Orlando's own Mujahid Jefferson is set to make waves at UCF, bringing his formidable skills to the Knights' defensive line as a promising 2026 prospect.
The UCF Knights scored big on Wednesday evening with Jefferson's commitment, a move that could pay immediate dividends for Coach Scott Frost and defensive tackles coach Kenny Martin. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 285 pounds, Jefferson is a local talent from Evans High School in Orlando, poised to make a significant impact.
Though Jefferson hasn't been rated by 247Sports, his talent hasn't gone unnoticed. He's attracted offers from programs like Western Kentucky, Marshall, Rhode Island, and Warner. His recruitment journey included an unofficial visit to Florida State in April 2024 and a recent trip to Florida A&M.
During his senior year as a Trojan, Jefferson racked up impressive stats: 42 tackles, with 20 solo efforts, 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks. He was instrumental in Evans' dominant 8-2 season, where they averaged a 37-point win margin.
While UCF's pursuit of Jefferson wasn't heavily publicized, it's easy to see why they were keen on securing his commitment. Coach Frost emphasized the importance of investing in high school talent that can contribute right away and develop over time.
Jefferson is the eighth recruit from Florida and the third defensive tackle to commit to UCF, joining Noah Mercer and Isaiah McNish. This trio strengthens a defensive tackle unit that saw departures like John Walker, Andrew Rumph, Rodney Lora, and Derrick LeBlanc.
The addition of Jefferson, along with Mercer and McNish, bolsters UCF's depth and gives Coach Martin promising young players to develop. Jefferson's decision to stay close to home also means his family can easily attend his games, a factor that resonates with many Florida recruits.
Coach Frost highlighted UCF's appeal, noting, "Being in a bigger league now, UCF sells itself. Florida kids can stay close to home, play big-time football, and remain near their families. The university and the city of Orlando speak for themselves."