The UCF Knights return home to FBC Mortgage Stadium on October 18, 2025, energized by a fan base eager to see their team turn the corner in Big 12 play and reassert themselves as one of the league’s most dynamic programs. Under head coach Scott Frost, now in his second stint leading the Knights, UCF’s offense has begun to find its rhythm behind quarterback Tayven Jackson, whose blend of mobility, arm strength, and composure gives this unit real upside. Jackson’s ability to extend plays and hit receivers in stride has been a major catalyst for the Knights’ improved offensive consistency, particularly in home games where their up-tempo attack feeds off crowd energy. The passing game has been balanced and explosive, with veteran receiver Kobe Hudson providing reliability on intermediate routes and Xavier Townsend serving as a versatile playmaker capable of breaking big gains on screens and motion concepts. Tight end Alec Holler has also emerged as a steady red-zone target, complementing an improving ground game led by Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon. That backfield combination allows UCF to toggle between speed and power, keeping defenses guessing with option looks, counters, and misdirection plays that stretch opponents horizontally before attacking vertically. Defensively, coordinator Alex Grinch has emphasized aggression and gap discipline, implementing a 3-4 hybrid scheme designed to generate pressure from multiple angles. Linebacker Jason Johnson has been a steadying force in the middle, while defensive lineman Tre’Mon Morris-Brash continues to anchor the front with elite burst and motor. In the secondary, safeties Quadric Bullard and Nikai Martinez headline a unit that’s shown flashes of brilliance but remains susceptible to big plays when overaggressive.

Against West Virginia, UCF’s defensive game plan will hinge on containing quarterback Nicco Marchiol and forcing him into long passing downs where he’s struggled. Expect Grinch to mix disguised coverages and zone pressures, daring the Mountaineers to win one-on-one battles on the perimeter. On special teams, UCF’s return units have the potential to swing field position, particularly with Townsend’s explosiveness in the open field. Kicker Colton Boomer has been steady, and the Knights have used their special teams to seize momentum at key moments this season. To win this matchup, UCF must dictate tempo early — establishing their rhythm offensively and using their speed to stretch West Virginia’s defense sideline to sideline. The Knights thrive when they score quickly and force opponents into a game of catch-up, which plays perfectly into their defensive aggression. However, they’ll need to clean up penalties and maintain composure against a Mountaineers team that wants to slow the pace and turn this into a grind. If Jackson continues his efficient play and the defense can limit chunk runs from West Virginia’s backfield, UCF should have every opportunity to control the game from start to finish. A convincing home win here would not only lift the Knights back into the middle of the Big 12 race but also signal that Frost’s high-tempo, fearless brand of football is officially back in Orlando.