FRISCO, Texas — UCF defensive back Jaden Bellamy believes the biggest difference between last season’s team and the 2026 Knights isn’t talent—it’s commitment.

Representing UCF at Big 12 Media Days for the first time, Bellamy described a locker room that is more mature, disciplined, and fully invested in what head coach Scott Frost is building as the program heads into the new season.

“I feel like we’re all focused,” Bellamy told the Sons of UCF. “Offense, defense—I feel like we’re more focused, more disciplined. Everyone’s locked in. Everyone’s more mature.”

Bellamy didn’t shy away from comparing the current roster to last year’s group.

“I feel like last year it was a lot of people that weren’t all bought in,” he said. “Coach Frost and the coaching staff got players that want to buy in and show what they can do.”

For Bellamy, buying in goes beyond making plays on Saturdays. It starts with everyday habits—arriving on time, competing in the weight room, and pushing teammates to improve.

“Everyone’s trying to compete to be better,” he said. “If someone’s doing 275 on power cleans, I’m trying to go do 315. It pushes everybody.”

Coach Overstreet Brings NFL Energy

One of the biggest influences on UCF’s secondary has been cornerbacks coach Daivd Overstreet, whose high-energy coaching style has quickly become a favorite among the defensive backs.

“He’s always going to bring the energy,” Bellamy said. “He knows the ins and outs of everything because he’s done it.”

Bellamy said Overstreet regularly has the cornerbacks studying NFL standouts such as Christian Gonzalez, Jaylon Johnson and Jaycee Horn, breaking down their techniques and incorporating them into practice.

Having a coach with NFL experience has been invaluable, Bellamy said.

“Even the little things he tells us to do become the big things,” Bellamy said. “He talks about takeaways because teams want guys who get the football.”

Veteran Secondary Ready to Lead

After returning several key contributors, Bellamy believes experience will be one of the secondary’s biggest advantages.

“I would say we’re mature,” he said. “The communication is way better now. We understand each other and how everyone plays.”

Despite confidence in the defensive backfield, Bellamy wasn’t interested in labeling it the defense’s strength.

“I feel like we all complement each other,” he said. “The D-line, linebackers, secondary—we’re all dogs, and we’re all hungry.”

Explosive Offense Creating Tough Practices

Bellamy also came away impressed after facing UCF’s revamped offense throughout spring practice.

He described the offense as significantly more explosive than a year ago, citing increased downfield passing and improved team speed.

“There were definitely a lot more shots being taken,” Bellamy said. “Everybody’s pushing us to be better.”

One receiver who consistently challenged him was Monmouth transfer, Josh Derry.

“When I first guarded Derry in the spring, it was pretty hard,” Bellamy admitted. “He’s got counters for whatever you’re trying to do.”

Bellamy also highlighted cornerback Jailen Duffie, defensive back Rakeem Stroud, and running back Duke Watson as players who have stood out during offseason work.

Personal Goals and Team Motivation

Bellamy has lofty goals for himself entering the season, including earning First Team All-Big 12 honors and hearing his name called in the NFL Draft.

He also wants to improve in one key statistical category.

“Definitely get more takeaways,” Bellamy said. “I dropped two or three last year.”

The entire defense has embraced similar aspirations.

“We’re all hungry,” Bellamy said. “We’re all trying to get drafted. We’re all trying to be a top-10 defense.”

That hunger only intensified after Bellamy learned during his interview that no UCF players were selected to the preseason All-Big 12 teams.

“It definitely lights a little fire into us,” he said. “We’re going to show what we can do.”

Loyalty to UCF

In an era where transfers have become commonplace, Bellamy said leaving UCF never felt necessary.

He credited Frost’s honesty and support, along with advice from his father, a former NFL player, with helping him remain a Knight.

“He [Coach Frost] never lied to me and treated me right,” Bellamy said. “My dad always told me, if you’re good, you’re good. They’ll find you.”

Expectations for 2026

As UCF prepares to debut its renovated Bounce House this fall, Bellamy believes fans will notice a different brand of football.

“They’re definitely going to see a hard-working team,” he said. “We’re going to strain to the football, be disciplined, create takeaways, and get the ball back to our offense.”

If Bellamy’s message from Big 12 Media Days is any indication, the Knights believe they have something to prove—and they’re embracing the opportunity.