Big 12 Media Days Set the Stage for UCF’s 2026 Campaign
The annual Big 12 Football Media Days kicked off on July 7 in Frisco, Texas, drawing the league’s coaches and players into a whirlwind of interviews, panels and photo sessions. For the University of Central Florida, the gathering marked a pivotal moment as the Knights prepare to step onto the field for the 2026 season, a campaign that will be broadcast live on ESPNU from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Time, with portions of the first day also airing on ESPN2.
UCF head coach Scott Frost took the podium to outline his program’s ambitions, emphasizing the school’s drive to become Florida’s preeminent athletic department. Frost, who has already guided the Knights through a period of transition, framed the upcoming schedule as a chance to cement the team’s reputation on a national stage.
Among the players, quarterback Alonza Barnett III emerged as a focal point. The senior signal‑caller brings a career tally of 72 touchdowns to the huddle, a statistic that underscores his experience and poise under pressure. Barnett’s elevation to the starting role adds a layer of continuity that the coaching staff hopes will translate into a stronger offensive rhythm.
Joining Barnett in the spotlight were running back Preston Cushman, who earned the starting nod in every game of last season and logged a career‑high 753 offensive snaps. His durability and consistent production have positioned him as a key piece of the Knights’ backfield.
Defensive standout Lewis Carter was recognized with preseason Second Team honors after leading the squad with a career‑best 92 tackles. His presence in the middle of the defense is expected to anchor a unit that aims to tighten gaps and generate more turnovers.
Safety Jayden Bellamy, meanwhile, helped shape a secondary that limited opponents to just 185.1 passing yards per game last year. His contributions earned him preseason nods, and he will look to build on that momentum as the defense seeks to maintain its reputation for efficiency.
The Knights open their 2026 slate on September 3 against Bethune‑Cookman, marking the first meeting between the two programs since 2021. The matchup will be played on the Orlando campus, where UCF hopes to leverage home‑field energy to launch the season on a positive note.
With a blend of seasoned leadership, standout talent and a schedule that promises high‑profile contests, UCF’s preparation reflects a program poised to make a significant impact in its inaugural Big 12 season. The excitement surrounding the team is palpable, and fans will be watching closely as the first whistle blows.