While there may be a finishing touch that remains, it's been an outstanding offseason for UCF in the transfer portal.
Between the winter and spring, UCF retained their key contributors while adding significant talent to both sides of the ball. UCF will likely finish with a transfer team class ranking around the top five.
First, let's reflect on the players that exited the program. New school in parentheses, if applicable.
Transfer Portal Exits
Winter:
DE Josh Celiscar (Texas A&M)
CB Corey Thornton (Louisville)
RB Jordan McDonald (Boston College)
C Drake Metcalf (Virginia)
DE KD McDaniel (Georgia State)
DE Dallaz Corbitt (Bethune-Cookman)
DT Kervins Choute (UConn)
LB Isaiah Paul
WR Amari Johnson (Florida A&M)
DE Keenan Cupit
WR Tyler Griffin (Louisiana Monroe)
WR Jaylon Griffin (Tulane, but in portal again)
CB Fred Davis II
Spring:
QB Timmy McClain (Arkansas State)
S Nikai Martinez
WR Stephen Martin (Samford)
WR Goldie Lawrence
DB Ja'Maric Morris (Georgia State)
DB Jason Duclona
DE Zavier Carter
RB Demarkcus Bowman
QB/S Xavier Williams (Middle Tennessee)
LB Rian Davis
CB Jarvis Ware (UNLV)
In the winter, Corey Thornton was probably the only player that had a great chance to retain their starting job in 2024. UCF was ready to move on from Josh Celiscar as a starting DE. I think UCF would have liked to have kept Jordan McDonald for his special teams contributions, but he probably wouldn't have been in the main RB mix (especially not now).
In the spring, there were no shocking departures which is a testament to The Kingdom and contributors. Retention is just as important (if not more so) than acquisition.
As for the departures, you hate to see a guy like Nikai Martinez go because he was essentially Gus Malzahn's first "Hometown Hero" commitment but he was in the process of being squeezed out as a starting safety and knew it. He didn't have a great season last year and had had issues with tackling.
It was always assumed Timmy McClain would depart - I think the only reason he didn't go in December was to await the NCAA's clarification regarding the court ruling to allow multiple transfers.
Stephen Martin was a great story, a legacy that went from walk-on to scholarship player, but likely not a primary contributor on offense.
The other players really weren't in the mix and in some cases weren't even here for spring (Bowman, Davis, Ware).
Transfer Portal Commitments
Winter:
QB KJ Jefferson (Arkansas)
RB Myles Montgomery (Cincinnati)
WR Goldie Lawrence (Florida State)*
TE Evan Morris (Michigan State)
OL Jabari Brooks (Samford)
OL Wes Dorsey (Western Kentucky)
DE Daylan Dotson (UT Martin)
DE Zavier Carter (UNLV)*
LB Ethan Barr (Vanderbilt)
LB Jesiah Pierre (Texas Tech)
LB Xe'ree Alexander (Idaho)
LB/DE Deshawn Pace (Cincinnati)
CB Ladarius Tennison (Ole Miss)
CB Antione Jackson (East Carolina)
S Bryon Threats (Cincinnati)
*Re-entered portal
Spring:
QB Jacurri Brown (Miami)
RB Peny Boone (Toledo/Louisville)
WR Jacoby Jones (Ohio)
OL Keegan Smith (Central Michigan)
DE Nyjalik Kelly (Miami)
S Cedrick Hawkins (Ohio State)
S Sheldon Arnold II (East Tennessee State)
DB Tre'Quon Fegans (USC)
DB Mac McWilliams (UAB)
WR Ja'Varrius Johnson (Auburn)
Looking back at the winter, UCF secured its starting quarterback in KJ Jefferson and now in the spring has seemingly locked up its 2024 backup in Jacurri Brown, who will have ample opportunity to earn the 2025 job. It goes without saying KJ will be the lynchpin to the offense's success and determine whether or not UCF will be a true Big 12 title contender.
Following spring, most thought UCF was fine at RB with RJ Harvey leading the way, but Peny Boone's addition gives Gus as true 1A/1B rushing attack. Gus' first season as a college coach was in 2006 as the OC at Arkansas and they were led by one of the best RB duos of all-time with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. I'm told how Malzahn utilized that duo was used in the pitch to Peny Boone.
For reference, McFadden rushed for an Arkansas-record 1,647 yards in 2006, finshing second in the Heisman voting. Felix Jones rushed for 1,168 yards.
