When the transfer portal opened on January 3, UCF football didn’t just dip a toe in-it dove in with a purpose. Coming off a 5-7 season and facing a roster overhaul, the Knights knew they had to get aggressive. With 34 players exiting the program-including key starters like quarterback Tayven Jackson, wide receiver DJ Black, center Carter Miller, and defensive tackle John Walker-UCF had holes to fill and not a lot of time to do it.
The Knights responded by bringing in more than two dozen transfers, targeting specific needs with a mix of experience, upside, and scheme fit. Let’s break down six key areas where UCF aimed to level up through the portal.
Quarterback: A New Signal Caller with Playoff Pedigree
The quarterback room took a hit with the departure of Tayven Jackson, but UCF wasted no time finding a leader. Enter Alonza Barnett III, a two-year starter from James Madison who helped guide the Dukes to a 21-6 record and a College Football Playoff appearance. That’s not just experience-it’s big-game experience.
Barnett brings a strong arm, good decision-making, and the mobility to extend plays when protection breaks down. He’s not just a plug-and-play starter-he’s also a mentor for young quarterbacks Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr. In a system that demands both poise and playmaking, Barnett checks a lot of boxes.
Running Back: Depth, Power, and Fresh Legs
With Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon moving on, UCF needed to retool its backfield. Landon Chambers comes in after a 1,200-yard season at Central Arkansas, and Duke Wilson brings physicality and elusiveness from Louisville, where he ranked third among the team’s backs in missed tackles forced and yards after contact-despite playing in just seven games.
Add in Agyeman Addae, who flashed late last season, and Taevion Swint, who returns from injury, and the Knights have a versatile group. Freshmen Kaj Baker and Arthur Lewis IV round out a unit that’s deep, young, and ready to compete.
Wide Receiver: From Question Mark to Potential Strength
This time last year, UCF’s receiving corps was one of the biggest unknowns. Now? It might be one of the team’s most promising units.
Duane Thomas Jr. and Waden Charles emerged as reliable options in 2025, and they’ll be joined by a pair of intriguing transfers. Jonathan Bibbs led Louisiana-Monroe in yards after catch last season, while Josh Derry was Monmouth’s highest-graded receiver, per Pro Football Focus.
And don’t forget Day Day Farmer. After returning from injury late last season, he’s poised to be a key contributor. With receivers coach Sean Beckton overseeing the group, this unit could take a big step forward.
Offensive Line: Rebuilt from the Ground Up
Replacing six linemen who started games last season is no small task, but new offensive line coach AJ Blazek has some reinforcements.
Transfers Cooper Terpstra (Michigan State), Brady Wayburn (UConn), Tyler Gibson (Charlotte), and Henry Tabansi (Buffalo) bring a combined wealth of experience. Tabansi, in particular, is a seasoned tackle with over 1,600 career snaps.
Wayburn adds more than 700 snaps of his own, while Gibson’s versatility allows him to play guard or tackle. Terpstra is a young center with upside.
They’ll join returning starter Preston Cushman and a group of developing linemen including Connor Meadows, Owen Spell, Justin Royes, and Laparka Langston. It’s a new-look group, but one with the potential to gel quickly.
Defensive Line: Reloading in the Trenches
Losing edge rushers Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly leaves a big void, but UCF is working to reload rather than rebuild.
Sincere Edwards and Isaiah Nixon return with valuable experience at edge, while transfers Bruno Dall (Akron), Ken Talley (Arkansas), and Brad Gurley (Eastern Kentucky) offer intriguing upside. The rotation could be deeper than expected if the newcomers settle in quickly.
Inside, the return of Horace Lockett Jr. is a major boost. After a brief stint in the portal, he’s back and ready to anchor the middle.
RJ Jackson and Jeffson Lafontant are poised for bigger roles, and Oregon State transfer Thomas Collins adds another experienced body to the mix. If this group can generate pressure, it’ll take a lot of heat off the secondary.
Secondary: Experience and Chemistry Return
Continuity is a luxury in college football, and UCF’s secondary has it. Starting corners Jayden Bellamy and Antione Jackson are back, as are safeties Demari Henderson and Braeden Marshall. That’s a starting unit with chemistry, communication, and reps together-an underrated advantage in today’s game.
DJ Bell also saw a good chunk of action last season and gives the Knights another experienced option at corner.
The transfer portal added even more depth. Safeties Caleb Flagg (Missouri), Kahmel Johnson (Wayne State), and Ty Bartrum (Harvard) bring experience from different levels of competition. Jailen Duffie, a cornerback from North Dakota State, reunites with his former position coach Will Johnson, which could help him hit the ground running.
Final Thoughts
UCF didn’t just patch holes this offseason-they retooled with purpose. The Knights brought in proven talent, prioritized fit, and added experience at key positions.
After a 5-7 campaign, the message is clear: this program isn’t interested in standing still. With a revamped roster and a full offseason ahead, the Knights are gearing up to make some noise in 2026.