16-05-2025
UCF mailbag: What grade do the Knights' offseason moves get?
The first UCF mailbag of the offseason brings questions about the transfer portal, facility updates and depth-chart questions.
What letter grade do you give UCF football in navigating the portal and constructing a roster for this upcoming season? Better yet, why that grade? — @MrEd315
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C+. When Scott Frost and his coaching staff took over in mid-December, the program was expected to experience some player attrition. Coaching changes often lead to significant shifts in the offseason roster, and the Knights lost nearly 40 players to the transfer portal.
The team needed to rebuild much of its offense, particularly at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. They managed to add some new players to fill these positions. Similarly, the defense saw a complete overhaul of its linebacking group while strengthening its secondary.
While needs were filled in most cases, it was clear that the staff would not get into bidding wars over some transfer-market players.
Former minor-league pitcher Mason Denaburg set to join UCF as punter
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What or when will we get a depth chart? Specifically, how do the LBs look? — @
Frost mentioned early in spring camp that a depth chart is unlikely to be released until the end of fall camp. While the coaching staff may have some idea, an official depth chart is not expected until at least August. It wouldn't be surprising if a depth chart doesn't come out until the week leading up to the New Hampshire game.
The linebacker position is shaping up to be quite interesting this season, with several new starters entering the lineup. Veteran transfers Keli Lawson (Virginia Tech), Cole Kozlowski (Colgate) and Lewis Carter (Oklahoma) are expected to lead the first team. They will be joined by transfer Jayden McDonald (Virginia Tech) and returning players Kam Moore, TJ Bullard, Quentin Hatch and Troy Ford Jr. in the rotation. Additionally, Phil Picciotti — injured throughout the spring — and freshman Malakhi Boone could also make an impact.
Five observations on UCF football this offseason
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What other athletic facility upgrades are coming besides the football arch and expansion? — @
The expansion of the Roth Tower and the Hagle Gateway projects are the only ongoing facility upgrades expected over the next year. Construction crews have already poured the support beams for the Tower, which is scheduled to be completed by the 2026 football season. UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir has said the building will be available for use this season, but construction will be evident.
The Hagle Gateway project is also moving ahead. Crews have removed the parking lot and one of the old football practice fields next to the Wayne Densch Complex to make room for the proposed Nicholson Plaza, McNamara Cove and Taylor A. Gerring Football Center.
How long do you think it will take for the Big XII money to percolate down to all sports that were more competitive than we are now? — @JAHattaway.
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After two seasons of receiving only half of its Big 12 revenue, UCF, BYU, Houston and Cincinnati have already begun receiving a full share of approximately $35-$40 million. This increase in funding is expected to significantly benefit their athletics departments, which have been stretched thin while attempting to maintain competitive teams during those initial two seasons.
However, those departments must now deal with the revenue-sharing model resulting from the $2.8 billion House settlement. That initiative calls for institutions to create a $20.5 million revenue pool for their athletes starting in July. Where this money comes from is up to the discretion of the universities, with most using conference revenue.
UCF will use some of its Big 12 and fundraising revenue for this fund. The athletic department also set up the Competitive Success Fund to supplement funding.
Football is expected to receive the majority of this cap, followed by men's and women's basketball. The other sports will receive the rest. If a school like UCF chooses to invest more in sports such as baseball or softball, that only improves its chances of success.
Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@
