UCF’s first depth chart of the season came with a few clear answers and a few spots that still look very much up for grabs.
With the Knights set to open the 2026-2027 campaign Thursday against Bethune-Cookman, Tuesday’s release showed senior Florida International transfer Keyone Jenkins holding the backup quarterback job for now. Kaleb Annett and Rocco Marriott were listed behind him with an “OR” designation, and head coach Scott Frost said Monday that Jenkins has the early edge but described the race as “fluid.”
The backfield also opened with a defined No. 1, as Duke Watson was listed ahead of fellow transfer Landen Chambers. That said, the plan appears to be a shared workload.
Watson brings big-play speed, Chambers offers a more physical downhill style, and redshirt freshman Taevion Swint is another name expected to get chances. Swint is viewed as similar to Watson and may have the highest receiving upside of the three.
One of the more eye-catching offensive notes came at tight end, where redshirt freshman Caden Piening was listed on the same level as Dylan Wade. That matters because Wade is coming off the best season from a tight end in program history, but Piening has done enough in camp to force his way into the conversation for meaningful snaps.
On defense, Arkansas transfer edge rusher Ken Talley has been one of the quieter standouts of camp, and the depth chart reflected that by splitting first-team reps with Sincere Edwards. At linebacker, UCF appears to be preparing to be without its All Big-12 linebacker for at least Week 1 because of the ongoing NCAA and eligibility court ruling situation.
That leaves Lewis Carter in the middle of the defense, with Jayden Jennings and Tackett Curtis alongside him. Jennings is in his second season with the program, while Curtis brings familiarity with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch from their USC connection. Both are expected to give the Knights experienced help next to Carter.
In Other News...
UCFs Opener Carries Recruiting Stakes Fans Should Be Watching Closely
UCFs season opener against Bethune-Cookman is doing more than kicking off a new year on the field. The Knights are also turning it into an early recruiting showcase, with several priority visitors expected on campus from multiple classes as the program tries to build momentum before the schedule really gets rolling. Among the names drawing attention are committed players Noah Robinson and Kaneilius Purdy, along with a group of younger targets who could shape the next few cycles of the roster.
The visitor list gives the staff a chance to stay in front of prospects like Justin Kemp, KyMani Fils-Amie, Axzavious Hawkins, Jaden Parks, Jordan McCrimon and Tyrese Jefferson, while also making a local impression on a class that is still taking shape. Openers can carry extra weight in recruiting because they bring families, atmosphere and attention all at once, and UCF will be looking to make this one count as much in the stands as on the scoreboard. [Read more 🡒]
Scott Frost Still Has Key UCF Opener Decisions To Make
UCFs season opener against Bethune-Cookman brings the usual Week 1 mix of broadcast details, weather watching and betting interest, but the more immediate storyline is on the Knights depth chart. Scott Frost said the staff is still sorting through a few personnel questions, while the confirmed absence of edge rusher Bruno Dall already forces the defense to shuffle its early rotation and create a clearer path for younger players to get on the field.
Among the names to watch are backups Aymeric Koumba and Jeffson Lafontant, who could be asked to carry more of the load than expected in the opener. Frost also said decisions remain pending on defensive tackle RJ Jackson Jr. and wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr., leaving some of the game-day picture unfinished heading into a matchup that doubles as an early test of how much depth this roster really has. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Is Counting On Barnett To Deliver What Fans Have Waited For
UCF is heading into the 2026-2027 football season with Alonza Barnett III installed as the starting quarterback, and the messaging around him has been as much about belief as it is about production. Barnett and several teammates have leaned into a Why not us approach, with the kind of confidence that usually accompanies a program trying to turn expectation into something more tangible. For a Knights team looking to take a real step forward, the quarterback spot is where that ambition has to start.
Scott Frost and the players around Barnett have pointed to his leadership and steady play as central pieces of what could make the offense look different this fall. The optimism is real, but so are the stakes, because UCF is not just trying to feel better about itself - it is trying to build toward a Big 12 Championship conversation, and Barnett is the one being counted on to help make that case. [Read more 🡒]