2023 UCF Knights football team

American college football season

2023 UCF Knights football

Gasparilla Bowl, L 17–30 vs. Georgia Tech

Conference| Big 12 Conference
Record| 6–7 (3–6 Big 12)
Head coach|

* Gus Malzahn (3rd season)

Offensive coordinator| Darin Hinshaw (1st season)
Offensive scheme| Spread option[1]
Defensive coordinator| Addison Williams (1st season)
Co-defensive coordinator| David Gibbs (3rd season)
Base defense| 4–2–5[1]
Home stadium| FBC Mortgage Stadium

Seasons

<- 2022

2024 ->

2023 Big 12 Conference football standings

* v
* t
* e

| Conf |  |  | Overall

|
|
|
|

Team |  | W |  | L |  |  |  |  | W |  | L |
No. 3 Texas y$^  |  | 8  | - | 1  |  |  |  |  | 12  | - | 2  |
No. 16 Oklahoma State y  |  | 7  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 10  | - | 4  |
No. 15 Oklahoma |  | 7  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 10  | - | 3  |
Iowa State |  | 6  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 7  | - | 6  |
No. 18 Kansas State |  | 6  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 9  | - | 4  |
West Virginia |  | 6  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 9  | - | 4  |
Texas Tech |  | 5  | - | 4  |  |  |  |  | 7  | - | 6  |
No. 23 Kansas |  | 5  | - | 4  |  |  |  |  | 9  | - | 4  |
UCF |  | 3  | - | 6  |  |  |  |  | 6  | - | 7  |
TCU |  | 3  | - | 6  |  |  |  |  | 5  | - | 7  |
Houston |  | 2  | - | 7  |  |  |  |  | 4  | - | 8  |
BYU |  | 2  | - | 7  |  |  |  |  | 5  | - | 7  |
Baylor |  | 2  | - | 7  |  |  |  |  | 3  | - | 9  |
Cincinnati |  | 1  | - | 8  |  |  |  |  | 3  | - | 9  |
Championship: Texas 49, Oklahoma State 21

* ^ - College Football Playoff participant
* $ - Conference champion
* y - Championship game participant

Rankings from AP Poll

The 2023 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida (UCF) as a member of the Big 12 Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Knights were led by Gus Malzahn in his third year as the Knights head coach. The team played their home games at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

UCF officially moved into the Big 12 Conference for the 2023 season. In doing so, the Knights became the first NCAA football program to play at every sanctioned level: Division III, Division II, Division I-AA, Division I-A (Independent), Group of Five, and Power Five.[2]

In their first season as part of the Big 12, the Knights jumped out to a 3–0 start, including a last-second victory at Boise State. However, quarterback John Rhys Plumlee suffered an ankle injury in the final minute of the Boise State game, which would sideline him for a month. Redshirt sophomore Timmy McClain took over at quarterback as the Knights entered the conference portion of their schedule. In their first intra-conference home game, the Knights jumped out to a 35–7 lead over Baylor, but blew a 28-point lead, and lost 36–35. The Knights suffered a five-game skid, slipping to 3–5. With Plumlee back to full strength in November, the Knights won three of their last four games to finish the regular season 6–6 overall (3–6 in the Big 12), and became bowl eligible for the eighth consecutive season. Of the four newcomers that joined the Big 12 for 2023 (BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston being the others), UCF finished with the best record, and was the only one bowl-eligible.

## Offseason[edit]

### Transfers[edit]

#### Incoming[edit]

Player  | Position  | Previous school

|
|

Timmy McClain | QB  | South Florida
Trent Whittemore  | WR  | Florida
Chauncey Magwood  | WR  | Kentucky
Drake Metcalf  | IOL  | Stanford
Gage King  | LS  | Arizona State
Fred Davis II  | DB  | Clemson
Amari Kight  | OT  | Alabama
Marcellus Marshall  | OT  | Kent State
DeJordan Mask  | S  | Texas State
Jireh Wilson  | S  | East Carolina
Bula Schmidt  | IOL  | Fresno State
Decorian Patterson  | DB  | Middle Tennessee State
Rian Davis  | LB  | Georgia
Xavier Williams  | QB  | Charlotte
Isaiah Paul  | LB  | Washington State
Shaun Peterson  | DE  | FIU
Derrick LeBlanc  | DL  | Oklahoma
Corey Gammage  | WR  | Marshall
Gunnar Smith  | QB  | South Florida
Kriston Esnard  | PK  | Tulane

* Source:[3][4]

#### Outgoing[edit]

Player  | Position  | Destination

|
|

Mikey Keene | QB  | Fresno State
Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste  | LB  | Ole Miss
Davonte Brown  | CB  | Miami (FL)
Philjae Bien Aime  | CB  | North Alabama
Ryan O'Keefe  | WR  | Boston College
Terrence Lewis  | LB  | Hutchinson CC
Trevion Shadrick-Harris  | CB  | Eastern Washington
Jordan Johnson  | WR  | Iowa Western
Ah'Mare Lee  | DB  | Florida A&M
Joey Gatewood  | WR  | Louisville
Karlis Bailey-Vice  | DE  | NA
Anthony Williams  | RB  | Stephen F. Austin
Andrew Osteen  | P  | Mississippi State
Matt Lee | C  | Miami (FL)
Miguel Maldonado  | OL  | NA
Tommy Castellanos | QB  | Boston College
Ethan Mort  | OL  | NA
Keahnist Thompson  | DL  | Weber State
Justin Hodges  | DB  | Arkansas State
Branden Jennings  | LB  | Hinds CC
Quan Lee  | WR  | Florida A&M
Jaden Francois  | DB  | Utah State
Will Bohn  | QB  | Southeastern

