League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

UCF football prepares for 2026 season opener against Bethune-Cookman

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 9:07 AM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

UCF football prepares for 2026 season opener against Bethune-Cookman

Summary

UCF enters the 2026 season aiming to rebound from a 5-7 campaign during Scott Frost's return to Orlando. The Knights open their schedule on September 3 against Bethune-Cookman at the Bounce House. Analysts project the team could secure at least two road victories, a significant improvement after a nine-game road losing streak dating back to September 2024. New starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III joins the roster after a stint at James Madison, where he led the program to a conference title and a College Football Playoff appearance. The coaching staff expects significant contributions from recruit Tyren Hornes and interior defensive lineman Thomas Collins. The program targets a bowl game appearance to improve its 7-20 conference record over the last three seasons.

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Status Watch

•UCF hosts Bethune-Cookman for the season opener on September 3.
•Alonza Barnett III enters his first season as the starting quarterback for the Knights.
•The team aims to break a nine-game road losing streak throughout the 2026 schedule.
•Waden Charles, Josh Derry, and Duane Thomas Jr. comprise the starting wide receiver trio.
•The program seeks its third all-time appearance in the Liberty Bowl.

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