UCF will head into Saturday’s matchup with TCU missing several key pieces, including a pair of starters on offense and defense.
The initial Big 12 availability report released Wednesday listed linebacker Lewis Carter and wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr. as out. Carter started the first three games and has been one of UCF’s most active defenders, leading the team with 24 tackles and adding two quarterback hurries. Thomas, last season’s top receiver for the Knights, has not played this year after suffering an undisclosed injury late in fall camp.
UCF has already had to adjust at both spots. Tackett Curtis has opened alongside Carter in all three games so far, while Jayden Jennings and Jahleel Culbreath have also seen action at linebacker. At receiver, Ric’Darious Farmer has helped fill the void, posting 80 receiving yards on seven catches.
The Knights also listed offensive guard Owen Spell as out for Saturday. Coach Scott Frost said Spell has been dealing with plantar fasciitis. Connor Meadows stepped in for him, moving over from center and allowing redshirt freshman Jacob Maiava to make his first start at middle.
Defensive tackle Trent Turner will also miss the game because of an undisclosed injury. Turner played in the first two contests and finished with four tackles.
Quarterback Alonza Barnett III was another player marked out, and the senior is expected to miss an undisclosed amount of time because of a significant hamstring injury. Keyone Jenkins, who was listed as probable, is expected to start against the Horned Frogs and take over as UCF’s quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Tight end Dylan Wade, defensive back Jayden Bellamy and offensive lineman Cooper Terpstra were also listed as probable.
Availability reports are issued daily beginning three days before game day and include the designations available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out. On game day, the report shifts to available, game time decision or out.
In Other News...
TCUs New Transfer Could Solve More Than One Special Teams Need
A new special-teams wrinkle has already emerged for TCU this season, with John Hoyet Chance stepping in as more than just a punter. The former Louisiana Tech specialist has quickly become part of the conversation because of what he can do with the ball on punts and kickoffs, giving Sonny Dykes another option in a phase of the game that can quietly shape field position from week to week.
Chance and Dykes have also discussed a broader role, especially with TCU needing help after the regular kicker's absence. The early returns have created a little more flexibility for the Horned Frogs, and Chance has sounded eager about the chance to help in Fort Worth while showing confidence in his range. For a team looking for answers on special teams, that kind of versatility can be a useful early-season development. [Read more 🡒]
John Schobel Is Giving TCU One More Reason To Believe On Defense
John Schobel has become one of the quieter reasons TCUs defense has looked sturdier early this season. The defensive lineman, a highly ranked member of the 2025 class, has fought through injuries and still managed to start all three games, carving out a meaningful role with eight tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and five quarterback hurries.
For a defense that leads the Big 12 in scoring defense, that kind of early contribution matters, especially from a player with deep family ties to the program. Schobel now heads into the upcoming league opener against UCF with his own momentum building and another chance to show how much he can add to a unit that has already given TCU plenty to feel good about. [Read more 🡒]
TCU Faces Two Crucial Availability Questions Ahead Of Big 12 Opener
TCUs first Big 12 test of the season comes with a couple of familiar names hanging in the balance, and that matters because both sides of the ball have already felt the absence. Senior wide receiver Jordan Dwyer and senior edge rusher Zach Chapman are both listed as questionable for the opener against Central Florida, after each missed previous games with lower body injuries.
Sonny Dykes sounded more optimistic about Dwyer, saying the veteran pass catcher is expected to play, but the edge situation is still a key piece to watch as kickoff approaches. The broader injury picture for both TCU and UCF will shape how the opener looks, especially for a Horned Frogs team trying to get through the first conference weekend with its depth intact. [Read more 🡒]