## Preseason[edit]

### Spring game[edit]

The 2023 UCF spring exhibition game was played on Friday April 14 at FBC Mortgage Stadium. The team was split into two squads for gameplay, the Knights and the 'Nauts.[5]

Date | Time | Spring Game | Site | Result

|
|
|
|

April 14 | 6:30 pm | Knights vs. 'Nauts | FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL | 43-42 'Nauts

### Award watch lists[edit]

A total of eight players were named to the preseason All-Big 12 mentions,[6] and eight players were named to the Senior Bowl watchlist.[7]

Award  | Player  | Position  | Year

|
|
|

William V. Campbell Trophy | Jason Johnson[8] | LB | Sr.
Polynesian Football Player of the Year Award | Lokahi Pauole[9] | OG | Sr.
Manning Award | John Rhys Plumlee[10] | QB |  Sr.
Chuck Bednarik Award | Jason Johnson[11] | LB | Sr.
Butkus Award | Jason Johnson[12] | LB | Sr.
Doak Walker Award | RJ Harvey[13] | RB |  Sr.
Ray Guy Award | Mitch McCarthy[14] | P | So.
Davey O'Brien Award | John Rhys Plumlee[15] | QB |  Sr.
Fred Biletnikoff Award | Corey Gammage[16] | WR |  Sr.
Lou Groza Award | Colton Boomer[17] | K | So.
Bronko Nagurski Trophy | Jason Johnson[18] | LB | Sr.
Outland Trophy | Lokahi Pauole[19] | OG | Sr.
Maxwell Award | John Rhys Plumlee[20] | QB |  Sr.
Listed in the order that they were released

### Big 12 preseason poll[edit]

The Big 12 preseason poll was released on July 6.[21] UCF was voted 8th in the conference. First place votes in parentheses.

Big 12 media poll

Predicted finish  | Team  | Points
1 | Texas (41) | 886
2 | Kansas State (14) | 858
3 | Oklahoma (4) | 758
4 | Texas Tech (4) | 729
5 | TCU (3) | 727
6 | Baylor | 572
7 | Oklahoma State (1) | 470
8 | UCF | 463
9 | Kansas | 461
10 | Iowa State | 334
11 | BYU | 318
12 | Houston | 215
13 | Cincinnati | 202
14 | West Virginia | 129

## Schedule[edit]

The 2023 season is UCF's first as a member of the Big 12 Conference.[22] The conference utilizes a nine-game conference schedule, with three out-of-conference games annually.[23] Furthermore, the conference requires at least one of the three out-of-conference games to be against a Power Five opponent.[24] UCF successfully petitioned for a first-year, one-time waiver to count their game at Boise State as their Power Five non-conference opponent, taking into account Boise State's recent successes and status as a top Group of Five team.[24]

Date| Time| Opponent| Site| TV| Result| Attendance

|
|
|
|
|
|

August 31| 7:00 p.m.[25]| Kent State*|

* FBC Mortgage Stadium
* Orlando, FL

| FS1| W 56–6| 44,088
September 9| 7:00 p.m.[25]| at Boise State*|

* Albertsons Stadium
* Boise, ID

| FS1| W 18–16| 36,447
September 16| 6:30 p.m.[25]| No. 24 (FCS) Villanova*|

* FBC Mortgage Stadium
* Orlando, FL

| ESPN+| W 48–14| 44,206
September 23| 8:00 p.m.[26]| at Kansas State|

* Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium
* Manhattan, KS

| FS1| L 31–44| 51,912
September 30| 3:30 p.m.| Baylor|

* FBC Mortgage Stadium
* Orlando, FL

| FS1| L 35–36| 44,005
October 7| 4:00 p.m.| at Kansas|

* David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
* Lawrence, KS

| FOX| L 22–51| 46,107
October 21| 12:00 p.m.| at No. 6 Oklahoma|

* Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
* Norman, OK

| ABC| L 29–31| 83,476
October 28| 12:00 p.m.| West Virginia|

* FBC Mortgage Stadium
* Orlando, FL

| FS1[a]| L 28–41| 44,136
November 4| 3:30 p.m.| at Cincinnati|

* Nippert Stadium
* Cincinnati, OH (rivalry)

| FS1| W 28–26| 38,193
November 11| 3:30 p.m.| No. 15 Oklahoma State|

* FBC Mortgage Stadium
* Orlando, FL (Space Game)

| ESPN| W 45−3| 44,046
November 18| 5:30 p.m.| at Texas Tech|

* Jones AT&T Stadium
* Lubbock, TX

| FS2| L 23−24| 53,851
November 25| 12:00 p.m.| Houston|

* FBC Mortgage Stadium
* Orlando, FL

| FS1| W 27–13| 43,610
December 22| 6:30 p.m.| vs. Georgia Tech*|

* Raymond James Stadium
* Tampa, FL (Gasparilla Bowl)

| ESPN| L 17–30| 30,281

* *Non-conference game
* Homecoming
* Rankings from AP Poll (and CFP Rankings, after November 2) - Released prior to game
* All times are in Eastern time

1. ^ Partially aired on FOX as a look-in due to lightning delayed Oklahoma-Kansas game

* Source:[27]

