I’ve seen the idea thrown around on Twitter (and here) that UCF needs to stop turning to mercenaries through the portal every offseason, instead focusing on developing their HS recruits.
While I appreciate the notion, unfortunately I do not foresee this off-season being the time to turn away from the portal. Outside of defensive line and quarterback, you can make an argument that UCF needs to bring in 1-3 players at almost every position group. If you thought this 5-7/4-8 team was rough, wait until you see what is (or isn’t returning) next year.
In Kobe Hudson, Jacoby Jones, Trent Whittemore, Ja’Varrius Johnson, Jarrad Baker, and Xavier Townsend, UCF is losing 92 catches, 1,308 yards, and 7 TD’s. That is 96% of their catches from WR’s this past season, 93% of their yards from WR’s this season. Only WR Chauncey Magwood is slated to return in 2025 out of the WR who recorded a catch this season (4 catches, 91 yards).
In RJ Harvey, Johnny Richardson, and Penny Boone, UCF is losing 271 rushes and 1,785 yards from RB’s this past season. That is 85% of their rushes this year, 86% of their yards gained. RB Myles Montgomery is slated to return in 2025 (44 rushes, 267 yards, 4 total TD’s).
The Knights will also need to replace two full-time starters at LT and LG, with very little experience behind them. While I don’t personally feel like the losses will be as difficult to replace (because they’ve been terrible this season), it also should be noted that UCF will be looking for three starting defensive backs. They also lose two starting LB’s with ten combined seasons of experience.
To the Portal we go!
While I appreciate the notion, unfortunately I do not foresee this off-season being the time to turn away from the portal. Outside of defensive line and quarterback, you can make an argument that UCF needs to bring in 1-3 players at almost every position group. If you thought this 5-7/4-8 team was rough, wait until you see what is (or isn’t returning) next year.
In Kobe Hudson, Jacoby Jones, Trent Whittemore, Ja’Varrius Johnson, Jarrad Baker, and Xavier Townsend, UCF is losing 92 catches, 1,308 yards, and 7 TD’s. That is 96% of their catches from WR’s this past season, 93% of their yards from WR’s this season. Only WR Chauncey Magwood is slated to return in 2025 out of the WR who recorded a catch this season (4 catches, 91 yards).
In RJ Harvey, Johnny Richardson, and Penny Boone, UCF is losing 271 rushes and 1,785 yards from RB’s this past season. That is 85% of their rushes this year, 86% of their yards gained. RB Myles Montgomery is slated to return in 2025 (44 rushes, 267 yards, 4 total TD’s).
The Knights will also need to replace two full-time starters at LT and LG, with very little experience behind them. While I don’t personally feel like the losses will be as difficult to replace (because they’ve been terrible this season), it also should be noted that UCF will be looking for three starting defensive backs. They also lose two starting LB’s with ten combined seasons of experience.
To the Portal we go!
