Knights Finding Their Rhythm Early in Spring

Photo by Aryah Britt

With only three days of spring practice in the books, head coach Scott Frost saw just about what he expected to see, some early hiccups but nothing that can’t be fixed or improved.

The goal of week one was establishing the fundamentals around the group, minimizing “catastrophic” penalties and setting a standard from the start.

Throughout the offseason, Frost and first year general manager of football player personnel Trent Mossbrucker made it clear there was desire for proven production in the portal.

“I think it really showed how good a job the coaching staff did getting these guys ready to go out and just fight through spring,” Frost said in a post-practice press conference. “For all the new additions we had, there weren’t a lot of learning mistakes and errors, and we certainly had really good effort out there today.”

With just a week worth of interviews and sights from the field, there are some story lines that Knights fans can follow and look forward to.

Barnett Sidelined to Open Spring, Spotlight Shifts to Backup QB Battle

Significant attention surrounded JMU transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III entering Tuesday’s opening spring practice, with expectations that he would lead the offense as the presumed starter.

• Barnett participated in early warmups but did not take part in throwing drills and was absent from the remainder of practice, raising immediate questions about his availability.
• Head coach Scott Frost clarified post-practice that the decision to hold Barnett out was precautionary, citing minor physical issues and emphasizing the importance of not rushing him back too soon.
• Frost stressed a long-term mindset, noting the priority is ensuring Barnett is fully healthy and ready for the fall season rather than pushing him through limited spring reps.
• Despite missing throwing time, Frost expressed confidence in Barnett’s experience and football IQ, highlighting his ability to quickly learn and adapt to the offense as a reason for minimal concern.
• Frost added that Barnett is expected to gradually return to action, potentially beginning with controlled settings like 7-on-7 drills before ramping up fully.
• Barnett was not visibly active during the second or third days of practice, continuing to limit his on-field participation during open viewing periods.
• However, Sons of UCF reporters observed Barnett entering the field during closed portions of practice, leaving his exact level of involvement unclear.
• With Barnett sidelined, the quarterback competition shifted focus to the rest of the room, giving increased reps and evaluation opportunities to senior Keyone Jenkins, redshirt sophomore Kaleb Annett, and freshmen Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr.
• Frost referenced last spring’s open quarterback competition but indicated that the position now appears much more settled, suggesting Barnett is the clear frontrunner once he returns to full health.

Wide Receivers Eye Bigger Production in 2026

Senior Monmouth transfer Josh Derry has stood out early in spring practice, showcasing his playmaking ability and emerging as a consistent player to watch. Returnees Waden Charles and Duane Thomas, Jr. have also played a big role

• Derry’s experience at the FCS level positions him as a player expected to make an immediate impact as he transitions to FBS competition.
• He enters the spring with the opportunity to prove himself against higher-level talent and establish a role within the offense.
• Thomas, entering his senior season, is focused on elevating his performance while stepping into a more vocal leadership role within the group.
• Charles looks to build on a productive freshman campaign, with the potential to take a significant step forward in his development.
• The combination of experienced transfers and returning players gives UCF a mix of proven production and developing talent at the position.

Veterans Lead the Way as New-Look Roster Builds Chemistry

With multiple players departing via the transfer portal, the Knights are focused on building chemistry among new and returning players in the locker room.

• The roster turnover has created an opportunity for returning veterans to take on larger leadership roles during spring practice.
• Senior wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr. emphasized his transition into a more vocal leadership position after previously taking a quieter approach.
• Thomas noted the absence of a spring transfer portal window allows the team to develop stronger continuity and chemistry with the current group.
• He highlighted the value of consistently working with the same teammates, which he believes will help the unit improve daily.
• On the defensive side, senior linebacker Lewis Carter also addressed his leadership role and the team’s mindset.
• Carter observed a noticeable difference from last season, describing the defense as more appreciative of opportunities and more energized during practices.
• He added that the defensive unit is approaching the spring period with greater intensity and focus compared to the previous year.

Who Steps Up to Replace Lawrence and Kelly?

Former UCF edge rushers Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly have aspirations of playing in the NFL, leaving questions about who will step up to fill key defensive roles.

• Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch emphasized that pressure and expectations are shared collectively across the unit rather than resting on a single player.
• Redshirt junior Isaiah Nixon has emerged as a player to watch for increased responsibility and impact this season.
• Nixon is coming off a career-best year, recording 24 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss, including a career-high six tackles in UCF’s win over North Carolina A&T.
• Malachi Lawrence praised Nixon for his speed and physicality, noting he could attract NFL Combine attention next year.
• Grinch highlighted Nixon’s potential to make a significant jump as a junior and become a standout player on the defense.
• Redshirt senior defensive tackle Horace Lockett is another player expected to make a major impact and take a step forward in the upcoming season.

Defensive Backs Focus on Turnovers and Key Playmakers

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch stressed the importance of forcing turnovers, an area where UCF ranked near the bottom of the Big 12 last season. Harvard transfer redshirt senior Ty Bartrum and fifth-year defensive back Jayden Williams are positioned as leaders in the defensive backs room.

• Grinch hopes to improve turnover production this season by emphasizing effort, focus, belief, and tenacity throughout spring training.
• “We got to punch above our weight a little more,” Grinch said, noting the team did not consistently show maximum effort in all twelve games last year.
• Bartrum aims to perform at the highest level while bringing leadership experience from being Harvard’s lone team captain last season.
• He intends to guide a secondary that retained many returning players and help them improve collectively.
• Williams is motivated to prove himself after last season’s injury limited him to two games, including a re-aggravation against North Carolina.
• “I kind of got my last year taken from me,” Williams said, expressing his determination to make a full comeback and contribute to the team.
• Both players are focused on personal improvement while helping the defense reach higher standards in effort and execution.

Team Embraces “Family-Oriented” Culture

During the first week of spring training, “culture” was a recurring theme, especially with many new faces on the team. Establishing a strong team culture is seen as a key challenge for building cohesion among unfamiliar players.

• Louisville transfer running back Duke Watson described the culture as “family oriented,” emphasizing the importance of players truly getting to know each other.
• Watson noted that Coach Frost creates opportunities for players to interact across positions, including offensive linemen, kickers, and others.
• He believes these interactions strengthen bonds and significantly elevate the team’s overall culture.

Over the next few weeks, the Knights will look to strengthen the fundamentals as players compete for roles that are not solidified. The newer faces will get more and more familiar with the program and will settle in as the group grows more as a unit, while the veterans and returning players lead the way to guide them to what it is like as a UCF Knight.