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 the first installment, here are the players ranked 10th and 9th, plus an honorable mention who fell just shy of making the list.

Honorable Mention: Braeden Marshall

Photo Courtesy UCF Athletics

The senior defensive back returns to a UCF secondary that figures to be amongst the most veteran position groups on the roster. Marshall played in 11 games in 2025, registering 22 total tackles and a career-high 2 interceptions.

Andrew Cherico: Braeden Marshall brings a presence not only in coverage, but also in the box, defending the run and blitzing the QB. UCF’s secondary was good last season; Marshall and Bellamy have a chance to make it elite.

 

Jeff Allen: As the veteran leader in the secondary, I expect him to take it to a higher level this season.

10. Will Stone – Kicker

Photo Courtesy UCF Athletics

The Texas transfer comes to UCF with a big leg (at least per social media videos), but a lack of on-field playing experience. Stone’s career statistics in his four seasons at Texas list only 2 extra point attempts (both made) during the 2024-25 season.

Christian Simmons: Let’s not forget that UCF is handing kicking duties to a player who… hasn’t really kicked at the college level! It’s easy to forget now, but will be front of mind in late October if UCF finds itself a 52-yard attempt away from staying in the Big 12 title race.

 

Trace Trylko: The Texas transfer is a question mark – have the Knights adequately replaced Noe Ruelas, who proved consistent during the 2025 season? Stone HC Scott Frost has mentioned Kicker as an area of uncertainty, and with a total of 2 XPs and no FGs, that feels like an understatement.

9. Duke Watson – Running Back

Photo Courtesy UCF Athletics

The 5’11”, 185-pound junior comes to UCF via Louisville, where he played two seasons for the Cardinals. Watson fought through an injury-plagued 2025 season, which limited him to 7 games and only 49 carries. However, his potential was on full display in 2024, when he gained almost 600 yards and scored 7 touchdowns, averaging 8.9 yards per carry while appearing in 12 games.

Eric Lopez: A Louisville transfer who provides explosive, playmaking talent that the Knights hope to get out of the running back position.

 

Brian Peterson: The Louisville transfer brings elite explosiveness and could become the signature running back in Frost’s offense, in a RB room that’s well stocked.  UCF’s history suggests dynamic backs thrive in this system.