UCF AD Terry Mohajir talks about changes and expectations for the Knights

[ucf1]

At the 2025 Big 12 spring meetings, UCF VP and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir met with the media to discuss the changes and expectations for the Knights.

Thanks for watching here.

 

[DaShuckster]

I would appreciate a non-troll explanation regarding UCF's athletic department revenue.

Back in the Danny White days, I had the impression that the program was on solid financial footing (maybe it was because of its G5 standing at the time.) But fast-forward to Year 3 of the Big XII and I see stats that show UCF and Houston at the bottom of the league, revenue-wise. I suspect part of it goes to the fact UCF hasn't gotten a full TV revenue share from the conference yet. But will a full share dramatically change things?

I'd like to believe that HC Scott Frost Version 3 is going to succeed. BUT in this player revenue-sharing and transfer portal/NIL era, great recruiting requires $$$$$. Without the $$$$$, it's going to be damn difficult competing against other Big XII schools who are able to spend serious bucks for difference-making players.

Before NIL, UCF used its location as a MAJOR recruiting draw. When the Knights' were kicking butt back in the Frost and Heibel days, think about all the stud players the team had. In today's environment, Frost could morph into the second coming of Nick Saban and still fail if UCF can't afford to pay for some stud athletes.

 

[AuburnLegacy_1]

When the Knights' were kicking butt back in the Frost and Heibel days,

Serious question.

How to you expect Scott Frost to hold the UCF together from year to year when big money people come for its stars AND outbid major programs for 4 and 5 stars?

Gus laid the foundation for building a program under financial scrutiny:

1, He paid elite players (Hunter, JRP, Kobi Hudson, Jacob Baker, Amari Kight) already on the roster minimum top dollar to stay.

2, He spurned the NIL demands of marginal talents (Nikai Martinez, Corey Thornton, Davonte Brown), who finished their careers elsewhere.

3, He bought in the best guys he could afford with the remaining money he had. Unfortunately there wasn't enough money to bring in huge stars, so Gus had to settle to hole pluggers.

How exactly do you expect Frost to replicate that?

Arguably the best guys Frost signed were Gus throwbacks: DayDay Farmer (decommitteed for playing time), Sincere Edwards (too small for the 2024 scheme), Lewis Carter (NGE to start in 2024), and the BEST ADDITION Phillip Dunnum (passed on by Addison Williams). ALL, save DayDay, will be Day 1 starters for Frost, despite being NGE for Gus.


Also, I miss the "Heibel" days. Talk about really fine cutlery: https://smkw.com/brands/heibel-kniv...XOf1Hgs6pERk0EHxKdfB-HHsprcfh5yUBqyIqyFKO_FZv

 

[Central Floridave]

I like the very long pause, gather-my-thoughts, answer to the Thiam and his agent question. I'm sure there is more to that story and that was the sugar coated answer. Good job whoever asked that one!

 

[Central Floridave]

And, IN before LAZY RIVER mention.

 

[Knight_Classes_begin_7pm]

And, IN before LAZY RIVER mention.

That lazy river will make a huge difference!

 

[Knight_Classes_begin_7pm]

I would appreciate a non-troll explanation regarding UCF's athletic department revenue.

Back in the Danny White days, I had the impression that the program was on solid financial footing (maybe it was because of its G5 standing at the time.) But fast-forward to Year 3 of the Big XII and I see stats that show UCF and Houston at the bottom of the league, revenue-wise. I suspect part of it goes to the fact UCF hasn't gotten a full TV revenue share from the conference yet. But will a full share dramatically change things?

I'd like to believe that HC Scott Frost Version 3 is going to succeed. BUT in this player revenue-sharing and transfer portal/NIL era, great recruiting requires $$$$$. Without the $$$$$, it's going to be damn difficult competing against other Big XII schools who are able to spend serious bucks for difference-making players.

Before NIL, UCF used its location as a MAJOR recruiting draw. When the Knights' were kicking butt back in the Frost and Heibel days, think about all the stud players the team had. In today's environment, Frost could morph into the second coming of Nick Saban and still fail if UCF can't afford to pay for some stud athletes.

Are some of the financials public record?

 

[Central Floridave]

That lazy river -> drink.

 

[connerito]

I think the press conference answered some questions that are feasible to answer. I thought he does and is doing a good job considering everything. Time will tell but overall, I think we made a good hire at the AD spot.

 

[AuburnLegacy_1]

I think we made a good hire at the AD spot.

Terry Mohajir
1997–2004 University of Missouri-Kansas City (asst. AD for external relations)
2004–2011 Florida Atlantic (senior associate AD for external relations)
2011–2012 Kansas (senior associate AD and chief marketing officer)
2012–2021 Arkansas State
2021–present UCF

Yeah, great hire!

 

[ucfversusbcs]

That lazy river will make a huge difference!

 

[ucfversusbcs]

That lazy river -> drink.