Get to know the playmakers on offense

With the current state of college football, I know that a lot of my fellow UCF fans are over it all and have adopted the mindset of “Just tell me who’s on the roster for opening weekend.” Now that we’re about a month out from the 2025 football season, I’m here to tell you who’s gonna be on the roster for opening weekend. I get that it’s the wild west still and anything can still happen, but I’m gonna take a crack at it anyway. Without further ado, here’s a rundown of UCF’s 2025 offensive players with their highlights (curated by me):

QUARTERBACKS

Tayven Jackson (R-JR): 

Career Stats: 66.03 comp. % | 1,300 Pass Yds | 6:6 TD/INT | 5 Rush TD’s

From Greenwood, Indiana. Jackson is sort of a journeyman, having begun his career redshirting at Tennessee in 2022, and then transferring to the University of Indiana in 2023. Tayven started 4 games at Indiana before being benched in favor of the now Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby. In 2024, he served primarily as a backup to Curtis Rourke. He started a single game in 2024, where he stepped in for Rourke and led his team to a win against Washington. Jackson is very much a safe player, he doesn’t hold onto the ball long and doesn’t really have bad decision making. He has thrown 6 interceptions compared to his 6 passing touchdowns, however, I’d attribute about 3 of those interceptions to bad luck. Balls that were either tipped or hit the hands of the receiver and landed into a defensive back. Could definitely improve in his passing mechanics under Frost.  Personally, I think the floor for Tayven isn’t that low but the ceiling isn’t particularly high. 

Jacurri Brown (R-JR): 

2024 Stats: 52.2 comp. % | 398 Pass Yds | 1:4 TD/INT | 401 Rush Yds | 4 Rush TD’s

From Valdosta, Georgia. Jacurri Brown played his first 2 years at Miami, where he primarily served as a backup to Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. He transferred to UCF in 2024, where he ended up starting 3 games and served as a package player in other games. In his 3 games starting for UCF, Brown passed for 365 yards and went 29/57 on pass attempts and had a single passing touchdown. Brown is very much seen as a dual threat, having had 53 rush attempts last year for 401 yards and 4 touchdowns. A very raw athlete with the tools to get it done, just needs the right coach and right system. Most UCF fans criticized Brown’s ability to pass last year. If he improves, I think that Brown has the highest ceiling of the three quarterbacks.

Cam Fancher (R-SR): 

2024 Stats: 59.4 comp % | 1,528 Pass Yds | 6:6 TD/INT | 365 Rush Yds | 3 Rush TD’s 

From Huber Heights, Ohio. Another journeyman, Cam Fancher played his first three seasons at Marshall, where he recorded 3,766 yards, 26 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, an average completion percentage of 60.65%, and an average QBR of 38.6. Fancher then decided to transfer to FAU where he had a little bit of a better stint. I watched all 12 games of Fancher last year, and it seems like he was running for his life every other play, and it’s because he was. According to PFF, Fancher was pressured almost 140 times on pass attempts. To put into perspective, UCF quarterbacks last year were only pressured 83 times. After extensive watching, I think that Fancher has the best throwing mechanics and experience of the 3 quarterbacks. He took a lot of shots down the field last year while under pressure, explaining his multitude of interceptions. He’s also not afraid to tuck the ball and run. With better coaching and better O-Line play, I think there’s a case that, currently speaking, Fancher is the best quarterback in this room.

RUNNING BACKS

This is the offensive unit that makes me nothing short of giddy. So many options and there’s a legitimate argument for any of these guys to be the best player in this room. 

Jaden Nixon (R-SR): 

2024 Stats: 143 Carries | 919 Rush Yds | 12 Rush TD’s | 10 Rec. | 77 Rec. Yds 

From Irving, Texas. Nixon is yet another journeyman. He played his first 3 years at Oklahoma State, where he recorded 500 yards on 110 carries and a rushing touchdown. Nixon also recorded 315 receiving yards on 33 receptions with 4 touchdowns. In 2024, he transferred to Western Michigan, where he became the Broncos primary ball carrier. He also had a 92 yard touchdown against Kent State, having the 6th longest rushing touchdown in the FBS last year. He was the primary kick returner during his time at Oklahoma State and recorded a multitude of return touchdowns. A quick and elusive back, Nixon is also a receiving threat, recording more receiving yards than rushing yards while at Oklahoma State. It’s gonna be fun to see how Jaden Nixon will mold into this running back room.

Myles Montgomery (SR): 

2024 Stats: 51 Carries | 293 Rush Yds | 3 Rush TD’s | 3 Rec. | 66 Rec. Yds | 1 Rec. TD

From Jacksonville, Florida. Montgomery was a solid contributor to the Knights last year. Although coming from Cincinnati, where he recorded 548 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, Montgomery was able to find his way through a loaded running back room last year to become the RB2 late in the season behind RJ Harvey. In 2024, Montgomery recorded 293 yards on 51 carries and 4 touchdowns. This year, I could see Montgomery being the 2 on the “1,2 Punch” of this running back unit. While not as quick and flashy as Nixon, I think Montgomery could serve as a short yardage power back. Being a returner from last year, Montgomery has quickly become a fan favorite with Knight nation, it’s gonna be really fun to see him ball.

