The end of UCF’s 2025 season came on November 29 with a loss to then-No. 11 BYU, and with that, the Knights turned the page to the offseason. For head coach Scott Frost and his staff, that means navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the transfer portal-a process that’s already well underway.
While the portal officially opens on January 3, players have already begun announcing their intentions to move on, seeking new opportunities to elevate their careers, gain more playing time, or make a stronger case to NFL scouts. And for UCF, the list of departures is growing, with some notable names and key contributors opting to explore new programs.
Let’s break down where things stand so far in the Knights’ transfer portal tracker.
UCF Transfer Portal Additions
As of now, UCF hasn’t officially added any new players through the portal. With the window opening on January 3, expect movement soon. The staff will be on the hunt for reinforcements to fill the gaps left by the outgoing talent.
UCF Transfer Portal Departures
Here’s a closer look at the players who’ve entered the portal, what they brought to the table in 2025, and what their departures could mean for the Knights moving forward.
Stacy Gage - Running Back
- Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
- Size: 5-11, 200 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 3 years
Gage flashed in limited action this year, totaling 63 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. He’s a young back with upside, and while he didn’t get a heavy workload in 2025, his departure thins out the depth in the running back room.
Rodney Lora - Defensive Tackle
- Hometown: North Arlington, N.J.
- Size: 6-3, 300 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 2 years
Lora was a solid rotational piece on the interior, racking up 22 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. He even found the end zone on a fumble recovery.
Losing him hurts the defensive line’s depth and experience.
Chase Jarrett - Defensive Back
- Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
- Size: 6-0, 200 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 3 years
Jarrett didn’t record any stats in 2025, but his frame and years of eligibility make him a developmental prospect with time to grow elsewhere.
TJ Bullard - Linebacker
- Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
- Size: 6-1, 220 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 1 year
Bullard contributed in a limited role, finishing with two tackles and half a tackle for loss. A veteran presence, he’ll look for a bigger role in his final season.
Bredell Richardson - Wide Receiver
- Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
- Size: 6-1, 190 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 3 years
Richardson’s lone stat in 2025 was an 8-yard punt return. He’s another young player with potential who didn’t carve out a role this season.
Kam Moore - Linebacker
- Hometown: Sanford, Fla.
- Size: 6-1, 210 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 1 year
Moore made three tackles on the year. Like Bullard, he was a depth piece in the linebacker corps and will seek more snaps elsewhere.
Christian Peterson - Defensive Back
- Hometown: Dothan, Ala.
- Size: 5-10, 185 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 2 years
Peterson didn’t record any stats this season, but he’ll look for a fresh start and a chance to contribute in a new secondary.
Jamaal Johnson - EDGE
- Hometown: Miami, Fla.
- Size: 6-2, 255 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 1 year
Johnson was a productive rotational edge rusher with 24 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. His departure leaves a gap in UCF’s pass-rushing depth.
Derrick LeBlanc - Defensive Tackle
- Hometown: Opa-locka, Fla.
- Size: 6-5, 310 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 2 years
LeBlanc was a key contributor up front, posting 13 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. His combination of size and production will be missed on the interior.
Carter Miller - Center
- Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
- Size: 6-2, 295 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 1 year
Miller logged nearly 600 snaps at center and posted solid PFF grades in both pass protection (66.1) and run blocking (62.9). Losing a veteran lineman with that level of experience is a tough blow for the offensive front.
Andrew Rumph - Defensive Tackle
- Hometown: Palmetto, Fla.
- Size: 6-5, 330 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 3 years
Rumph didn’t register any stats in 2025, but his size and eligibility make him an intriguing long-term project for another program.
Malakhi Boone - Linebacker
- Hometown: Bushnell, Fla.
- Size: 6-2, 230 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 4 years
Boone didn’t see the field this season, but he’s a young linebacker with four years left to develop.
John Walker - Defensive Tackle
- Hometown: Kissimmee, Fla.
- Size: 6-4, 324 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 2 years
Walker was one of the most productive defenders on the roster, tallying 40 tackles, 3 TFLs, a sack, and a forced fumble. His departure is a significant loss for the defensive line and the defense as a whole.
Jaquez Joiner - Offensive Lineman
- Hometown: Cocoa, Fla.
- Size: 6-4, 285 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 4 years
Joiner appeared in just one game, but at his size and with four years of eligibility, he’ll be a developmental asset elsewhere.
Jacurri Brown - Quarterback
- Hometown: Valdosta, Ga.
- Size: 6-4, 205 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 2 years
Brown showed flashes of dual-threat ability, completing 3-of-5 passes for 97 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also rushed for 142 yards and two scores.
His athleticism and upside make him one of the more intriguing departures.
Kylan Fox - Tight End
- Hometown: Valdosta, Ga.
- Size: 6-4, 235 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 2 years
Fox was a reliable option at tight end with 16 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown. He’ll be a valuable addition for any offense looking for a pass-catching threat at the position.
Jyaire Brown - Defensive Back
- Hometown: New Orleans, La.
- Size: 5-11, 175 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 1 year
Brown recorded seven tackles, including one for loss, and added a pass breakup. He brings experience and versatility to the secondary wherever he lands.
Tony Williams - Defensive Back
- Hometown: Miami, Fla.
- Size: 6-2, 195 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 4 years
Williams made two solo tackles in 2025. A developmental piece with good size, he’ll look to grow into a larger role.
Tayven Jackson - Quarterback
- Hometown: Greenwood, Ind.
- Size: 6-4, 215 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 1 year
Jackson started 10 games and threw for over 2,100 yards with 10 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He also added three rushing scores and even caught a touchdown.
With one year left, he’s a seasoned QB who can step in and lead an offense.
Jakob Gude - Defensive Back
- Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
- Size: 5-11, 176 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 3 years
Gude didn’t record any stats in 2025, but he has time to develop and find his footing at another program.
Jaylen Heyward - Defensive Back
- Hometown: Rockledge, Fla.
- Size: 6-0, 185 lbs
- Eligibility Remaining: 3 years
Heyward made three tackles this year and adds to the list of young defensive backs looking for a fresh opportunity.
What’s Next for UCF?
The Knights are clearly in a period of transition. With several key defensive linemen, a pair of quarterbacks, and experienced offensive contributors headed out, the staff will have to be aggressive in the portal to reload. There’s talent leaving, no doubt-but there’s also opportunity.