In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, special teams can often be the unsung heroes, quietly tipping the scales in favor of victory. At the University of Central Florida, Pete Alamar is orchestrating a special teams symphony that has the Knights standing tall in the Big 12. With a potent mix of elite kicking and record-breaking returns, Alamar's expertise is powering UCF to maintain their special teams dominance in 2026.
Alamar, a name now synonymous with special teams excellence, has been pivotal in transforming UCF's unit into one of the top contenders in the conference. His strategic acumen has not gone unnoticed, as highlighted by Matrix Analytical's ranking of him as the third-best special teams coordinator in the Big 12. Only Texas Tech's Kenny Perry and Cincinnati's Luke Paschall rank higher, underscoring the competitive nature of the league.
Last season, Alamar had the privilege of coaching some standout talents. Jaden Nixon, now showcasing his skills with the Green Bay Packers, electrified fans with a kickoff return touchdown against North Carolina A&T. This was a landmark moment, marking the first such touchdown for the Knights since 2017.
Meanwhile, Antione Jackson made waves as a punt returner, earning a spot on Phil Steele's 2026 Preseason Big 12 Team. Jackson's 188 punt return yards were the best in the Big 12, placing him 17th nationally. His contributions were a crucial part of UCF's special teams success.
Arguably, the crown jewel of Alamar's unit was kicker Noe Ruelas. A model of consistency, Ruelas not only made the All-Big 12 Third Team but also emerged as a Lou Groza Semifinalist.
His remarkable 88.2% field goal conversion rate, including three successful kicks from beyond 50 yards, was the best in the Big 12 and 15th nationally. As Alamar aptly put it, having a kicker who can nail 89% of his attempts, including those from 55 yards and beyond, is a game-changer.
As the Knights look ahead, the team faces some transitions. With Nixon and Ruelas pursuing NFL dreams, Alamar is keeping a keen eye on the competition for their replacements. Texas transfer Will Stone and Noah McGough are locked in a tight battle for the starting kicker role, with fall camp set to be the decider.
In the realm of kick returners, Alamar is exploring options within the running back group. Freshman Kaj Baker, redshirt freshman Taevion Swint, and Louisville transfer Duke Watson are all in the mix. Alamar is particularly interested in seeing what Baker and Watson can bring to the table, especially with Swint returning to full health.
Last season, UCF ranked impressively in kickoff return yards, securing fifth place with 541 yards and one touchdown, while also standing sixth in punt return yards with 196. Despite some uncertainties looming, Alamar's strategic vision and keen eye for talent suggest that the Knights are well-positioned to remain a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12's special teams arena.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on UCF's special teams, where under Alamar's guidance, they aim to continue their ascent and perhaps even redefine excellence in the conference.
In Other News...
UCF's Pass Rush Future Now Rests With One Rising Assistant
Mike Dawsons rise in UCFs defensive staff has become one of the more encouraging subplots around the programs pass rush. The Knights defensive run game coordinator was recently tabbed as the third-best EDGE coach in the Big 12 by Matrix Analytical, a nod that carries extra weight after he helped develop two former UCF EDGE players into NFL talent. Malachi Lawrence is now with the Dallas Cowboys, while Nyjalik Kelly landed with the Green Bay Packers, giving Dawson a track record the Knights can point to as they reshape that part of the defense.
Now the bigger question is how smoothly that next wave comes together in 2026. UCF has to replace both of those departures while building around returning pieces and a batch of transfers, all under Dawsons guidance. The good news for the Knights is that the room already has some continuity, and the newcomers are trying to fit into a system that has already produced pro-caliber results. What that rotation ultimately looks like when the season arrives will say plenty about how far Dawsons influence can stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Former UCF Defender Opens Up About A Knights Career That Changed Fast
Randy Charltons football path has been anything but straight, and the former UCF defensive end is still trying to turn an abrupt college arc into a lasting pro career. After transferring to Mississippi State and earning a starting role there, he went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft before landing with the Miami Dolphins practice squad and then spending time with the Edmonton Elks and Orlando Pirates.
Charltons latest stop is with the Birmingham Stallions, another chance to put good tape together and keep pushing toward an NFL return. For a player whose career has already crossed leagues and countries, the challenge now is less about proving he can play than about finally finding the kind of stability that has eluded him since his college days changed so quickly. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Transfer Could Change Everything In One Crucial Line Battle
Brady Wayburn looks like one of the more important additions on UCFs 2026 roster, and it is easy to see why the Knights are giving the former UConn lineman a real look at right guard. He started six games there last season after appearing in a larger role for the Huskies, and that kind of live-game experience is exactly what UCF is buying into as it tries to firm up the interior of its offensive line.
Offensive line coach AJ Blazek has been upbeat about Wayburns strength and run-blocking fit, especially in a system that leans on wide zone concepts. Wayburn is in the mix to claim the job, though the final alignment may not be settled yet, and how UCF sorts out that right side could determine whether his transfer turns into a quiet depth move or one of the more consequential camp battles on the roster. [Read more 🡒]