Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Alex Grinch across Football.
UCF’s 2026 campaign hinges on Scott Frost’s revamped staff, a new quarterback in Alonza Barnett III, and a defense eager to improve turnover margins as the Knights aim for their first Big 12 breakthrough.
Drawing on his father’s NFL experience, Ty Bartrum is stepping into key special‑teams duties and aiming to help UCF’s defense grow deeper and more versatile in the Big 12.
With the first day of preseason training camp slated for Aug. 3, UCF is finalizing depth charts at running back, guard and edge rusher, while several newcomers aim to make an impact.
UCF opens 2026 training camp with low expectations after a projected bottom‑half Big 12 finish. New quarterback Alonza Barnett III brings Sun Belt Player of the Year credentials, while the offensive line, run game and pass rush face major revisions.
The University of Central Florida’s 2025 national championship still reverberates across college football, but the Knights are already confronting a steep climb as they prepare for the 2026 season. Training camp opened with a sense of urgency, as the program grapples with a 7‑20 record against Big 12 opponents and a preseason projection that predicts another bottom‑half finish. At the heart of the conversation is the quarterback position, where UCF has turned to Alonza Barnett III, the Sun Belt Player of the Year who transferred from James Madison. Barnett brings a rare blend of arm strength and mobility, having posted 2,806 passing yards and 38 touchdowns last season, but coaches have flagged accuracy concerns that could shape his early playing time. The offensive line will also be reshaped, with former Wisconsin assistant AJ Blazek and Oklahoma State’s Cooper Bassett brought in to overhaul a unit that struggled in short‑yardage situations, including a three‑run stretch from the 1‑yard line against Kansas. Defensively, the Knights must replace edge rushers Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly, who combined for ten of the team’s 27 sacks, while hoping that a more aggressive pass rush from the front four can free up a secondary eager to generate turnovers under coordinator Alex Grinch. A New Era at UCF The blend of experienced returnees like right tackle Preston Cushman and fresh talent from the transfer portal — including Henry Tabansi, Brady Weyburn and Cooper Terpstra — creates a roster that is both hopeful and unsettled. As the Knights navigate a demanding Big 12 schedule, the early results of these moves will determine whether the 2025 magic can be rekindled.
The Cyclones will open the 2026 campaign against a mix of FCS and Power Five opponents, featuring notable games against Iowa Hawkeyes, Utah Utes and BYU Cougars.
The Knights will attend media days in Frisco, Texas, on July 7 as they look to improve on a modest 2025 showing and navigate a challenging schedule.
With media days in Frisco approaching, the Knights confront a 7‑27 record in the Big 12, a revamped roster and the ripple effects of Texas Tech’s loss of Brendan Sorsby.
With a potent offense already in place, USC turns to veteran defensive architect Gary Patterson, whose storied career at TCU and national accolades bring a new vision to the Trojans' defense.
A look at the programs under the greatest scrutiny, the coaches steering their efforts, and the key storylines that will shape the 2026 season.
UCF hosts its second group of 2027 recruits this weekend, featuring four of the five verbal commits and a host of other standout players who are shaping the program's next chapter.
After two strong seasons under head coach Kalani Sitake, BYU enters 2026 with high expectations. The Cougars have prioritized roster retention and will rely on standout players such as LJ Martin and Bear Bachmeier as they navigate a demanding slate of games.
After a standout season at Texas, receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. joins Colorado's fast‑paced offense, aiming to boost his NFL Draft stock through high‑profile games against Utah and UCF.
The 2026 schedule blends modest non‑conference foes with a gauntlet of top‑tier Big 12 rivals, setting the stage for a rebuilding Cyclones team under head coach Jimmy Rogers.
The 2026 Cyclones face a mixed slate of opponents, from Southeast Missouri State to BYU, as they navigate a challenging Big 12 landscape under head coach Jimmy Rogers.
The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to reshape their offense for the 2026 season, with new coordinators, a quarterback competition, and a distinctive homegrown line development model leading the charge.
USC coach Lincoln Riley enters his fifth season with a clear vision: a 2026 campaign that could finally deliver the Trojans back to the top of college football, backed by 65% returning production, a elite recruiting class and veteran coordinator Gary Patterson.