UCF’s baseball program is reshaping its outfield ahead of the upcoming season, bringing in a series of transfers that promise to add speed, depth and defensive reliability.
Among the newcomers, Chase Williams arrives from Florida State, where he topped the roster with 17 stolen bases and earned a reputation for elite range and a strong arm. His blend of athleticism and experience is expected to revitalize a unit that lost key contributors Andrew Williamson and John Smith III to the MLB Draft.
The Knights also welcome Ethan Puig, a transfer from Appalachian State who batted .326 last year and drove in 45 runs, as well as Ryan Taffe, who transferred from Siena and posted a 3.82 ERA with a 2‑1 record, and Jackson Miller, who comes from Wake Forest with a .304 average and 22 RBIs.
Outgoing players are also making moves, with Jordan Lodise heading to Georgia Tech and Kiernan O’Neill, who finished the previous campaign without appearing in a game but still holds four years of eligibility, preparing for the next chapter.
Coaches say the mix of proven collegiate talent and fresh arms gives the team a competitive edge, especially as they look to contend in the American Athletic Conference.