The UCF Knights and Florida International Panthers are scheduled to face off in an exhibition game at Rex Weech Field in Key West on Saturday, October 17, a venue that holds the distinction of being the southernmost baseball field in the United States and serves as the regular home of the Key West High School Conchs.
A Southern Showdown in Key West
UCF entered the 2026 season with a 32‑23 overall record and a 19‑11 mark in Big 12 play, finishing fourth behind Kansas, West Virginia and Arizona State. The Knights earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament, defeating N.C. State 9‑3 before bowing out to Milwaukee and Auburn. Head coach Rich Wallace, who has compiled 98 victories over his first three full seasons at UCF, will lead the squad into the Key West matchup.
Florida International, meanwhile, concluded the 2026 campaign with a 19‑35 record and a 10‑20 slate in Conference USA, a season that prompted the school to appoint Pedro Grifol as manager in May. Grifol, who previously guided the Chicago White Sox for 117 games in 2024, brings a 89‑190 record over two seasons and a reputation for rebuilding programs.
The exhibition will pit a program riding a recent tournament appearance against a team seeking a fresh start under its new skipper, a contrast that underscores the evolving dynamics of college baseball in the region. Both schools share a history of competition within their respective conferences, and the game at the southernmost field promises a unique atmosphere for players and fans alike.