## Game summaries[edit]

### Kent State[edit]

See also: 2023 Kent State Golden Flashes football team

Kent State Golden Flashes at UCF Knights

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Golden Flashes | 3 | 0 | 3| 0| 6
Knights | 14 | 14 | 14| 14| 56

at FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL

* Date: August 31, 2023
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 44,088
* TV announcers (FS1): Eric Collins and Devin Gardner
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* UCF: Xavier Townsend 9-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 10:56
* UCF: John Rhys Plumlee 17-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 6:07
* Kent State: Andrew Glass 45-yard field gooal, 3:20

Second Quarter

* UCF: Jordan McDonald 2-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 8:46
* UCF: Alec Holler 18-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 0:42

Third Quarter

* UCF: R.J. Harvey 50-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 10:37
* UCF: R.J. Harvey 48-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 4:07
* Kent State: Andrew Glass 43-yard field goal, 0:49

Fourth Quarter

* UCF: Mark-Antony Richards 7-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 7:26
* UCF: Demarkcus Bowman 5-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer kick), 0:54

Win Probability

* UCF 90.4%

Line

* UCF -35.0

Over/Under

* 54

|

Statistics | KENT | UCF

|
|

First downs | 15 | 32
Total yards | 240 | 723
Rushing yards | 95 | 389
Passing yards | 145 | 334
Turnovers | 1 | 3
Time of possession | 28:34 | 31:26
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Kent State | Passing | Michael Alaimo | 12–31, 145 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Rushing | Gavin Garcia | 18 carries, 45 yards
Receiving | Chrishon McCray | 3 receptions, 61 yards
UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 22–30, 281 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing | Johnny Richardson | 12 carries, 100 yards
Receiving | Xavier Townsend | 5 receptions, 81 yards, 1 TD

Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee threw for 281 yards and rushed for 90 yards as the Knights routed Kent State 56–6 on Thursday night. The game marked UCF's first football game as a member of the Big 12. The Knights won their 8th consecutive season opener.

### at Boise State[edit]

See also: 2023 Boise State Broncos football team

UCF Knights at Boise State Broncos

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Knights | 3 | 6 | 0| 9| 18
Broncos | 7 | 3 | 0| 6| 16

at Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID

* Date: September 9, 2023
* Game time: 5:00 p.m. MDT / 7:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 36,447
* TV announcers (FS1): Eric Collins and Devin Gardner
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* UCF: Colton Boomer 50-yard field goal, 7:27
* Boise State: Ashton Jeanty 38-yard touchdown pass from Taylen Green (Jonah Dalmas kick), 4:20

Second Quarter

* UCF: Colton Boomer 33-yard field goal, 8:32
* Boise State: Jonah Dalmas 56-yard field goal, 3:14
* UCF: Colton Boomer 55-yard field goal, 1:01

Third Quarter

* No scoring plays

Fourth Quarter

* UCF: R.J. Harvey 5-yard touchdown run (pass failed), 7:55
* Boise State: Stefan Cobbs 28-yard touchdown pass from Taylen Green (pass failed), 1:49
* UCF: Colton Boomer 40-yard field goal, 0:00

Win Probability

* UCF 78.9%

Line

* UCF -3.0

Over/Under

* 58.5

|

Statistics | UCF | BSU

|
|

First downs | 23 | 22
Total yards | 530 | 384
Rushing yards | 258 | 173
Passing yards | 272 | 211
Turnovers | 2 | 1
Time of possession | 28:03 | 31:57
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 16–24, 272 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT
Rushing | John Rhys Plumlee | 11 carries, 73 yards
Receiving | Kobe Hudson | 5 receptions, 134 yards
Boise State | Passing | Taylen Green | 9–19, 144 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing | Ashton Jeanty | 24 carries, 115 yards
Receiving | Ashton Jeanty | 5 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD

Colton Boomer kicked a 40-yard game-winning field goal as time expired to lift the Knights over the Boise State Broncos by the score of 18–16. Boomer went 4-for-4 on field goals, including a school record-tying 55 yarder in the second quarter. Late in the game, quarterback John Rhys Plumlee suffered a leg injury which will require him to miss multiple weeks.[28]

### No. 24 (FCS) Villanova[edit]

See also: 2023 Villanova Wildcats football team

No. 24 (FCS) Villanova Wildcats at UCF Knights

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

No. 24 (FCS) Wildcats | 0 | 0 | 0| 14| 14
Knights | 17 | 17 | 7| 7| 48

at FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL

* Date: September 16, 2023
* Game time: 6:30 pm EDT
* Game attendance: 44,206
* TV announcers (ESPN+): Drew Fellios and Forrest Conoly
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* UCF: Colton Boomer 26-yard field goal, 9:21
* UCF: Jordan McDonald 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 4:51
* UCF: Jordan McDonald 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 1:01

Second Quarter

* UCF: R.J. Harvey 5-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 7:47
* UCF: Javon Baker 25 Yd pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 5:04
* UCF: Colton Boomer 41-yard field goal, 0:25

Third Quarter

* UCF: R.J. Harvey 24-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 5:12

Fourth Quarter

* Villanova: Connor Watkins 3-yard touchdown run (Matthew Mercurio kick), 13:42
* UCF: Jaylon Griffin 36-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 11:22
* Villanova: T.D. Ayo-Durojaiye 11-yard touchdown run (Matthew Mercurio kick), 4:44

Win Probability

* UCF 95.9%

Line

* N/A

Over/Under

* N/A

|

Statistics | NOVA | UCF

|
|

First downs | 11 | 31
Total yards | 228 | 600
Rushing yards | 84 | 251
Passing yards | 144 | 349
Turnovers | 1 | 0
Time of possession | 27:08 | 32:52
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Villanova | Passing | Connor Watkins | 9-23, 144 yards, 1 INT
Rushing | Deewil Barlee | 7 carries, 39 yards
Receiving | Jaylan Sanchez | 1 receptions, 45 yards
UCF | Passing | Timmy McClain | 20–28, 321 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 14 carries, 85 yards, 2 TD
Receiving | Kobe Hudson | 6 receptions, 147 yards

Timmy McClain started at quarterback for the injured John Rhys Plumlee. McClain threw for 321 yards, and the UCF offense racked up 600 total yards as the Knights soundly defeated FCS #24 Villanova by the score of 48–14.

