UCF Knights Lose Key Player as Transfer Exodus Continues

As the transfer portal heats up, UCF faces a growing list of departures with key contributors seeking new opportunities ahead of a pivotal offseason.

UCF Football Transfer Portal Tracker: Who’s Out as the Knights Begin Their Roster Rebuild

The offseason has officially arrived in Orlando, and with it comes a wave of roster turnover for UCF. Following a season-ending loss to then-No.

11 BYU on November 29, head coach Scott Frost and his staff are now navigating the ever-evolving world of the transfer portal. And if early activity is any indication, the Knights are bracing for a significant roster shakeup.

As of now, UCF hasn’t added any new players via the portal - the official window opens January 3 - but the departures are already stacking up. From promising young talent to experienced veterans, the Knights are seeing movement across nearly every position group. Here’s a breakdown of who’s on the way out and what it means for the program heading into 2026.


🔁 Transfer Portal Additions

**None yet.

** The portal officially opens on January 3. Expect UCF to be active as they look to replace key losses and reload on both sides of the ball.


⬅️ Transfer Portal Departures

Horace Lockett Jr. - Defensive Tackle

  • Size: 6-6, 355 lbs | Eligibility: 2 years | Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
  • 2025 Stats: 13 tackles (8 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 pass breakups

Lockett was a mountain in the middle for UCF - a true space-eater with surprising mobility for his size. His departure leaves a noticeable void in the interior defensive line rotation.


Ja'Cari Henderson - Defensive Back

  • Size: 6-0, 180 lbs | Eligibility: 1 year | Hometown: Sanford, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: 3 tackles

Henderson didn’t see much action this season, but his departure adds to a growing list of exits in the secondary.


Stacy Gage - Running Back

  • Size: 5-11, 200 lbs | Eligibility: 3 years | Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: 13 carries, 63 yards, 1 touchdown

A young back with solid upside, Gage showed flashes in limited action. His exit thins out the Knights’ running back depth heading into spring.


Rodney Lora - Defensive Tackle

  • Size: 6-3, 300 lbs | Eligibility: 2 years | Hometown: North Arlington, N.J.
  • 2025 Stats: 22 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery TD

Lora was a productive rotational piece who brought energy and physicality. His knack for being around the ball made him a valuable asset on the defensive front.


Chase Jarrett - Defensive Back

  • Size: 6-0, 200 lbs | Eligibility: 3 years | Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: No recorded stats

Jarrett didn’t crack the stat sheet in 2025, but his departure adds to the secondary exodus.


TJ Bullard - Linebacker

  • Size: 6-1, 220 lbs | Eligibility: 1 year | Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: 2 tackles, 0.5 TFL

Bullard was a depth piece at linebacker, contributing primarily on special teams and in spot duty.


Bredell Richardson - Wide Receiver

  • Size: 6-1, 190 lbs | Eligibility: 3 years | Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: 1 punt return, 8 yards

Richardson didn’t get many chances to showcase his skills offensively, but his athletic profile suggests he could find a bigger role elsewhere.


Kam Moore - Linebacker

  • Size: 6-1, 210 lbs | Eligibility: 1 year | Hometown: Sanford, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: 3 tackles

Another linebacker on the move, Moore’s exit further depletes UCF’s depth at the second level.


Christian Peterson - Defensive Back

  • Size: 5-10, 185 lbs | Eligibility: 2 years | Hometown: Dothan, Ala.
  • 2025 Stats: No recorded stats

Peterson didn’t factor into the rotation this season, but his departure continues a trend of defensive backs heading out.


Jamaal Johnson - EDGE

  • Size: 6-2, 255 lbs | Eligibility: 1 year | Hometown: Miami, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: 24 tackles, 1.5 TFLs

Johnson brought experience and production off the edge. He was a steady contributor who could play both the run and pass effectively.


Derrick LeBlanc - Defensive Tackle

  • Size: 6-5, 310 lbs | Eligibility: 2 years | Hometown: Opa-locka, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: 13 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks

LeBlanc offered size and upside on the interior. His departure adds to the mass exodus on the defensive line.


Carter Miller - Center

  • Size: 6-2, 295 lbs | Eligibility: 1 year | Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
  • 2025 Stats: 593 snaps, 66.1 PFF pass block grade, 62.9 run block grade

Miller was a mainstay on the offensive line, logging significant snaps at center. His experience will be tough to replace up front.


Andrew Rumph - Defensive Tackle

  • Size: 6-5, 330 lbs | Eligibility: 3 years | Hometown: Palmetto, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: No recorded stats

Rumph didn’t see game action in 2025 but has intriguing size and potential. UCF loses another young body in the trenches.


Malakhi Boone - Linebacker

  • Size: 6-2, 230 lbs | Eligibility: 4 years | Hometown: Bushnell, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: No recorded stats

Boone is a long-term project-type player who’ll look for a fresh start elsewhere.


John Walker - Defensive Tackle

  • Size: 6-4, 324 lbs | Eligibility: 2 years | Hometown: Kissimmee, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: 40 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

Walker was one of UCF’s most productive defensive linemen in 2025. His departure is a major blow to the front seven.


Jaquez Joiner - Offensive Lineman

  • Size: 6-4, 285 lbs | Eligibility: 4 years | Hometown: Cocoa, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: 1 game played

Joiner saw limited action but was expected to be part of the future rotation. He’ll now look to develop elsewhere.


Jacurri Brown - Quarterback

  • Size: 6-4, 205 lbs | Eligibility: 2 years | Hometown: Valdosta, Ga.
  • 2025 Stats: 3-of-5 passing, 97 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 16 carries, 142 yards, 2 rushing TDs

Brown brought a dual-threat element to the offense and flashed dynamic playmaking ability. His departure opens up the quarterback competition heading into spring.


Kylan Fox - Tight End

  • Size: 6-4, 235 lbs | Eligibility: 2 years | Hometown: Valdosta, Ga.
  • 2025 Stats: 16 receptions, 137 yards, 1 touchdown

Fox was a reliable target in the passing game with size and soft hands. His exit leaves a hole at tight end for UCF.


Jyaire Brown - Defensive Back

  • Size: 5-11, 175 lbs | Eligibility: 1 year | Hometown: New Orleans, La.
  • 2025 Stats: 7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pass breakup

Another experienced DB heading out, Brown had some production and versatility in the secondary.


Tony Williams - Defensive Back

  • Size: 6-2, 195 lbs | Eligibility: 4 years | Hometown: Miami, Fla.
  • 2025 Stats: 2 tackles

Williams is a young defensive back with size and potential. He’ll aim to carve out a role at his next stop.


Tayven Jackson - Quarterback

  • Size: 6-4, 215 lbs | Eligibility: 1 year | Hometown: Greenwood, Ind.
  • 2025 Stats: 10 starts, 2,151 passing yards, 10 TDs, 8 INTs; 85 rushing yards, 3 TDs; 1 receiving TD

Jackson was UCF’s primary starter in 2025. His exit marks a significant shift in the quarterback room