The UCF offensive line is heading into a major transition, and the latest departure adds another layer to the challenge. Carter Miller, a key piece in the trenches this past season, has officially entered the transfer portal - a move that further thins an already depleted unit.
Miller started all nine games at center for the Knights in 2025, anchoring the middle of the line with a veteran presence and sharp football IQ. His experience and command were exactly what a young, evolving offensive line needed heading into next season. Now, UCF will have to find that leadership elsewhere.
Let’s be clear: Miller wasn’t just a body in the middle - he was a cerebral center who knew how to diagnose fronts, adjust protections, and keep his unit aligned. In nearly 2,000 career snaps, he allowed just two sacks - a testament to both his technique and his understanding of the game.
"I trust myself a lot," Miller said. "I’ve put a lot of work into studying and knowing what’s going on on the football field. I like being able to call the shots and let people know where to go."
That quote says it all. Miller wasn’t just playing center; he was orchestrating the offensive line like a conductor.
He thrived on making the right calls - whether it was setting up a double team or checking into a different protection based on a defensive shift. That kind of leadership doesn’t show up in the box score, but it’s invaluable on Saturdays.
Miller’s path to UCF was already a winding one. He began his college career at James Madison, where he started eight games at left guard and helped power one of the Sun Belt’s most explosive passing attacks. The Dukes led the conference in yards per pass attempt, passing touchdowns, and overall efficiency - and Miller was a key cog in that machine.
In 2024, he transferred to Louisiana Monroe, where he started all 12 games and earned Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt honors. His 76.7 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus reflected a steady, reliable presence up front. Whether it was at guard or center, Miller brought consistency and intelligence to every snap.
But it wasn’t just his play that drew attention. It was the relationships - especially with the late Shawn Clark, the former Appalachian State head coach who played a pivotal role in Miller’s decision to come to UCF.
“He played a big part,” Miller said. “I respect him a lot.
I was in the Sun Belt for three years, and I knew of him being the head coach at App State. I played against him, and he did a phenomenal job there.
So I really respected him as the O-line coach.”
Clark’s passing in September left a void, but interim offensive line coach Danny Hope stepped in and helped continue Miller’s development. Together, they worked to bring cohesion to a unit that struggled to find its rhythm throughout the season.
Now, Miller joins fellow lineman Jaquez Joiner in the portal, leaving UCF with even more holes to fill up front. Head coach Scott Frost has his work cut out for him. The offensive line was already a concern, and with multiple starters on the move, the Knights will need to be aggressive in the transfer market to rebuild the foundation of their offense.
Losing a player like Miller isn’t just about replacing a starter - it’s about replacing a leader, a communicator, and a technician who understood the nuances of the position. That’s not easy to find. But with the portal wide open and the offseason in full swing, UCF’s next move in the trenches will be one to watch.