Lawrence makes history for UCF as first-round pick

Photo Courtesy of UCF AA

UCF football edge rusher Malachi Lawrence answered a phone call that would change his life forever.

A packed room erupted with overwhelming support as he was selected 23rd overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night.

Lawrence became the fifth first-round pick and the highest-drafted Knight in a defensive position in the program’s history. He also cements himself as the seventh defensive lineman to be selected in the NFL Draft—the second since 2022—and the 53rd NFL Draft pick from UCF.

Lawrence remained with the Black and Gold throughout his collegiate career, totaling 72 career tackles and finishing 10th on UCF’s all-time sacks list with 20.

Lawrence achieved accolades during his redshirt senior season, including a career-high of 28 tackles, tied for his career best of 17 solo stops, earned the All-Big 12 First Team honor and finished as one of seven players in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) who recorded five or more sacks over the past three seasons.

At the 2026 NFL Combine, Lawrence stood out in key measurements as he ranked top 25 all-time for his position group out of over 2,000 performances, such as notching a 4.52 40-yard dash, a 10’10” broad jump and a 40” vertical.

As he enters a new stage in the profession, Lawrence left Knight Nation with a few words.