### at Kansas State[edit]

See also: 2023 Kansas State Wildcats football team

UCF Knights at Kansas State Wildcats

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Knights | 10 | 7 | 7| 7| 31
Wildcats | 7 | 14 | 10| 13| 44

at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS

* Date: September 23, 2023
* Game time: 8:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 51,912
* TV announcers (FS1): Eric Collins and Devin Gardner
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* Kansas State: D.J. Gidden 1-yard touchdown run (Chris Tennant kick), 11:34
* UCF: Colton Boomer 29-yard field goal, 9:08
* UCF: R.J. Harvey 27-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 1:47

Second Quarter

* Kansas State: D.J. Gidden 9-yard touchdown run (Chris Tennant kick), 12:19
* Kansas State: D.J. Gidden 18-yard touchdown run (Chris Tennant kick), 6:20
* UCF: Kobe Hudson 69-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer Kick), 3:19

Third Quarter

* UCF: Kobe Hudson 46-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 13:40
* Kansas State: Chris Tennant 30-yard field goal, 9:33
* Kansas State: Will Howard 2-yard touchdown run (Chris Tennant kick), 1:28

Fourth Quarter

* Kansas State: D.J. Gidden 3-yard touchdown run (PAT failed), 4:01
* Kansas State: Will Howard 31-yard touchdown run (Chris Tennant kick), 2:01
* UCF: R.J. Harvey 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 0:03

Win Probability

* Kansas State 57.9%

Line

* Kansas State -4.0

Over/Under

* 52.5

|

Statistics | UCF | KSU

|
|

First downs | 19 | 32
Total yards | 407 | 536
Rushing yards | 143 | 255
Passing yards | 264 | 255
Turnovers | 2 | 1
Time of possession | 25:37 | 34:23
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

UCF | Passing | Timmy McClain | 14-24, 264 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing | Johnny Richardson | 6 carries, 76 yards
Receiving | Kobe Hudson | 6 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TD
Kansas State | Passing | Will Howard | 27-42, 255 yards, 1 INT
Rushing | D. J. Giddens | 30 carries, 207 yards, 4 TD
Receiving | D. J. Giddens | 8 receptions, 96 yards

UCF traveled to Kansas State for their first-ever intra-conference game in the Big 12. Timmy McClain once again started at quarterback, throwing for 264 yards and three touchdowns. The Knights defense, however, could not contain the Wildcats offense, and lost by the score of 44–31. D.J. Giddens rushed for 207 yards and 4 touchdowns, and caught 8 balls for another 86 yards. The game was tied 24–24 midway through the third quarter, but Kansas State put the game away with 20 unanswered points. Ten penalties for 80 yards on UCF, two turnovers in Wildcats territory, plus a lopsided time of possession were factors in the loss.

### Baylor[edit]

See also: 2023 Baylor Bears football team

Baylor Bears at UCF Knights

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Bears | 7 | 0 | 3| 26| 36
Knights | 21 | 7 | 7| 0| 35

at FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL

* Date: September 30, 2023
* Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Cloudy • Temperature: 83 °F (28 °C)
* Game attendance: 44,005
* Referee: Henry Johns
* TV announcers (FS1): Eric Collins and Devin Gardner
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* UCF: Johnny Richardson 79-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 13:13
* UCF: Timmy McClain 2-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 9:09
* UCF: Javon Baker 65-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 6:17
* Baylor: Blake Shapen 2-yard touchdown run (Isaiah Hankins Kick), 2:03

Second Quarter

* UCF: Demari Henderson 87-yard fumble return touchdown (Colton Boomer kick), 11:12

Third Quarter

* UCF: Xavier Townsend 6-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 8:08
* Baylor: Isaiah Hankins 30-yard field goal, 3:20

Fourth Quarter

* Baylor: Dawson Pendergrass 6-yard touchdown run (Shapen pass to Ketron Jackson Jr.), 12:38
* Baylor: Monaray Baldwin 5-yard touchdown pass from Blake Shapen (Shapen pass to Jordan Nabors), 9:38
* Baylor: Caden Jenkins 72-yard fumble return touchdown (Isaiah Hankins kick), 6:02
* Baylor: Isaiah Hankins 25-yard field goal, 1:21

Win Probability

* UCF 88.1%

Line

* UCF -8

Over/Under

* 56.5

|

Statistics | BU | UCF

|
|

First downs | 22 | 18
Total yards | 446 | 469
Rushing yards | 153 | 235
Passing yards | 293 | 234
Turnovers | 1 | 2
Time of possession | 35:31 | 24:29
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Baylor | Passing | Blake Shapen | 21-34, 293 yards, 1 INT
Rushing | Richard Reese | 16 carries, 100 yards
Receiving | Monaray Baldwin | 7 receptions, 150 yards, 1 TD
UCF | Passing | Timmy McClain | 13-25, 234 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing | Johnny Richardson | 6 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD
Receiving | Javon Baker | 3 receptions, 113 yards, 1 TD

