The UCF Knights are making moves to solidify their trenches, and the latest hire brings a seasoned name to the offensive line room. AJ Blazek, a veteran coach with stops at Wisconsin, Iowa, Rutgers, Western Illinois, and North Dakota State, is expected to take over as UCF's new offensive line coach. He steps into a role left vacant after the unexpected passing of Shawn Clark at the beginning of last season-a loss that left both a personal and professional void within the program.
Blazek brings a gritty, Big Ten pedigree to Orlando, and that matters. His experience in building tough, physical offensive lines fits well with what UCF is trying to establish in the trenches. As the Knights continue their transition into a more competitive landscape, especially in the Big 12, having a coach who knows how to develop linemen who can hold their own against power conference defenses is a critical piece of the puzzle.
But the coaching hire is just one part of a broader offseason overhaul.
Transfer Portal Season: UCF’s Roster Reset Begins
Head coach Scott Frost has a clear-eyed view of where his program stands-and where it needs to go. With 20 players having entered the transfer portal, including key contributors, Frost is embracing the challenge of reloading when the portal officially reopens on January 2.
“Every time you get to this stage in the year, you're excited to reset and rebuild,” Frost said. “We’ve got to do a great job of evaluation. We’ve got to do a great job of selling UCF.”
That’s not just coach-speak-it’s the reality of modern college football. The Knights are looking to retool both lines of scrimmage, where depth and physicality are non-negotiable. Frost knows that if UCF is going to take the next step and become a consistent winner, it starts up front.
There’s also a need to address the quarterback room, which has been thinned by the departures of Tayven Jackson and Jacurri Brown. That leaves a battle between incoming four-star prospects Rocco Marriott and Davi Belfort-two talented but unproven names.
Enter EJ Colson, a familiar face with unfinished business in Orlando. Colson began his college career at UCF before transferring to the University of the Incarnate Word, where he lit it up this past season.
He threw for 2,142 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, while adding another 287 yards and three scores on the ground. Now back in the portal, Colson is a name to watch.
His connection to the program and recent production make him an intriguing option to stabilize the quarterback position.
Another potential target is Beau Pribula, a quarterback with upside, as well as defensive tackle Christian Hudson and defensive back Jamroc Grimsley-two players who could help reinforce a defense that needs fresh playmakers.
RJ Harvey Keeps Making Noise-Now on Sundays
While the Knights look to the future, one former star continues to make his mark at the next level. RJ Harvey, UCF’s all-time touchdown leader, is turning heads in his rookie NFL season. On Sunday, Harvey scored his eleventh touchdown of the year-more than any other rookie in the league.
Harvey’s performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars was another reminder of his versatility and explosiveness. He racked up 50 yards on just seven carries and added 71 receiving yards on four catches, including a highlight-reel 32-yard grab. It’s the kind of all-around impact that made him a fan favorite in Orlando-and now he’s doing it on the biggest stage.
Final Thoughts
UCF is in the middle of a critical offseason. With a new offensive line coach on board, a wide-open quarterback competition, and a transfer portal full of possibilities, the next few weeks could shape the direction of the program for years to come. For Scott Frost, it’s about more than just filling holes-it’s about building a roster that can compete, win, and sustain success in a new era of Knights football.