Who needs to stand out for the Knights in 2025

It’s no secret to anyone, last season was a bit rough for UCF Football. Ending the season 4-8 and saying goodbye to several key players isn’t exactly the best foundation for recently re-hired head coach Scott Frost to build upon. However, there’s no doubt that the UCF locker room does have some talent, and with Frost hand picking his new coaching staff and freshman recruits, it seems that he might have a plan for how to rekindle some success for the Knights. As spring camp opens next week, here are three players to keep an eye: 

Dylan Rizk

If there is one component that was major in UCF’s success in Frost’s first tenure, it was the starting quarterback. Luckily for the Knights, that quarterback has returned as a coach. McKenzie Milton knows the culture of the UCF quarterback room and knows what characteristics work for a successful man under center. Obviously last season was quite a mess in the quarterback room, with a total of four starting QBs throughout the season. After several lack-luster performances from the mix of starters, redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk was the one to close out the season. Rizk played in six games and started in four, posting a 61.5% completion percentage, 904 passing yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. He also accumulated 43 rushing yards on 29 carries. A quarterback who can run is something coach Milton is no stranger to, having the 2nd most rushing yards by a quarterback in UCF history. On top of this, Frost has stated that he wants the offense to be fast paced and physical. If Milton can project some of his former quarterback characteristics onto Rizk, and build off of his raw talent, he could become a solid starting quarterback for the Knights.

Courtesy of UCF Football on X

Nyjalik Kelly

When Frost led the Knights to their national championship and undefeated season in 2017, he had all the pieces of the puzzle. An outstanding offense with a trusted leader in Milton under center, and a stellar defense, led by now hall of famer Shaquem Griffin. Looking at Griffin’s stats in 2017, it’s hard to compare any player on the current roster now to his performance then, but there’s one player that has the potential to be special: Nyjalik Kelly. Although UCF struggled on defense throughout the 2024 season, Kelly was one of the bright spots, with 53 tackles (23 solo and 30 assisted), 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Going into his senior year, it’s high time for Kelly to breakout as a star for the Knights on this new look defense.

Courtesy of Nyjalik Kelly on Instagram

Taevion Swint

Let’s address the elephant in the room: who is going to replace RJ Harvey? The record-setter and now NFL prospect has made more of an impact on Knights football than any player in recent years. So, who will Frost choose to replace the former star player?  One could argue Myles Montegomery is the obvious answer, especially since he served as solid backup beside Harvey last season. However, it’s also possible that the Knights will look to establish a different rushing identity with Frost’s offensive system. Enter, Taevion Swint. Swint is labeled as a 4 -star recruit by almost every recruiting publication, and was ranked the top high school running back in the state of Florida last year. He rushed for 1,778 yards as a senior, and helped lead Osceola High School to the state championship game. He had 25 rushing touchdowns, averaging more than 10.5 yards per carry in 2024. Through his varsity football career he accumulated over 4,500 rushing yards. With new running backs coach Jimmy Beal behind the wheel, Frost will be hoping his two decades of experience can lift Swint to lead this group in 2025.

Courtesy of UCF Athletics