UCF is adding another familiar face to its future football schedule. The Knights have locked in a non-conference home game against FIU, set for Sept. 7, 2030, at the Bounce House - officially known these days as Acrisure Bounce House Stadium.
This matchup marks the seventh all-time meeting between the two in-state programs, but it’s been a while since they last squared off. You’d have to go back to August 31, 2017, for their most recent clash. UCF leads the all-time series 4-2, with FIU’s only wins coming in 2011 and 2015 - both narrow victories that came down to the wire (17-10 and 15-14, respectively).
For UCF, this is more than just a regional rivalry renewal - it’s another piece in a carefully constructed scheduling puzzle. With the FIU game now on the books, the Knights have two of their three non-conference opponents set for 2030.
The other? A high-profile home matchup against Florida, part of a 2-for-1 agreement with the Gators that’s been circled on the calendar for a while now.
This approach lines up with what UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir has outlined in the past: a non-conference slate built around balance. The goal is to face a Power Five team, a Group of Five opponent, and an FBS school each season. It’s a strategy that not only strengthens UCF’s résumé but also keeps the schedule competitive and compelling for fans.
Looking ahead, UCF’s non-conference calendar is already locked in through 2029, but there’s still some room to fill in the years that follow. Here’s how things currently stand:
2026
- Bethune-Cookman (Sept.
- At Pittsburgh (Sept.
- Georgia State (Sept.
2027
- At North Carolina (Sept.
- UT-Martin (Sept.
- Louisiana (Sept.
2028
- Maine (Aug.
- At Northwestern (Sept.
- FAU (Sept.
2029
- James Madison (Sept.
- Pittsburgh (Sept.
- UMass (TBD)
2030
- FIU (Sept.
- Florida (Sept.
- TBD
2031
- Northwestern (Sept.
- TBD
- TBD
2032
- TBD
- TBD
- TBD
2033
- At Florida (Sept. 3)
So while 2030 still has one non-conference slot to fill, the addition of FIU gives UCF a solid mix of in-state familiarity and marquee power. And with the Gators coming to town the following week, early September in Orlando is shaping up to be a big-time stretch for Knights football.
For UCF, this isn’t just about filling dates - it’s about building a schedule that reflects where the program is headed. And if recent history is any indication, they’re aiming high.