Time to turn the page to 2025

Happy Holidays, Knight Nation.  We’ve made it through another year. Hopefully, we’re all a little older and a little wiser. I tend to use this time of the year to reflect on everything that’s taken place over the last 12 months. Here are some thoughts as we wrap up 2024.

Nothing says “refresh” like UCF Football not making a bowl game, and if I’m being perfectly honest, I’m almost happy about it. Our last season without a bowl game was 2015, and wow, have things changed since then. Just like the end of 2015, 2024 has become a time for the Knights to press the “reset” button on their football program. It’s come at a perfect time, too. Finishing 4-8 was not on my bingo card this year. We bid farewell to Gus & Co. and thank him for his time. Say what you will about him, but he’s a highly respected face of the sport and helped UCF’s status as we arrived in the “P4” and the Big 12.

Putting that era behind us, let’s look forward to the future. “The Future of College Football?” No, not that future. The Frost Future! Scott Frost is back at UCF to take another crack at building (waking?) the sleeping giant that is UCF. Will lightning strike twice? Almost certainly not in the same place, no, but there is always potential. If he does things correctly, he could turn UCF Football into the program that we all know and believe it can be. It’s going to be a lot of fun and vibes are high, but let’s also remember to give him ample time to produce. This is a COMPLETE rebuild. I’d argue that he had more to work with when he arrived in 2015 than he does this go around. The portal and NIL have made short work of our roster heading into 2025. Scott will have his work cut out for him and it won’t be a quick turnaround. Be patient. And maybe send him some coffee – He’ll need it as he gets started.

Speaking of the transfer portal, remember that the portal giveth and the portal taketh away. We’ve seen some former Knights hit the portal or at least announce their intentions to do so. Hopefully, some of these guys can be convinced to stick things out and help build our future. Nyjalik Kelly has pulled his name out and stated that he’s staying. That’s a great start. I can’t wait to see who decides to stay or who this new coaching staff brings in. Just because UCF’s football season is over, doesn’t mean that there isn’t work to be done! (And by work, I mean convincing players that Florida winters are way better than anywhere else.)

In addition to Coach Frost, UCF has also welcomed home a few other familiar faces. Sean Beckton, who was here in 2024, will be staying along with Kenny Martin. These two are much needed additions to Frost’s staff and will help provide some vital consistency for recruits. Joining them, will be another fan favorite, former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton (KZ, The Hawaiian Punch, McKenzie Millionaire, the GOAT) has joined the coaching staff as Quarterbacks Coach. Many are happy to see the UCF legend back in the black and gold, after letting Tennessee and former UCF Coach Josh Heupel borrow him for a few seasons.

So, as we wrap up this 2024 year, let’s take some time think back on where we’ve been and where we’re going.  Let’s all get some rest and relaxation. Let us be thankful for what we’ve been given (and what we’ve given to FSU 😉).

Remember to spend time with loved ones this holiday season and we could all benefit from getting out and touching some grass. Take a breather from social media and enjoy the moment, because 2025 will be here before you know it!

Wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

Charge On!