UCF hosted Baylor for their first intra-conference home game in the Big 12. The game was a rematch of the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. The Knights blew a 35–7 lead. Baylor scored a go-ahead field goal with 1:21 remaining and won 36–35. On the first play from scrimmage, Johnny Richardson broke free for a 79-yard touchdown run, and after two more quick scores, UCF jumped out to an early 21–0 lead. The Knights eventually built a 35–7 lead, which they held late in the third quarter. Baylor scored 29 unanswered points, including two touchdown passes from Blake Shapen, and a 72-yard fumble return for a touchdown. UCF got the ball back one last time with 1:21 remaining. Colton Boomer's 59-yard field goal attempt fell no good as time expired, and Baylor escaped with the victory.

### at Kansas[edit]

See also: 2023 Kansas Jayhawks football team

UCF Knights at Kansas Jayhawks

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Knights | 0 | 0 | 8| 14| 22
Jayhawks | 3 | 21 | 13| 14| 51

at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS

* Date: October 7, 2023
* Game time: 4:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 64 °F (18 °C)
* Game attendance: 46,107
* Referee: Tutashinda Salaam
* TV announcers (Fox): Jason Benetti, Brock Huard, and Allison Williams
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* Kansas: Seth Keller 25-yard field goal, 3:42

Second Quarter

* Kansas: Lawrence Arnold 5-yard touchdown pass from Jason Bean (Seth Keller Kick), 13:43
* Kansas: Daniel Hishaw Jr. 3-yard touchdown run (Seth Keller Kick), 6:31
* Kansas: Trevor Wilson 82-yard punt return touchdown (Seth Keller Kick), 3:26

Third Quarter

* Kansas: Devin Neal 75-yard touchdown run (Seth Keller Kick), 14:48
* UCF: Alec Holler 13-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (pass failed), 13:01
* Kansas: Dylan McDuffie 1-yard touchdown run, 7:02
* UCF: Demari Henderson Defensive PAT Conversion, 7:02

Fourth Quarter

* UCF: R.J. Harvey 4-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 13:55
* Kansas: Daniel Hishaw Jr. 7-yard touchdown run (Seth Keller Kick), 11:47
* UCF: Randy Pittman 23-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer Kick), 10:09
* Kansas: Dylan McDuffie 1-yard touchdown run (Owen Piepergerdes Kick), 0:53

Win Probability

* UCF 60.6%

Line

* Kansas -2.0

Over/Under

* 65

|

Statistics | UCF | KU

|
|

First downs | 21 | 25
Total yards | 371 | 490
Rushing yards | 202 | 399
Passing yards | 169 | 91
Turnovers | 1 | 0
Time of possession | 25:35 | 34:25
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

UCF | Passing | Timmy McClain | 12-15, 136 yards, 2 TD
Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 16 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD
Receiving | Javon Baker | 4 receptions, 85 yards
Kansas | Passing | Jason Bean | 8-12, 91 yards, 1 TD
Rushing | Devin Neal | 12 carries, 154 yards, 1 TD
Receiving | Luke Grimm | 2 receptions, 41 yards

John Rhys Plumlee returned to start at quarterback, but played for only three drives in the first half. Timmy McClain took over and played the rest of the game. Kansas dominated UCF, jumping out to a 31–0 lead, and pulling away for a 51–22 victory. The Jayhawks put up 399 yards rushing, while UCF was held to a season-low 371 total yards.

### at No. 6 Oklahoma[edit]

See also: 2023 Oklahoma Sooners football team

UCF Knights at No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Knights | 0 | 17 | 6| 6| 29
No. 6 Sooners | 7 | 10 | 0| 14| 31

at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK

* Date: October 21, 2023
* Game time: 12:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C)
* Game attendance: 83,476
* Referee: Derek Anderson
* TV announcers (ABC): Dave Pasch (play-by-play) , Dusty Dvoracek (analyst) & Tom Luginbill (sideline)
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* Oklahoma: Nic Anderson 29-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit Kick), 7:48

Second Quarter

* UCF: John Rhys Plumlee 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 11:49
* UCF: Colton Boomer 21-yard field goal, 4:01
* Oklahoma: Nic Anderson 42-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit Kick), 1:51
* UCF: Javon Baker 86-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer Kick), 1:24
* Oklahoma: Zach Schmit 25-yard field goal, 0:00

Third Quarter

* UCF: Colton Boomer 48-yard field goal, 11:51
* UCF: Colton Boomer 46-yard field goal, 5:28

Fourth Quarter

* Oklahoma: Drake Stoops 11-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit Kick), 9:16
* Oklahoma: Gavin Sawchuk 30-yard touchdown run (Zach Schmit Kick), 3:13
* UCF: Javon Baker 12-yard touchdown pass John Rhys Plumlee (Two-point conversion failed), 1:16

Win Probability

* Oklahoma 93.9%

Line

* Oklahoma -17

Over/Under

* 67.5

|

Statistics | UCF | OKLA

|
|

First downs | 20 | 30
Total yards | 397 | 442
Rushing yards | 149 | 189
Passing yards | 248 | 253
Turnovers | 0 | 1
Time of possession | 30:16 | 29:44
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 16–30, 248 yards, 2 TD
Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 23 carries, 101 yards
Receiving | Javon Baker | 5 receptions, 134 yards, 2 TD
Oklahoma | Passing | Dillon Gabriel | 25–38, 253 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing | Marcus Major | 18 carries, 82 yards
Receiving | Nic Anderson | 5 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD

