1) FSU
2) UM
3) UCF
4) UF
5) usf
6) FAU
7) FIU
3. UCF
2023 record: 6-7
2024 over/under wins from FanDuel: 7.5
Team strengths: Running game, offensive skill players, defensive transfers
Biggest question: Line play
Key games: Colorado, at Florida, Utah
Gus Malzahn hired two new coordinators and brought in 27 players via the portal with a combined 327 games of starting experience after the Knights’ first season in the Big 12 resulted in the program’s first losing season since 2016. Meanwhile, only three quality starters exited via the portal — defensive lineman Josh Celiscar (Texas A&M) and defensive backs Corey Thornton (Louisville) and Nikai Martinez (Michigan State). The big question is if UCF has the linemen on both sides of the ball to compete week in and week out against Power 4 competition. Malzahn believes he’s addressed many needs and UCF can win the Big 12, but it remains to be seen if the lines have been bolstered enough. Circle Oct. 5 on the calendar. That’s when UCF plays at Florida in what should be a huge game for both programs.
2) UM
3) UCF
4) UF
5) usf
6) FAU
7) FIU
3. UCF
2023 record: 6-7
2024 over/under wins from FanDuel: 7.5
Team strengths: Running game, offensive skill players, defensive transfers
Biggest question: Line play
Key games: Colorado, at Florida, Utah
Gus Malzahn hired two new coordinators and brought in 27 players via the portal with a combined 327 games of starting experience after the Knights’ first season in the Big 12 resulted in the program’s first losing season since 2016. Meanwhile, only three quality starters exited via the portal — defensive lineman Josh Celiscar (Texas A&M) and defensive backs Corey Thornton (Louisville) and Nikai Martinez (Michigan State). The big question is if UCF has the linemen on both sides of the ball to compete week in and week out against Power 4 competition. Malzahn believes he’s addressed many needs and UCF can win the Big 12, but it remains to be seen if the lines have been bolstered enough. Circle Oct. 5 on the calendar. That’s when UCF plays at Florida in what should be a huge game for both programs.
