Dylan Wade and Alonza Barnett III are making waves in the virtual world as EA Sports reveals elite player ratings for the upcoming College Football 27 video game. The Knights' roster is looking formidable, with Wade and Barnett leading the charge into the Big 12 campaign.
Dylan Wade, the Knights' standout tight end, has secured an impressive 88 overall rating. This places him in a prestigious four-way tie for the fourth-highest tight end rating alongside BYU's Benjamin Brahmer, Temple's Peter Clarke, and Iowa's DJ Vonnahme.
Wade's performance last season was nothing short of historic, as he set program records with 43 receptions, 523 yards, and five touchdowns. His on-field chemistry with quarterback Tayven Jackson was evident, with Jackson praising Wade's ability to read defenses and find open spaces, making him a reliable target throughout the season.
On the heels of Wade's success, James Madison transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III is ready to make his mark in the Big 12. After a stellar performance in the College Football Playoff with the Dukes, where he threw for 273 yards, added 45 rushing yards, and scored three touchdowns against a formidable Oregon defense, Barnett is eager to showcase his dual-threat capabilities with the Knights. Despite being sidelined by lingering injuries, Barnett's presence in team meetings has been noted as energetic and active, signaling his readiness to contribute once fully recovered.
Barnett's prowess hasn't gone unnoticed, as ESPN's Bill Connelly ranks him among the top-10 transfers in the Big 12, highlighting his impressive stats from last season. Barnett's 2,806 passing yards, 729 rushing yards, and 38 combined touchdowns underscore his ability to lead and execute under pressure, making him one of the most tested and proven quarterbacks emerging from the transfer portal.
As the Knights gear up for the Big 12 season, the combination of Wade's record-setting playmaking and Barnett's dynamic dual-threat potential promises to bring excitement and competitiveness to the field. Fans and opponents alike should keep their eyes on these two as they aim to make a significant impact both in the game and on the virtual gridiron.
In Other News...
UCF Sent A Clear Message With Its Big 12 Media Day Picks
UCFs selection of four players for Big 12 football media day in Frisco says plenty about where the program sees its leadership core heading into the season. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III, offensive lineman Preston Cushman, defensive back Jayden Bellamy and linebacker Lewis Carter will represent the Knights, a group that mixes a promising new face at quarterback with two defenders expected to carry major responsibilities and a veteran lineman who stands as the lone returning starter up front.
Barnetts presence is especially notable because the transfer from James Madison has not yet taken a snap for UCF, but the staff clearly values the voice he brings to the locker room. On the other side of the ball, Bellamy and Carter are positioned to be central figures for a defense looking to define itself, while Cushmans return gives the offensive line at least one familiar anchor as the Knights head into the Big 12 spotlight. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Just Got Big 12 Validation In A Crucial Strength
UCFs special teams room is drawing some of the kind of attention that usually goes to offense or defense, and Pete Alamar is a big reason why. The Knights have already shown they can lean on that phase of the game, with Jaden Nixon, Antione Jackson and Noe Ruelas all turning in notable moments last season, and now Alamar is getting recognized around the Big 12 as one of the leagues top coordinators. For a program trying to keep stacking small edges, that kind of validation matters because it suggests UCFs kicking and return work is becoming a real weapon, not just a hidden bonus.
Pete Alamar also has real decisions ahead before the season settles in. The kicking job is still unsettled with Texas transfer Will Stone and Noah McGough both in the mix, while the return game is open enough that freshman Kaj Baker, redshirt freshman Taevion Swint and Louisville transfer Duke Watson are all being evaluated for opportunities. Watson is also part of the punt-return conversation, which only adds to the competition as UCF tries to replace last years production without losing the edge that made this unit stand out. [Read more 🡒]
UCF's Pass Rush Future Now Rests With One Rising Assistant
Mike Dawson has already become one of the more important pieces of UCFs defensive identity, even if his title does not always get him the headline attention. The Knights defensive run game coordinator was recently singled out by Matrix Analytical as the Big 12s third-best EDGE coach, a nod that fits with the way his room has developed over time and the pipeline he helped build. Two former UCF EDGE players, Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly, are now in the NFL, giving the program a little more proof that the work done on campus can translate beyond it.
Now the attention shifts to what comes next, because UCF is trying to piece together its EDGE rotation for 2026 with a mix of returners and new transfers under Dawsons guidance. The group is changing, but the expectation around the room is not, and the early signs of how quickly the newcomers settle in could say plenty about how steady the Knights pass rush looks when the next season arrives. [Read more 🡒]