UCF Football Transfer Portal Tracker: Who’s Out, Who Could Be In as the Knights Begin Their Roster Rebuild
The offseason has officially kicked off in Orlando, and with it comes a familiar sight in today’s college football landscape: the transfer portal is buzzing. Following UCF’s season-ending loss to No. 11 BYU on November 29, head coach Scott Frost and his staff are now deep into the next phase of the program’s evolution - reshaping the roster.
As of now, the Knights haven’t added any new faces through the portal, but that’s expected to change once the window officially opens on January 3. In the meantime, the departures are already stacking up, with a growing list of players opting to take their talents elsewhere. Whether it’s about chasing more playing time, better scheme fits, or boosting their NFL résumé, the reasons vary - but the impact on UCF’s depth chart is undeniable.
Here’s a comprehensive look at who’s on the move:
Defensive Departures: Front Seven Takes a Hit
UCF’s defensive line and linebacker corps are absorbing the brunt of the early portal losses.
- John Walker, a key piece in the trenches, is heading out after a productive 2025 campaign. The 6-foot-4, 324-pound defensive tackle posted 40 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. He brought size, strength, and experience to the interior - and replacing that kind of presence won’t be easy.
- Derrick LeBlanc and Jamaal Johnson are two more names to watch from the defensive front. LeBlanc, at 6-5 and 310 pounds, was disruptive with 13 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup. Johnson added 24 tackles and 1.5 TFLs off the edge, giving the Knights solid rotational production.
- Kam Moore and TJ Bullard, both linebackers, are also out. While they didn’t rack up major numbers - combining for just five tackles in 2025 - their exits thin out the depth at a position that demands physicality and versatility.
- Malakhi Boone, a young linebacker with four years of eligibility left, didn’t see the field this past season but was viewed as a developmental prospect. His departure is more about long-term potential than short-term production.
Secondary Shuffle: Youth Movement Interrupted
The defensive backfield is also undergoing a shake-up, with several underclassmen entering the portal.
- Jyaire Brown brought some experience to the table with seven tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup. He had one year of eligibility left and could’ve provided veteran leadership in the secondary.
- Christian Peterson, Tony Williams, Jakob Gude, and Jaylen Heyward are all on the move as well. While none of them posted significant stats in 2025, their exits leave the Knights with fewer options to develop in the coming seasons.
Offensive Departures: Quarterback Room Thins Out
Quarterback depth is always a hot topic, and UCF is seeing two signal-callers head for the exit.
- Tayven Jackson, who started 10 games this season, is a notable loss. He completed 63.5% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
He also added three rushing scores and even caught a touchdown pass. Jackson brought dual-threat ability and starting experience, and his departure opens up a major question mark under center heading into 2026.
- Jacurri Brown, another athletic quarterback, didn’t see as much action but made his presence felt when he did. In limited snaps, he went 3-of-5 for 97 yards with a touchdown and a pick, while adding 142 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. His mobility was a weapon, and his upside will be missed.
Skill Positions: Young Talent on the Move
- Kylan Fox, a 6-4, 235-pound tight end, is transferring after catching 16 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. With two years of eligibility left, Fox had the size and hands to be a matchup problem, and his departure stings for a team that values tight end production.
- Bredell Richardson, a wide receiver from Tampa, is also out. He didn’t see much action in 2025 outside of a single punt return, but with three years of eligibility remaining, he had time to grow into a larger role.
Offensive Line Changes: Experience Walks Out
- Carter Miller, UCF’s starting center, is heading elsewhere after logging 593 snaps this season. His pass-blocking (66.1 grade) and run-blocking (62.9) numbers weren’t elite, but they were steady. Losing a veteran anchor in the middle of the line creates an immediate need for a plug-and-play replacement.
- Jaquez Joiner, a freshman offensive lineman who appeared in just one game, is also leaving. With four years of eligibility left, he was a developmental piece with upside.
Big Picture: Frost’s Rebuild Is Underway
This isn’t unexpected - welcome to the modern college football offseason. The portal giveth and taketh away, and UCF is currently on the receiving end of the latter. But with the portal officially opening on January 3, the opportunity to reload is just around the corner.
Scott Frost and his staff will be active - they have to be. With key losses across the board, from the defensive line to the quarterback room, the Knights will need to hit on a few impact transfers to keep pace in a rapidly evolving college football landscape.
The next few weeks will be crucial. Stay tuned.