UCF traveled to Norman to take on Oklahoma. Facing former quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the Knights nearly upset the No. 6 ranked Sooners. UCF led 23–17 after three quarters, before Oklahoma scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to take a 31–23 lead. John Rhys Plumlee, back in the starting lineup, drove the Knights 75 yards in 9 plays. On 4th & 10 at the Oklahoma 12, Plumee found Javon Baker for a 12-yard touchdown pass, trimming the deficit to 31–29 with 1:16 left in regulation. UCF's two-point conversion attempt was snuffed out, and the Sooners held on for the victory.

### West Virginia[edit]

See also: 2023 West Virginia Mountaineers football team

West Virginia Mountaineers at UCF Knights

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Mountaineers | 10 | 7 | 7| 17| 41
Knights | 7 | 7 | 7| 7| 28

at FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL

* Date: October 28, 2023
* Game time: 12:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 44,136
* TV announcers (FS1/FOX): Eric Collins, Devin Gardner
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* WVU: Garrett Greene 6-yard touchdown run (Michael Hayes kick), 10:57
* UCF: Kobe Hudson 34-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 7:06
* WVU: Michael Hayes 24-yard field goal, 2:01

Second Quarter

* WVU: Jahiem White 4-yard touchdown run (Michael Hayes kick), 10:02
* UCF: John Rhys Plumlee 8-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 5:50

Third Quarter

* WVU: Garrett Greene 7-yard touchdown run (Michael Hayes kick), 9:01
* UCF: Javon Baker 7-yard touchdown from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 5:25

Fourth Quarter

* WVU: Garrett Greene 1-yard touchdown run (Michael Hayes kick), 14:12
* WVU: C.J. Donaldson 1-yard touchdown run (Michael Hayes kick), 9:25
* WVU: Michael Hayes 41-yard field goal, 5:15
* UCF: Kobe Hudson 16-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 1:46

Win Probability

* UCF 70.7%

Line

* UCF -7

Over/Under

* 57.5

|

Statistics | WVU | UCF

|
|

First downs | 25 | 27
Total yards | 450 | 463
Rushing yards | 286 | 189
Passing yards | 164 | 274
Turnovers | 1 | 4
Time of possession | 36:06 | 23:54
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

West Virginia | Passing | Garrett Greene | 14-23, 156 yards
Rushing | C.J. Donaldson | 17 carries, 121 yards, 1 TD
Receiving | Devin Carter | 3 receptions, 47 yards
UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 25–36, 274 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
Rushing | RJ Harvey | 14 carries, 100 yards
Receiving | Kobe Hudson | 3 receptions, 66 yards, 2 TD

UCF hosted West Virginia on Homecoming. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, as the Mountaineers won 41–28. West Virginia put up 286 yards rushing, and quarterback Garrett Greene ran for three touchdowns.

### at Cincinnati[edit]

See also: 2023 Cincinnati Bearcats football team

UCF Knights at Cincinnati Bearcats

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Knights | 7 | 7 | 7| 7| 28
Bearcats | 3 | 7 | 7| 9| 26

at Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

* Date: November 4, 2023
* Game time: 3:30 p.m.
* Game attendance: 38,193
* TV announcers (FS1): Adam Alexander, Devin Gardner
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* Cincinnati: Carter Brown 39-yard field goal, 9:58
* UCF: John Rhys Plumlee 8-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 0:20

Second Quarter

* UCF: R. J. Harvey 13-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 4:12
* Cincinnati: Braden Smith 11-yard touchdown pass from Emory Jones (Carter Brown Kick), 1:56

Third Quarter

* Cincinnati: Ryan Montgomery 2-yard touchdown run (Carter Brown Kick), 5:19
* UCF: R. J. Harvey 25-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 0:31

Fourth Quarter

* Cincinnati: Carter Brown 28-yard field goal, 6:21
* UCF: R. J. Harvey 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 2:41
* Cincinnati: Corey Kiner 6-yard touchdown run (pass failed), 1:27

Win Probability

* UCF 56.2%

Line

* UCF -3.5

Over/Under

* 60.5

|

Statistics | UCF | CIN

|
|

First downs | 23 | 23
Total yards | 393 | 515
Rushing yards | 228 | 248
Passing yards | 165 | 267
Turnovers | 0 | 2
Time of possession | 27:03 | 32:57
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 13–23, 165 yards
Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 20 carries, 164 yards, 3 TD
Receiving | Javon Baker | 4 receptions, 93 yards
Cincinnati | Passing | Emory Jones | 16–22, 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing | Corey Kiner | 19 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD
Receiving | Braden Smith | 6 receptions, 114 yards, 1 TD

UCF traveled to rival Cincinnati, and won their first conference game in Big 12 conference play. Running back R. J. Harvey had a career-best 164 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Harvey scored a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Knights up 28–20 with 2:41 left in regulation. Emory Jones then drove the Bearcats 75 yards in five plays for a touchdown, making the score 28–26 with 1:27 left. Jones' two-point conversion pass was tipped and fell incomplete, and the Knights held on to win 28–26.