Stacy Gage (SO): 

Senior HS Stats: 54 Carries | 390 Yds | 6 Rush TD’s

From Tampa, Florida. Stacy Gage is going into his 2nd year at UCF. After spending last year in one of the best running back rooms in the country and never seeing the field, Gage has a lot he wants to prove. In his Junior year of high school, Gage had 704 rushing yards on 139 carries and 14 touchdowns, while also catching 9 passes for 115 yards, helping to carry Wharton High School to the playoffs. His senior year, Gage ended up not playing in a lot of games due to injury. An elusive back that’s hard to bring down, I think Gage has a solid chance to get a good amount of carries this season going into year two.

Taevion Swint (FR): 

From Kissimmee, Florida. Taevion Swint is already a fan favorite among the UCF fanbase. Having committed during Malzahn’s tenure, Swint vowed to stay committed to UCF during the coaching change, citing that he committed to UCF and a coaching change wouldn’t deter him. A multi-sport athlete in high school, Swint was nothing short of dominant on the football field. His freshman season starting on varsity, Swint recorded 612 yards on 85 carries and 14 touchdowns. His sophomore season, he’d go for 1,666 rushing yards on 224 carries for 20 touchdowns. Having been injured the first half of his Junior season, Taevion was still able to record 602 yards on 74 carries for 6 touchdowns. Finally, for his senior season, Swint went for 1,915 yards on 198 carries for 26 touchdowns. The definition of a run-through-your-face kind of player, Swint is a guy who could be a solid contributor in his freshman season. 

WIDE RECEIVERS

The biggest question mark of the team, hence why I’m profiling seven guys.

Marcus Burke (R-SR): 

Career Stats: 19 Rec. | 270 Rec. Yds | 2 TD’s

From Jacksonville, Florida. Coming from the Gators, Marcus Burke was a solid package wide receiver for Florida. Only having 270 career receiving yards, 19 career receptions, and 2 touchdowns, Burke seems like a player that just got lost in the shuffle on a competitive SEC roster. From watching his film, he’s a guy that can play over the middle of the field and go deep down the sideline. Burke does have trouble getting separation sometimes, on 19 receptions, he had 30 targets in his career. Granted, a few of those were bad throws. However, there was a good amount Burke couldn’t get his hands on because he was unable to shake the covering DB. Being UCF’s only receiver with some kind of P5 experience, Marcus Burke is looking to be WR1. 

Duane Thomas Jr. (JR): 

Career Stats: 30 Rec. | 307 Rec. Yds | 1 TD

From Hollywood, Florida. Coming from Charlotte, Thomas recorded 244 receiving yards on 24 catches in his freshman season in 2023. In 2024, Thomas only recorded 6 receptions for 63 yards for a single touchdown. A 2 sport athlete and a 3 star coming out of high school, it’s going to be very interesting to see how Thomas improves and becomes a contributor to this team.

Chris Domercant (R-SR): 

2024 Stats: 36 Rec. | 640 Rec. Yds | 2 TD’s

A guy that isn’t really being discussed, Domercant is one of three receivers on this roster with any sort of Division 1 experience. Coming from Chattanooga, Domercant is a big play guy, recording six 20+ yard receptions last year. He’s a quick receiver, able to get open quickly down the field. Domercant also had a lot of interest from other Power schools, including Duke, Boise State, and Baylor. How will he fare at the Power 5 level? We will see. I’m pretty high on him. 

DJ Black (SR): 

2024 Stats: 41 Rec. | 939 Rec. Yds | 11 TD’s

From Inman, South Carolina. DJ Black is kind of a journeyman himself. Having spent 2022 at South Carolina, Black transferred to Limestone University. At 6’3”, 195 pounds, Black comes into UCF never having even played in a game at the FBS level. Let me be frank here: Division II and Power 5 football might as well be two different sports. Division II receivers, historically, have never really panned out in the Power 5. The only example I can find is JaQue Jackson in 2023, who came from a DII school where he recorded 1,100 yards and was an All-American. Still, he only recorded 300 yards the following year when he transferred to Rutgers. Black’s stats are good for a DII receiver, but can it translate to the Power 5 level? Will Black be a high-level starter or just a depth piece? Only time will tell.

