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 7th and 8th, plus an honorable mention who fell just shy of making the list.

Honorable Mention: Duane Thomas, Jr – Wide Receiver

Photo Courtesy UCF Athletics

The versatile playmaker and offensive weapon will return for his second season as a Knight in 2026. Last year, Thomas led all receivers in receptions (53) and yards (528), while also filling in as a kick returner on special teams. Despite his success in 2025, Thomas was unable to find the end zone, a stat that will need to change in 2026.

Jeff Allen: After hauling in 53 passes last season, he will be a reliable go-to in the passing game. This season, he will start to find the end zone.

 

Eric Lopez: A critical retention during the portal cycle, his speed makes him an important vertical target for Barnett.

8. Jayden Bellamy – Cornerback

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The senior cornerback returns for his second season at UCF after a productive 2025 campaign that saw him tally 1 INT, 8 pass-breakups, and 9 passes defended. Coming into 2026, Bellamy is already generating positive buzz, including being named to Phil Steele and Athlon Sports preseason Big 12 players to watch lists.

Brian Peterson: Bellamy returns after helping UCF field one of its best pass defenses in recent years.  The Big 12 is loaded with talented quarterbacks, and Bellamy’s experience is invaluable.

 

Andrew Cherico: The leader of UCF’s strong secondary last season is back with the Knights and established as a difference-maker. Despite limited turnovers last season, Bellamy blankets receivers and will make it hard for the opposing QB to test him.

7. Preston Cushman – Offensive Line

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The 6’5”, 305-pound senior returns to UCF after starting all 12 games at right tackle in 2025. The former Ole Miss transfer logged the most snaps of any offensive lineman last season, and his experience and leadership will be needed to help fortify a revamped unit that struggled in 2025.

Andrew Cherico: The offensive line was the number one question mark heading into spring camp, and it’s still among the top as fall camp approaches. Cushman is a marked leader of this team, and as one of the few returners on the line, it’s important he sets the standard.

 

Trace Trylko: Games will be decided in the trenches, and Preston Cushman is a likely starter. Is this a unit with adequate BIG 12 depth? How quickly do they come together? New OL Coach AJ Blazek will be counted on to bring stability.