### No. 15 Oklahoma State[edit]

See also: 2023 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team

Oklahoma State Cowboys at UCF Knights

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

No. 15 Cowboys | 0 | 0 | 3| 0| 3
Knights | 14 | 10 | 14| 7| 45

at FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL

* Date: November 11, 2023
* Game time: 3:30 p.m.
* Game attendance: 44,046
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Monaco, Robert Griffin III
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* UCF: R. J. Harvey 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 11:50
* UCF: Kobe Hudson 7-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 9:08

Second Quarter

* UCF: Colton Boomer 30-yard field goal, 14:04
* UCF: Kobe Hudson 75-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 10:35

Third Quarter

* OSU: Alex Hale 25-yard field goal, 10:00
* UCF: R. J. Harvey 92-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 8:56
* UCF: Kobe Hudson 14-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 4:09

Fourth Quarter

* UCF: R. J. Harvey 2-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 9:00

Win Probability

* UCF 64.0

Line

* OSU -2.5

Over/Under

* 63.5

|

Statistics | OSU | UCF

|
|

First downs | 15 | 21
Total yards | 277 | 592
Rushing yards | 52 | 293
Passing yards | 225 | 299
Turnovers | 4 | 1
Time of possession | 25:15 | 34:45
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Oklahoma State | Passing | Alan Bowman | 19–36, 225 yards, 3 INT
Rushing | Ollie Gordon II | 12 carries, 25 yards
Receiving | Rashod Owens | 6 receptions, 85 yards
UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 11–18, 299 yards, 3 TD
Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 24 carries, 206 yards, 3 TD
Receiving | Javon Baker | 4 receptions, 112 yards

UCF hosted then-No. 15 Oklahoma State in their seventh annual "Space Game". The Knights dominated the game from start to finish, and routed the Cowboys 45–3. John Rhys Plumlee threw for 299 yards and three touchdown passes, while R.J. Harvey rushed for a career-best 206 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. The UCF defense held Cowboys running back Ollie Gordon II (the nation's leading rusher) to only 25 yards, and forced four turnovers. The Knights won their first Big 12 intra-conference home game, and first Big 12 intra-conference game against an existing/original team from the conference. After the game, fans stormed the field to celebrate.

UCF jumped out to a quick 14–0 lead in the first quarter. R.J. Harvey got the Knights on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run on their first drive. Ollie Gordon then fumbled in Knights territory, which led to a 7-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee to Kobe Hudson. Braeden Marshall picked off Alan Bowman's deflected pass, which led to a Knights field goal early in the second quarter. A huge downpour then pelted the stadium, but it did not slow down the Knights offense. Plumlee found Kobe Hudson for a 75-yard touchdown, and the Knights led 24–0 at halftime.

Oklahoma State got the ball to start the third quarter. The Cowboys drove to the Knights 7 yard line, but had to settle for a field goal. On the ensuing drive, Plumlee was sacked and fumbled, giving the Cowboys the ball at the UCF 24. Two plays later, however, Demari Henderson tipped and intercepted a pass by Bowman at the 8 yard line. It was Bowman's third interception of the game, and Henderson's second such of the game defensively. On the very next play from scrimmage, R.J. Harvey took a handoff and blasted through for a 92-yard touchdown run to put the Knights up 31–3. UCF would tack on two more scores, and defeated Oklahoma State by the final score of 45–3.

### at Texas Tech[edit]

See also: 2023 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team

UCF Knights at Texas Tech Red Raiders

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Knights | 14 | 0 | 0| 9| 23
Red Raiders | 0 | 14 | 7| 3| 24

at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX

* Date: November 18, 2023
* Game time: 5:30 p.m.
* Game attendance: 53,851
* TV announcers (FS2): Guy Haberman, Charles Arbuckle
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* UCF: R.J. Harvey 4-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 11:49
* UCF: R.J. Harvey 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 0:11

Second Quarter

* TTU: Drae McCray 15-yard touchdown pass from Behren Morton (Gino Garcia kick), 13:10
* TTU: Mason Tharp 19-yard touchdown pass from Behren Morton (Gino Garcia kick), 3:13

Third Quarter

* TTU: Tahj Brooks 13-yard touchdown run (Gino Garcia kick), 0:11

Fourth Quarter

* UCF: Colton Boomer 24-yard field goal, 10:21
* TTU: Gino Garcia 51-yard field goal, 6:13
* UCF: Javon Baker 71-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (PAT blocked), 5:30

Win Probability

* TTU 54.6%

Line

* TTU -2.5

Over/Under

* 60.5

|

Statistics | UCF | TTU

|
|

First downs | 23 | 25
Total yards | 486 | 446
Rushing yards | 238 | 190
Passing yards | 248 | 256
Turnovers | 1 | 1
Time of possession | 31:57 | 28:03
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 16–32, 248 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing | John Rhys Plumlee | 13 carries, 84 yards
Receiving | Javon Baker | 4 receptions, 117 yards, 1 TD
Texas Tech | Passing | Behren Morton | 21–35, 256 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing | Tahj Brooks | 24 carries, 182 yards, 1 TD
Receiving | Xavier White | 3 receptions, 77 yards

UCF traveled to take on Texas Tech. The Knights jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter, with two touchdown runs by R. J. Harvey. With 5:30 left in the fourth quarter, UCF was trailing 24–17. John Rhys Plumlee found Javon Baker wide open for a 71-yard touchdown pass. But Colton Boomer's game-tying extra point attempt was blocked and sailed wide left. The Red Raiders were able to run out the clock and held on for a 24–23 victory.