UCF was a bit thin on experienced WR depth, so adding Jacoby Jones makes a lot of sense. He caught 45 receptions for 776 yards in 2022 (he was injured for most of 2023).
UCF has added important depth pieces on the offensive line. Time will tell if any of the transfers will start though.
The talent upgrade on defense is significant.
Ethan Barr and Deshawn Pace spent the spring as UCF's starting LBs, though Pace is a player with the versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary too.
Ladarius Tennison could be UCF's starting nickel.
Bryon Threats will be a factor at safety, possible starter. Sheldon Arnold was an FCS All-American safety.
Looking at the spring additions, Nyjalik Kelly has a great chance to earn a starting job if not sigificant playing time.
Fegans and Hawkins exude talent and potential, it's up to them how quickly they see the field as prominent contributors. Hawkins will play safety. I'm told Fegans is being recruited as a "DB" and they'll decide his best fit when he arrives. He played CB at USC.
Who's left?
Ja'Varrius Johnson appears to have taken the final available scholarship, which was freed up since HS signee Frankie Arthur is not slated to academically qualify.
Outlook
If KJ clicks with the offense and Ted Roof/defensive newcomers deliver, there's true reason to believe UCF can be a Big 12 championship contender. The schedule is mostly favorable - 5 conference home games/4 road games. Utah and Kansas State seem like they'll be the overall favorites - UCF doesn't play K-State and then hosts Utah in the season finale on Black Friday. That could have CCG implications.
The stars have aligned for Gus Malzahn to bring home a championship. He got his QB in KJ Jefferson. He has an elite RB room led by RJ and Peny Boone. Defense has an experienced DC and proven playmakers in key spots.
Updated Roster Breakdown
QB (5)
KJ Jefferson (Arkansas)**
Jacurri Brown (Miami)**
Dylan Rizk
Riley Trujillo*
EJ Colson*
RB (5)
RJ Harvey
Peny Boone (Toledo/Louisville)**
Johnny Richardson
Myles Montgomery (Cincinnati)**
Stacy Gage*
(Frankie Arthur* is not expected to qualify)
WR (12)
Kobe Hudson
Xavier Townsend
Jacoby Jones (Ohio)**
Ja'Varrius Johnson (Auburn)**
Trent Whittemore
Chauncey Magwood
Jarrad Baker
Tyree Patterson
Bredell Richardson*
Kylan Fox*
Jordyn Bridgewater*
Kason Stokes*
TE (4)
Randy Pittman Jr.
Jordan Davis
Evan Morris (Michigan State)**
Grant Stevens
OL (14)
Amari Kight
Marcellus Marshall
Adrian Medley
Caden Kitler
Paul Rubelt
Jabari Brooks (Samford)**
Wes Dorsey (Western Kentucky)**
Keegan Smith (Central Michigan)**
Cameron Kinnie
Johnathan Cline
Keyon Cox
Patrick Barnett
Waltclaire Flynn*
Chase Malamala*
DT (7)
Ricky Barber
Lee Hunter
John Walker
Matthew Alexander
Derrick LeBlanc
Andrew Rumph
Marcus Downs*
DE (6)
Malachi Lawrence
Nyjalik Kelly (Miami)**
Daylan Dotson (UT Martin)**
Jamaal Johnson
Isaiah Nixon
Kaven Call
LB (10)
Ethan Barr (Vanderbilt)**
Deshawn Pace (Cincinnati)**
Jesiah Pierre (Texas Tech)**
Xe'ree Alexander (Idaho)**
Andrew Harris
Kam Moore
TJ Bullard
Troy Ford Jr.
Qua Birdsong*
DJ McCormick*
S (8)
Bryon Threats (Cincinnati)**
Sheldon Arnold II (ETSU)**
Demari Henderson
Quadric Bullard
William Wells
Christian Peterson*
Jashad Presley*
Jakob Gude*
Cedrick Hawkins (Ohio State)**
CB (10)
Brandon Adams
Ja'Cari Henderson
Ladarius Tennison (Ole Miss)**
Braeden Marshall
Antione Jackson (ECU)**
Tre'Quon Fegans (USC)**
Mac McWilliams (UAB)**
Chasen Johnson*
Jaylen Heyward*
Specialists (4)
K Colton Boomer
K Grant Reddick
P Mitch McCarthy
LS Gage King
Between the winter and spring, UCF retained their key contributors while adding significant talent to both sides of the ball. UCF will likely finish with a transfer team class ranking around the top five.
