action riding serious momentum. Their 85-80 win over FAU closed the chapter on a near-perfect start - 11-1 through 12 games - marking the best opening stretch of the Johnny Dawkins era in Orlando. But now, the real test begins.
Big 12 play opens with a heavyweight bout: Kansas comes to town
Circle January 3 on the calendar. That’s when UCF welcomes the Kansas Jayhawks to Addition Financial Arena - a matchup that brings both opportunity and a shot at redemption.
Kansas, under the ever-consistent Bill Self, is once again a force to be reckoned with. At 10-3, the Jayhawks are ranked in the top 25, and while the Knights may boast a better record, KU’s pedigree and strength of schedule keep them firmly in the national conversation. For UCF, this is more than just a conference opener - it’s a chance to make a statement.
There’s also some unfinished business here. Last season, UCF’s early Big 12 momentum was derailed in emphatic fashion when Kansas rolled into Orlando and handed the Knights a 99-48 loss - a game that still stings.
That blowout came just days after UCF had stunned Texas Tech on the road in their first-ever Big 12 game. Now, with Kansas returning to Orlando, the Knights have a golden opportunity to flip the script and deliver a signature win in front of their home crowd - just like they did back in 2024.
Next up: a road test at Oklahoma State
Three days later, UCF heads to Stillwater to take on an Oklahoma State team that, like the Knights, has quietly built an 11-1 record. The Cowboys still have one final nonconference game on December 29, but they’ve already emerged as one of the early surprises in the Big 12 under second-year head coach Steve Lutz.
This January 6 matchup could carry real weight in the bigger picture. Both teams are in the early mix for NCAA Tournament consideration, and this game could provide a momentum boost for whichever side comes out on top. For UCF, there’s also the added challenge - and opportunity - of proving they can win on the road, something that’s been a hurdle in recent years.
Gallagher-Iba Arena is one of the most storied venues in college basketball, and walking out of there with a win would be a confidence-builder for any team. The Knights do have some history on their side - since joining the Big 12, they’ve taken three of four meetings against Oklahoma State, including a key win in the 2024 Big 12 Championship.
Depth, confidence, and a chance to make noise
What’s fueling UCF’s hot start? Depth.
The Knights have leaned on a balanced rotation that includes Jordan Burks, Riley Kugel, Themus Fulks, and Jamichael Stillwell - a group that’s brought energy, versatility, and consistency on both ends of the floor. That depth will be tested now, but it’s also what makes this team intriguing heading into the grind of Big 12 play.
At 11-1, UCF has put itself in a position to compete. But the next two games - against a blueblood in Kansas and a rising Oklahoma State squad - will tell us just how ready the Knights are to battle in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.
The stage is set. Now it’s time to see if UCF can take that next step.