UCF is opening its doors to a fresh wave of 2027 prospects, inviting ten high school standouts to campus for official visits beginning on May 29, with additional trips slated through June. The weekend itinerary is overseen by recruiting coordinator Scott Frost, with analyst Trent Mossbrucker and scout Tyren Hornes also present to evaluate the talent on display.
The visits come as the Knights' recruiting class sits at No. 60 in the 247Sports composite, a position that reflects both the competitive landscape and the program's ambition to climb higher. While the ranking offers a baseline, the focus is on how many of these visitors will ultimately commit to UCF.
Among the prospects, a cluster of Florida athletes stands out for their on‑field production and the attention they have attracted from Power Four programs. Akhcuonam Augustin, who anchored Barron Collier's defense with a flurry of tackles for loss and sacks, has drawn interest from several elite conferences.
Debonaire Johnson, a two‑time South Florida Sun‑Sentinel all‑county selection after posting 62 tackles and four sacks, is another focal point. Clayton Lee, a 6‑foot‑7, 315‑pound tackle from West Nassau, helped his team to a 12‑2 season, while Teagan Parizek, a Tennessee Class 5A all‑state pick, has already secured offers from multiple Power Four schools.
Nazir Pitchford, who de‑committed from Kansas State, is being pursued by a host of suitors, including UCF, while Kaneilius Purdy emerged as the sole 1,000‑yard receiver in Polk County last fall, scoring eleven touchdowns. Kaiden Robinson‑Vickers played a key role in Dunnellon’s inaugural FIT championship and is regarded as one of UCF’s most coveted defensive targets.
Marcus Small, committed to Syracuse, is still being courted by UCF's offensive line coach AJ Blazek, illustrating the program's hands‑on approach to filling critical positions. Omari St. Fort, who rushed for 734 yards and eight touchdowns and placed sixth in the FHSAA Class 3A 200‑meter dash, adds a dual‑threat dimension, while Zy Tassin, a two‑way standout at Crestview, is also drawing looks from Kansas State and Wake Forest.
Tyler Younger, unranked but courted by Power Four programs such as UCF, Rutgers and Syracuse, rounds out the group, illustrating the breadth of interest across the state. Each visit provides an opportunity for the recruits to experience the campus, meet coaching staff, and gauge the environment that could shape their futures.
Key storylines to watch
If the Knights can convert a portion of these visits into commitments, the class could see a significant jump in rankings, potentially reshaping the future of the program. The emphasis on Florida talent underscores a strategic priority: building a roster that reflects the state's rich football heritage while maintaining national competitiveness.
Beyond individual prospects, the weekend serves as a showcase for UCF's broader recruiting narrative, one that blends tradition with ambition. As the recruits tour the campus and interact with current players, the impressions formed could influence not only their own decisions but also the perception of UCF among peers and future recruits.