First, let's reflect on the players that exited the program. New school in parentheses, if applicable.
Transfer Portal Exits
Winter:
DE Josh Celiscar (Texas A&M)
CB Corey Thornton (Louisville)
RB Jordan McDonald (Boston College)
C Drake Metcalf (Virginia)
DE KD McDaniel (Georgia State)
DE Dallaz Corbitt (Bethune-Cookman)
DT Kervins Choute (UConn)
LB Isaiah Paul
WR Amari Johnson (Florida A&M)
DE Keenan Cupit
WR Tyler Griffin (Louisiana Monroe)
WR Jaylon Griffin (Tulane, but in portal again)
CB Fred Davis II
Spring:
QB Timmy McClain (Arkansas State)
S Nikai Martinez
WR Stephen Martin (Samford)
WR Goldie Lawrence
DB Ja'Maric Morris (Georgia State)
DB Jason Duclona
DE Zavier Carter
RB Demarkcus Bowman
QB/S Xavier Williams (Middle Tennessee)
LB Rian Davis
CB Jarvis Ware (UNLV)
In the winter, Corey Thornton was probably the only player that had a great chance to retain their starting job in 2024. UCF was ready to move on from Josh Celiscar as a starting DE. I think UCF would have liked to have kept Jordan McDonald for his special teams contributions, but he probably wouldn't have been in the main RB mix (especially not now).
In the spring, there were no shocking departures which is a testament to The Kingdom and contributors. Retention is just as important (if not more so) than acquisition.
As for the departures, you hate to see a guy like Nikai Martinez go because he was essentially Gus Malzahn's first "Hometown Hero" commitment but he was in the process of being squeezed out as a starting safety and knew it. He didn't have a great season last year and had had issues with tackling.
It was always assumed Timmy McClain would depart - I think the only reason he didn't go in December was to await the NCAA's clarification regarding the court ruling to allow multiple transfers.
Stephen Martin was a great story, a legacy that went from walk-on to scholarship player, but likely not a primary contributor on offense.
The other players really weren't in the mix and in some cases weren't even here for spring (Bowman, Davis, Ware).
Transfer Portal Commitments
Winter:
QB KJ Jefferson (Arkansas)
RB Myles Montgomery (Cincinnati)
WR Goldie Lawrence (Florida State)*
TE Evan Morris (Michigan State)
OL Jabari Brooks (Samford)
OL Wes Dorsey (Western Kentucky)
DE Daylan Dotson (UT Martin)
DE Zavier Carter (UNLV)*
LB Ethan Barr (Vanderbilt)
LB Jesiah Pierre (Texas Tech)
LB Xe'ree Alexander (Idaho)
LB/DE Deshawn Pace (Cincinnati)
CB Ladarius Tennison (Ole Miss)
CB Antione Jackson (East Carolina)
S Bryon Threats (Cincinnati)
*Re-entered portal
Spring:
QB Jacurri Brown (Miami)
RB Peny Boone (Toledo/Louisville)
WR Jacoby Jones (Ohio)
OL Keegan Smith (Central Michigan)
DE Nyjalik Kelly (Miami)
S Cedrick Hawkins (Ohio State)
S Sheldon Arnold II (East Tennessee State)
DB Tre'Quon Fegans (USC)
DB Mac McWilliams (UAB)
WR Ja'Varrius Johnson (Auburn)
Looking back at the winter, UCF secured its starting quarterback in KJ Jefferson and now in the spring has seemingly locked up its 2024 backup in Jacurri Brown, who will have ample opportunity to earn the 2025 job. It goes without saying KJ will be the lynchpin to the offense's success and determine whether or not UCF will be a true Big 12 title contender.
Following spring, most thought UCF was fine at RB with RJ Harvey leading the way, but Peny Boone's addition gives Gus as true 1A/1B rushing attack. Gus' first season as a college coach was in 2006 as the OC at Arkansas and they were led by one of the best RB duos of all-time with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. I'm told how Malzahn utilized that duo was used in the pitch to Peny Boone.
For reference, McFadden rushed for an Arkansas-record 1,647 yards in 2006, finshing second in the Heisman voting. Felix Jones rushed for 1,168 yards.
