Barnett suffers from a hamstring injury, starter yet to be announced

Photo courtesy of UCF Athletics

Redshirt senior quarterback Alonza Barnett III is expected to miss multiple weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the Knights’ road loss to Pittsburgh last Saturday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel announced via X Monday morning.

Barnett was injured on the second to last play of the final drive of the Knights 12-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers, senior quarterback Keyone Jenkins replaced Barnett on the final play.

The timetable for Barnett’s return isn’t certain, according to Thamel.

Head coach Scott Frost told reporters on Monday the injury is significant, but to which extent will be determined pending additional imaging.

Prior to his injury, Barnett threw for 344 yards and two touchdowns through two games with the Knights. He also recorded 22 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

As for who will fill in Barnett’s place, Frost mentioned that several players are capable of filling in. He also stated that his group’s experience is a factor he is leaning on.

“We have a lot of guys that, I think, are capable. We’re kind of putting together a game plan right now,” Frost said. “I think experience helps you no matter what…luckily, we have a couple of guys that have played some football, and I feel great about what we have.”

For a team that dealt with injuries in the quarterback position last season in Frost’s return to the program, UCF finds itself having to navigate through a similar situation.

The Knights now prepare for their final matchup in their non-conference slate against the Georgia State Panthers on Saturday at the Acrisure Bounce House at 7 p.m.