Frisco, TX – UCF linebacker Lewis Carter believes the Knights football team has the talent to be one of the Big 12’s most improved defenses in 2026, but for him, the biggest growth this offseason has come away from the field.

After returning home to Florida last season following a transfer from Oklahoma, Carter enters his second year with the Knights as one of the defense’s unquestioned leaders. Speaking to the Sons of UCF at Big 12 Media Days, Carter said his focus has shifted from simply improving his own game to helping elevate everyone around him.

“I’m very excited,” Carter said. “Coming back home from Oklahoma means a lot. Playing for my home state. Going into my second year, being around a group of guys that’s been through the fire, had the ups and downs throughout last year, and just ready to come back and work.”

Carter enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025, but he said his offseason priorities extended well beyond adding strength and maintaining speed.

“Just getting more into that leader role,” Carter said. “Learning how to study tape more, not just study myself, but study opponent tape, learning what they’re going to give us and how they’re going to attack us each week.”

That leadership has become especially important as UCF integrates several newcomers into its linebacker room.

Carter praised Old Dominion transfer Jahleel Culbreath’s versatility and competitiveness, and pointed to veteran transfer Tackett Curtis as an experienced, physical presence. He also credited returning linebacker Jayden Jennings for stepping into a larger leadership role, and freshman Matt Occhipinti for making strides in his play throughout camp.

“We got a lot of guys,” Carter said. “They’re all willing to work. They’re competitors.”

While Carter stopped short of identifying one position group as the defense’s biggest strength, he expressed confidence in the unit from front to back.

“It’s looking real good right now,” he said. “I’m ready for it.”

One emphasis throughout the offseason has been creating more takeaways while improving against the run.

“Coach is preaching we need more turnovers,” Carter said. “We got to get that ball back. One thing I feel like we need to work on as a defense is just the run game. You got to stop the run before you can worry about everything else.”

Continuity should also benefit the Knights. Carter said the coaching staff has largely maintained the defensive system, allowing players to focus on playing faster rather than learning a new scheme.

“They’re keeping a lot of stuff the same,” Carter said. “So we can have the ability to go out there and play fast and play our game. UCF fast.”

Carter has also been impressed by the development of UCF’s revamped offense during spring practice, pointing to increased depth across the roster.

“They look better,” Carter said. “They’re ready to work. That tempo will get us every time in practice.”

As one of the program’s veteran voices, Carter has made it a priority to help newcomers understand the culture that developed through last season’s struggles.

“I’m trying to let them know what we’ve been through,” Carter said. “The feeling I don’t want to feel again.”

Being selected to represent UCF at Big 12 Media Days carried special significance for the Florida native.

“It means a lot,” Carter said. “We got a lot of guys that could have been chosen.”

Despite Carter’s strong 2025 season, neither he nor any UCF player earned preseason All-Big 12 recognition.

“It ain’t surprising,” he said. “UCF always been the underdog… we’re ready to prove the world wrong.”

“We didn’t have no road game win last year,” Carter said. “I’m looking forward to that.”