DALLAS — Alonza Barnett didn’t need much convincing when the UCF Knights came calling.

After entering the transfer portal, the veteran quarterback found more than just a football opportunity in Orlando. He found a program built around family, a coaching staff he trusted, and an offensive system that fit his skill set.

“It was a family-like atmosphere,” Barnett told the Sons of UCF at Big 12 Media Days. “The game of football is important, but what makes the grind easier is knowing that you have great people around you.”

Barnett pointed to Scott Frost’s track record, quarterbacks coach McKenzie Milton’s experience in the offense, and offensive coordinator Steve Cooper’s football knowledge as major reasons behind his decision to become a Knight.

A Fast Start in Orlando

Barnett’s transition to UCF happened quickly.

After arriving on campus with help from his parents—his mother driving his car to Florida and his father bringing his belongings in a U-Haul—he immediately began learning both the offense and the culture.

He credits the university’s administration, coaching staff, and support personnel for making the move seamless.

“Everybody was welcoming,” Barnett said. “It all made it easier.”

The only surprise?

Florida’s unexpected January cold front.

“I had to bring my puffer down,” Barnett joked.

A Playmaker Who Wants to Be a Point Guard

Asked to describe his game to UCF fans, Barnett offered a unique scouting report.

“I’m a point guard,” he said.

Barnett sees himself as an intelligent quarterback capable of creating plays both inside and outside the pocket while putting teammates in the best position to succeed.

“I’m an electric playmaker,” he said. “I believe I’m a highly intelligent quarterback—somebody that’s going to get the offense in the right place and not make a bad play worse.”

That mindset extends beyond his own performance. Barnett praised the depth throughout UCF’s offense, highlighting the talent at running back, wide receiver, tight end, and along the offensive line.

Rather than focusing on individual stars, he emphasized the number of players capable of stepping up.

“I truly believe we have the playmakers and the depth for anybody to step in and play big.”

Leadership Through Action

Although Barnett arrived with great fanfare as the new quarterback, he didn’t want to immediately take charge with his voice alone.

Instead, he focused on earning his teammates’ respect through consistency.

“I didn’t want to come in guns blazing and command guys,” Barnett said.

His approach has been simple: let his work ethic speak first.

“You have to show your guys you’re dedicated,” he said. “People listen to words, but only so much. I’ve been trying to be an action-type of guy.”

That philosophy has helped him establish himself as one of the leaders of the offense despite joining the program just months ago.

Learning the Big 12

Barnett enters his first season in the Big 12 knowing every week presents a new challenge.

He’s spent the offseason studying film, leaning on coaches and teammates with conference experience, and preparing for what lies ahead.

“You don’t know until you truly experience it yourself,” Barnett said.

Facing UCF’s defense every day in practice has also accelerated his development.

He described the Knights’ defense as one that disguises coverages and forces quarterbacks to think after the snap.

“It really makes me be in tune with my film,” Barnett said. “Going against that day in and day out just makes me better.”

Healthy and Ready

Questions surrounded Barnett’s participation during spring practices, but he made it clear his focus was on being fully prepared for the season.

After limiting his workload during the spring, he returned to full activity immediately afterward.

“I’ve been full go,” Barnett said.

While he understood the outside attention, he viewed it as part of playing quarterback at a passionate football school.

“A lot of people care,” he said. “A lot of people are invested in the success of the university.”

Representing the Knights

Being selected to represent UCF at Big 12 Media Days is something Barnett doesn’t take lightly.

Calling it both an honor and his first—and last—college media day, he said the opportunity reflects the trust the coaching staff has placed in him.

“I really appreciate their trust in me,” Barnett said. “Not only as a quarterback, but as a person to be able to represent the University of Central Florida.”

As preseason turns toward kickoff, Barnett remains focused on earning that trust every day.

For UCF, the new quarterback isn’t trying to make headlines. He’s trying to lead by example—and let his play do the talking.