Alonza Barnett debuts at quarterback in UCF win over Bethune-Cookman
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 3:58 AM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026
UCF defeated Bethune-Cookman 73-6 in its season opener Thursday at the Bounce House. New starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III finished 11-of-18 passing for 158 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score before exiting the game in the third quarter. The victory set a school record for points in a single game and marked the largest margin of victory in program history. Coach Scott Frost praised the performance of his quarterback, citing his ability to manage protections and execute the offense under pressure. This performance comes as the program attempts to resolve a long-standing period of instability at the quarterback position. The Knights look to stabilize the offensive backfield following a string of injuries and departures that have hindered the team since the era of Dillon Gabriel.
- •UCF defeated Bethune-Cookman 73-6 in the season opener at the Bounce House.
- •Alonza Barnett III completed 11 of 18 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown.
- •The 73 points scored tied a school record for the program.
- •Jayden Williams scored on a 47-yard interception return during the first half.
- •Duke Watson recorded a 64-yard touchdown run early in the contest.
- 3:58 AMYahoo Sports — Bianchi: Scott Frost needs Alonza Barnett to end UCF’s quarterback curse
"The last time UCF fans were this excited about a transfer quarterback, KJ Jefferson came riding into Orlando with the reputation of a conquering hero. Jefferson, the celebrated transfer from Arkansas, was supposed to be the quarterback who would elevate Gus Malzahn’s offense and establish UCF as a legitimate Big 12 contender. Instead, his UCF career essentially began with warning lights flashing everywhere.
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