The UCF Knights football team will soon open fall preseason camp as they prepare for the 2026 season, the second under head coach Scott Frost in his return to Orlando. This roster will feature upwards of 40 new players, including transfers, freshmen, and walk-ons, to mesh with several important returnees from the 2025 team.

As we get you ready for the season, the Sons of UCF convened a panel of media and commentators who cover the team on a regular basis to rank the most important players on the 2026 roster. The criteria for “important” was left intentionally vague so that the respondents could evaluate with their individual perspective. The results were compiled and scored based on the number of votes for each player. Those scores were then used to create a Top 10 ranking, which will be unveiled in a countdown over the coming days.

The panel included Christian Simmons (Pegasus Podcast), Eric Lopez (Around The Kingdom), Brian Peterson (Sons of UCF), Jeff Allen (To Your Point), Andrew Cherico (Knights247 & Sons of UCF), Trace Trylko (Sons of UCF), and Adam Eaton (Sons of UCF).

For this installment, here are the players ranked 5th and 6th, plus an honorable mention who fell just shy of making the list.

Honorable Mention: Connor Meadows – Offensive Line

Photo Courtesy UCF Athletics

Meadows established himself as a versatile member of the Knights’ offensive line in 2025, taking snaps at three different offensive line positions and tight end. The 6’5”, 305-pound senior figures to play a big role across the offensive line in 2026, and Coach Scott Frost has made mention of the possibility of him starting at multiple positions.

Christian Simmons: Seriously. UCF is still putting together its offensive line and, depending on how things play out, Meadows could end up at center. Seeing a better-than-expected season from him could make all the difference.

 

Trace Trylko: Games will be decided in the trenches, and it appears that returnee Connor Meadows will likely start. But who earns the spot at Center?

6. Sincere Edwards – Defensive Edge

Photo Courtesy UCF Athletics

The hometown product had an injury-plagued 2025 season for the Knights, appearing in the first six games before suffering an injury. In the time he was on the field, Edwards showed flashes of the explosive power and quickness that UCF will desperately need in 2026.

Adam Eaton: With the loss of Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly, the Knights will need somebody to emerge as a threat to rush the passer and disrupt timing. Sincere has shown flashes when healthy and could be in line for a big season.

 

Brian Peterson: Probably the most disruptive defender on the roster. A good pass rusher can change games, and Edwards has NFL-level upside. He is one of the few defenders capable of taking over a game with sacks and pressure.

5. Henry Tabansi – Offensive Line

Photo Courtesy UCF Athletics

The Knights targeted the 6’5”, 306-pound junior offensive tackle in the transfer portal, and held off several other Power 4 schools to get him in the Black & Gold. The two-year starter at Buffalo established himself as a dominant left tackle, which is something the Knights badly need on their offensive line.

Jeff Allen: The Buffalo transfer brings great size and experience to protect the blind side of the QB. The O-line needs to level up this season and become more of a force.

 

Christian Simmons: As important as Barnett is, he can only do so much. The offensive line needs to take a big step forward from last year. Tabansi is the surest bet to be a big-time performer there.