Bredell Richardson (SO): 

Senior HS Stats: 68 Rec. | 1,248 Rec. Yds | 12 TD’s

From Tampa, Florida. Bredell Richardson is a guy who didn’t get to see the field last year. Coming out of high school, Richardson was a 3 star and a 2 sport athlete. Outside of the transfers, I would predict Bredell to be UCF’s top target. Skill-wise, he is really reminiscent of Xavier Townsend and has the same skill set. Not the flashy catches of Kobe Hudson, but is really quick and can find ways to get open. With the general rule being that a college player sees their greatest improvement in between their freshman and sophomore season, a guy like Bredell could be destined for a great season.

Jordyn Bridgewater (R-FR): 

Senior HS Stats: 40 Rec. | 886 Rec. Yds | 9 Rec TD’s | 28 Carries | 163 Rush Yds | 1 Rush TD

From Winter Garden, Florida. Going into year 2 of college as well, Bridgewater is a deep threat receiver. Just watching his highlights, Bridgewater isn’t afraid of catching the ball and shaking a DB off on the way to the endzone. He also has experience rushing the ball as well, I could definitely see Frost cooking up weird packages involving Bridgewater. 

Carl Jenkins Jr, (FR): 

High School Stats: 133 Rec. | 2,306 Rec. Yds | 31 TD’s

From St. Augustine, Florida. Based on his tape, I think that Jenkins is the most field ready of all the incoming freshmen. Super shifty and possesses a really quick break. A 3 star recruit in the class of ‘25 and a 2 sport athlete, could Carl Jenkins see the field in his freshman season? We all remember that Frost isn’t afraid to play freshman. 

Waden Charles (FR):

A four star ATH coming out of Somerset Academy, Charles recorded 37 catches for 595 yards and 4 touchdowns in his senior season. Additionally, Charles was a 2-way player in High School, having made 66 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 pass breakups. He is insanely quick off the ball and has some great footwork for an athlete. As his defensive stats show, he is also great with the contested ball. Along with Jenkins, I think that Waden Charles is a player who could see a lot of playing time in his freshman season.

TIGHT ENDS 

Dylan Wade (JR): 

2024 Stats: 29 Rec. | 374 Rec. Yds | 2 Rec. TD’s

From Orlando, Florida. Dylan Wade spent last year as the starter at Tight End for the Maryland Terrapins. In 2024, Wade recorded 29 receptions for 374 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s kind of a big play guy, averaging 13 yards per catch while at Maryland. Having a whole season of experience under his belt, it seems that Dylan Wade might be the starting Tight End here at UCF. However, I would be expecting a lot of double tight end sets with Wade and Fox.

Kylan Fox (SO): 

Senior HS Stats: 28 Rec. | 384 Rec. Yds | 7 TD’s

From Valdosta, Georgia. An absolute physical specimen at 6’4”, 230 lbs. Kylan Fox saw limited snaps in a Knights uniform last year. Having been recruited as a Tight End, Fox was moved to wide receiver last year, but based on the updated roster, he is back to being listed as a Tight End. Last year, Fox recorded 3 receptions for 22 yards. A four star coming out of high school, Fox has a ton of potential. Could we see Fox take over the tight end position?

OFFENSIVE LINE

Even though I played some offensive line in high school. I have no idea how to properly evaluate the position or tape, so I’ll just tell you who’s some key players on the roster. This unit is coached by former App State HC Shawn Clark, and with twenty years of experience, offensive line play would appear to be his forte. While it is unclear how they will fix together, the potential is there for this to be a solid unit:

Carter Miller (JR): From Fort Worth, Texas. Miller comes from the University of Louisiana Monroe, where he started 8 of 11 games.

Cameron Kinnie (R-SR): From Suwannee, Georgia. 6’3” 315 lbs. Kinnie played in 11 games last year and started versus Cincinnati last season. Transferred here in 2023 from Georgia.

Jabari Brooks (R-SR): From Sandersville, Georgia. 6’3” 335 lbs. Played in 4 games for UCF in 2024 and has played 2,500 snaps throughout his career.

Shaheem Hill (R-JR): From Orlando, Florida. 6’4” 320 lbs. He’s a walk on. He might play.

Gaard Memmelaar (R-SR): From Middleton, Idaho. 6’4” 315 lbs. Memmelaar is a transfer from Washington and appeared in 11 games at guard while he was there. Was the #1 recruit in Idaho.

Paul Rubelt (6th year): You know who this is.

Preston Cushman (R-JR): From St Petersburg, Florida. 6’5″ 305 lbs. Cushman transferred from Ole Miss, where he appeared in 12 games for the Rebels, largely on special teams.

Connor Meadows (R-JR): From Trenton, Tennessee. 6’4″ 300 lbs. Meadows transferred from Tennessee State, and previous Tennessee. Named Big South-OVC First Team All-Conference in 2024.

Keegan Smith (R-SR): From Jackson, Michigan. 6’3″ 314 lbs. Smith spent three seasons at Central Michigan before joining the Knights in 2024. It’s likely to Smith projects to a guard spot on the offensive line.