Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Alonza Barnett III across Football.
Despite a strong returning core and a more forgiving schedule, the University of Central Florida must navigate a shaky offensive line, depleted pass rush and constrained NIL resources to break a three‑year bowl drought.
UCF's newest batch of freshmen brings a mix of elite receivers, dynamic runners and versatile backs, setting the stage for a potential resurgence under coach Scott Frost.
The Cyclones enter 2026 with 82 newcomers under head coach Jimmy Rogers, focusing on a schedule that highlights winnable games against Southeast Missouri State, Bowling Green, West Virginia, Cincinnati and UCF.
A record number of Big 12 players appear on preseason watch lists, highlighting the league's offensive depth and national relevance ahead of the upcoming college football season.
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 University of Central Florida is gearing up for the 2026 college football season under head coach Scott Frost, with transfer Alonza Barnett III expected to lead a revitalized offense.
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.
UCF adds 33 transfers, including Alonza Barnett III and several key contributors, as Coach Scott Frost looks to turn early‑season struggles into a competitive edge.
UCF returns the majority of its key contributors for 2026, bolstered by transfer portal additions, while ESPN and CBS Sports project modest win totals and advise caution on over/under bets.
UCF will open the season with a home game against Bethune‑Cookman before traveling to face Arizona State, with a primetime clash against Baylor highlighted in Week 9.
As the 2026 college football season approaches, teams across the Power 4 are finalizing their quarterback plans, blending established starters, high‑profile transfers and promising newcomers.
The latest Big 12 preseason football rankings reveal a competitive landscape, with Texas Tech leading the pack and several programs poised for breakthroughs.
The Big 12 enters the 2026 season with a clear hierarchy that is already generating buzz among analysts and fans alike.
The Big 12 boasts a talent‑laden quarterback room, with Heisman contenders, injury‑plagued veterans, and rising stars all vying for the top spot ahead of the 2025 season.
TCU aims for a 10‑12 win season and a Big 12 championship, but a packed schedule and a roster of elite opponents, from quarterback Noah Fifita to dual‑threat stars across the league, present a formidable challenge.
Bob Chesney’s history of shaping dual‑threat quarterbacks positions him to elevate Nico Iamaleava’s game as UCLA prepares for a defining 2026 campaign.
UCLA’s head coach Bob Chesney has overhauled the Bruins’ roster ahead of the 2026 season, adding 42 transfer portal players. Among them, running back Wayne Knight and offensive guard Eugene Brooks are expected to reshape the team’s performance.
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.
The 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days are scheduled for July 7‑8 in Frisco, Texas, offering live coverage on ESPNU, ESPN2 and streaming via ESPN Unlimited, with a full slate of team and player appearances.
At the Big 12 Football Media Days in Frisco, Texas, UCF’s head coach and his quarterback Alonza Barnett III, along with standout players Preston Cushman, Lewis Carter and Jayden Bellamy, outlined the team’s goals for the upcoming season, highlighting preseason accolades and the September 3 opener against Bethune‑Cookman.
Electronic Arts has released detailed ratings for the UCF Knights in EA SPORTS College Football 27, set to debut worldwide on July 9, 2026. The data shows gains in offense, defense and overall scores, with key players like Dylan Wade and Alonza Barnett III earning high marks.
Iowa State quarterback Jaylen Raynor earns an 80 overall rating in EA Sports College Football 27, securing a top‑10 spot in the Big 12 and setting the stage for a pivotal season.