UCF’s Running Back Room Reloaded: Frost’s New Trio Leads a Deep, Dangerous Corps
Scott Frost has never been shy about building his offense around dynamic playmakers, and heading into 2026, it’s clear that UCF’s running back room is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most versatile units in the Big 12. With a mix of returning talent, promising freshmen, and a pair of intriguing transfers, the Knights are armed with options-and Frost is already eyeing his top trio.
Seven backs currently fill out the roster: returners Agyeman Addae, Taevion Swint, and Chance Nixon; freshmen Arthur Lewis IV and Kaj Baker; and transfer portal pickups Duke Watson and Landen Chambers. It’s a crowded room, but it’s also a competitive one-and that’s exactly how Frost wants it.
At the top of the depth chart, Frost has identified Swint, Chambers, and Watson as the early leaders. Each brings something different to the table, and together, they offer a blend of speed, power, and versatility that could give opposing defenses fits.
Let’s start with Chambers. The Central Arkansas transfer didn’t just put up numbers-he put up eye-popping ones.
Over 1,200 rushing yards on just 42 carries and 10 touchdowns? That’s not just production, that’s explosion.
And he’s not a one-dimensional back, either. Chambers added 27 catches for 238 receiving yards, showing off the kind of dual-threat ability that fits perfectly in Frost’s system.
Then there’s Watson, who arrives from Louisville with a bit less fanfare but plenty of upside. He logged 158 rushing yards on 49 carries and chipped in 49 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air. While the stats don’t jump off the page like Chambers’, Watson’s skill set is built for balance-he’s steady, reliable, and capable of contributing in both phases of the offense.
And finally, Swint-the X-factor of the group. The former four-star recruit out of Osceola High School was turning heads in spring ball and fall camp last year before a preseason injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. Now redshirted and fully healthy, Swint is back in the mix, and Frost is fired up to see what he can bring.
“Having Swint back is big for us,” Frost said. “He was doing great through spring ball and fall camp until we lost him. He’s an X factor with his speed and big-play potential.”
That speed? It’s real.
Swint brings the kind of home-run ability that can flip a game in a single snap. If he returns to form, UCF’s offense adds a legitimate game-breaker to the backfield.
But the depth doesn’t stop there.
Addae returns after finishing the 2025 season on a high note, and Nixon is another familiar face who knows the system. Meanwhile, the two freshmen-Lewis IV and Baker-add even more intrigue to the mix. They may not be immediate contributors, but they’re part of a long-term plan that’s starting to take shape.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a unit that faced serious question marks just weeks ago. The departures of Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon after their final game against then-No.
11 BYU left a void. But Frost wasted no time reloading, using a combination of high school recruiting and savvy portal additions to not only fill that gap-but potentially upgrade it.
“I think we got a lot of depth in that room,” Frost said. “Excited to see the competition.”
And that competition is going to be fierce. With three clear frontrunners, returning experience, and young talent pushing from behind, UCF’s running back corps is built for both the present and the future. Whether it’s Swint’s speed, Chambers’ power, or Watson’s all-around game, the Knights have a backfield that can hurt you in more ways than one.
Bottom line: UCF’s run game is back in a big way-and it’s not just deep. It’s dangerous.