UCF was a bit thin on experienced WR depth, so adding Jacoby Jones makes a lot of sense. He caught 45 receptions for 776 yards in 2022 (he was injured for most of 2023).
UCF has added important depth pieces on the offensive line. Time will tell if any of the transfers will start though.
The talent upgrade on defense is significant.
Ethan Barr and Deshawn Pace spent the spring as UCF's starting LBs, though Pace is a player with the versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary too.
Ladarius Tennison could be UCF's starting nickel.
Bryon Threats will be a factor at safety, possible starter. Sheldon Arnold was an FCS All-American safety.
Looking at the spring additions, Nyjalik Kelly has a great chance to earn a starting job if not sigificant playing time.
Fegans and Hawkins exude talent and potential, it's up to them how quickly they see the field as prominent contributors. Hawkins will play safety. I'm told Fegans is being recruited as a "DB" and they'll decide his best fit when he arrives. He played CB at USC.
Who's left?
Ja'Varrius Johnson appears to have taken the final available scholarship, which was freed up since HS signee Frankie Arthur is not slated to academically qualify.
Outlook
If KJ clicks with the offense and Ted Roof/defensive newcomers deliver, there's true reason to believe UCF can be a Big 12 championship contender. The schedule is mostly favorable - 5 conference home games/4 road games. Utah and Kansas State seem like they'll be the overall favorites - UCF doesn't play K-State and then hosts Utah in the season finale on Black Friday. That could have CCG implications.
The stars have aligned for Gus Malzahn to bring home a championship. He got his QB in KJ Jefferson. He has an elite RB room led by RJ and Peny Boone. Defense has an experienced DC and proven playmakers in key spots.
Updated Roster Breakdown
QB (5)
KJ Jefferson (Arkansas)**
Jacurri Brown (Miami)**
Dylan Rizk
Riley Trujillo*
EJ Colson*
RB (5)
RJ Harvey
Peny Boone (Toledo/Louisville)**
Johnny Richardson
Myles Montgomery (Cincinnati)**
Stacy Gage*
(Frankie Arthur* is not expected to qualify)
WR (12)
Kobe Hudson
Xavier Townsend
Jacoby Jones (Ohio)**
Ja'Varrius Johnson (Auburn)**
Trent Whittemore
Chauncey Magwood
Jarrad Baker
Tyree Patterson
Bredell Richardson*
Kylan Fox*
Jordyn Bridgewater*
Kason Stokes*
TE (4)
Randy Pittman Jr.
Jordan Davis
Evan Morris (Michigan State)**
Grant Stevens
OL (14)
Amari Kight
Marcellus Marshall
Adrian Medley
Caden Kitler
Paul Rubelt
Jabari Brooks (Samford)**
Wes Dorsey (Western Kentucky)**
Keegan Smith (Central Michigan)**
Cameron Kinnie
Johnathan Cline
Keyon Cox
Patrick Barnett
Waltclaire Flynn*
Chase Malamala*
DT (7)
Ricky Barber
Lee Hunter
John Walker
Matthew Alexander
Derrick LeBlanc
Andrew Rumph
Marcus Downs*
DE (6)
Malachi Lawrence
Nyjalik Kelly (Miami)**
Daylan Dotson (UT Martin)**
Jamaal Johnson
Isaiah Nixon
Kaven Call
LB (10)
Ethan Barr (Vanderbilt)**
Deshawn Pace (Cincinnati)**
Jesiah Pierre (Texas Tech)**
Xe'ree Alexander (Idaho)**
Andrew Harris
Kam Moore
TJ Bullard
Troy Ford Jr.
Qua Birdsong*
DJ McCormick*
S (8)
Bryon Threats (Cincinnati)**
Sheldon Arnold II (ETSU)**
Demari Henderson
Quadric Bullard
William Wells
Christian Peterson*
Jashad Presley*
Jakob Gude*
Cedrick Hawkins (Ohio State)**
CB (10)
Brandon Adams
Ja'Cari Henderson
Ladarius Tennison (Ole Miss)**
Braeden Marshall
Antione Jackson (ECU)**
Tre'Quon Fegans (USC)**
Mac McWilliams (UAB)**
Chasen Johnson*
Jaylen Heyward*
Specialists (4)
K Colton Boomer
K Grant Reddick
P Mitch McCarthy
LS Gage King
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