### Houston[edit]

See also: 2023 Houston Cougars football team

Houston Cougars at UCF Knights

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Cougars | 10 | 0 | 0| 3| 13
Knights | 6 | 7 | 14| 0| 27

at FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL

* Date: November 25, 2023
* Game time: 12:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 43,610
* TV announcers (FS1): Eric Collins, Devin Gardner
* Gamecast

Game information

First Quarter

* Houston: Stephon Johnson 16-yard touchdown pass from Donovan Smith (Jack Martin kick), 10:34
* UCF: John Rhys Plumlee 8-yard touchdown run (kick failed), 5:31
* Houston: Jack Martin 32-yard field goal, 1:56

Second Quarter

* UCF: Xavier Townsend 28-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 12:58

Third Quarter

* UCF: R.J. Harvey 21-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 14:07
* UCF: R.J. Harvey 2-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 9:04

Fourth Quarter

* Houston: Jack Martin 34-yard field goal, 10:08

Win Probability

* UCF 77.9%

Line

* UCF -15.5

Over/Under

* 61.5

|

Statistics | HOU | UCF

|
|

First downs | 17 | 23
Total yards | 259 | 476
Rushing yards | 94 | 223
Passing yards | 165 | 253
Turnovers | 1 | 0
Time of possession | 27:04 | 32:56
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Houston | Passing | Donovan Smith | 12–20, 161 yards, 1 TD, I INT
Rushing | Stacy Sneed | 3 carries, 33 yards
Receiving | Joseph Manjack IV | 4 receptions, 74 yards
UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 23–27, 253 yards, 1 TD
Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 21 carries, 136 yards, 2 TD
Receiving | Kobe Hudson | 9 receptions, 98 yards

UCF hosted Houston in their regular season finale. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee threw for 253 yards and running back R. J. Harvey rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns, as the Knights defeated the Cougars 27–13. With the win, UCF finished the regular season 6–6 overall (3–6 in the Big 12), and became bowl eligible for the eighth consecutive season. The UCF offense put up 476 total yards, but the kicking game struggled for the second week in a row. Colton Boomer missed two field goals and an extra point.

### Gasparilla Bowl[edit]

See also: 2023 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team and 2023 Gasparilla Bowl

2023 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl

Period | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Georgia Tech | 0 | 17 | 3| 10| 30
UCF | 14 | 3 | 0| 0| 17

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

* Date: Friday, December 22, 2023
* Game time: 6:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Clear • Temperature: 66 °F (19 °C) • Wind: 6 mph (9.7 km/h) NE
* Game attendance: 30,281
* Referee: Cravonne Barrett
* TV announcers (ESPN): Wes Durham (play-by-play), Tim Hasselbeck (analyst), and Taylor Tannebaum (sideline)
* Box score

Game information

First Quarter

* UCF: Javon Baker 23-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer Kick), 13:37
* UCF: Kobe Hudson 17-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer Kick), 6:26

Second Quarter

* GT: Aidan Birr 36-yard field goal, 14:17
* UCF: Colton Boomer 27-yard field goal, 8:23
* GT: Haynes King 5-yard touchdown run (Aidan Birr Kick), 4:23
* GT: Malik Rutherford 41-yard touchdown pass from Haynes King (Aidan Birr Kick), 0:56

Third Quarter

* GT: Aidan Birr 29-yard field goal, 12:07

Fourth Quarter

* GT: Dontae Smith 1-yard touchdown run (Aidan Birr Kick), 13:37
* GT: Aidan Birr 38-yard field goal, 4:52

Win Probability

* UCF 66.6%

Line

* UCF -4.5

Over/Under

* 64.5

|

Statistics  | GT  | UCF

|
|

First downs | 21 | 19
Plays–yards | 69–371 | 69–424
Rushes–yards | 53–284 | 34–169
Passing yards | 87 | 255
Passing: comp–att–int | 7–13–1 | 17–33–1
Time of possession | 33:30 | 26:30
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Georgia Tech  | Passing | Haynes King | 7/13, 87 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing | Jamal Haynes | 18 carries, 128 yards
Receiving | Malik Rutherford | 2 receptions, 40 yards, 1 TD
UCF  | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 16/29, 198 yards, 2 TD
Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 15 carries, 120 yards
Receiving | Javon Baker | 9 receptions, 173 yards, 1 TD

UCF faced Georgia Tech in the 2023 Gasparilla Bowl. It was the sixth meeting between the two teams. UCF had won the most recent meeting 27–10 in 2022. This was UCF's sixth appearance in the Gasparilla Bowl (formerly known as the St. Petersburg Bowl). George O'Leary, formerly the head coach of both teams, took part in the pre-game coin toss.

The Knights jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter. John Rhys Plumlee threw touchdown passes to Javon Baker and Kobe Hudson. UCF was looking to go up 21–0 when their drive was snuffed out as R.J. Harvey fumbled away the ball at the Georgia Tech 42. The turnover led to a Yellow Jackets field goal, and was a turning point in the game. The Knights defense held Georgia Tech to only 87 yards passing, but the Yellow Jackets put up 284 yards on the ground. Trailing 17–3, Georgia Tech scored 27 unanswered points, and won by the score of 30–17.

## Personnel[edit]

2023 UCF Knights Football

Quarterbacks

*   * 8 Xavier Williams –  So.
*   * 9 Timmy McClain –  So.
*   * 10 John Rhys Plumlee – Sr. (C)
*   * 12 Dylan Rizk – Fr.
*   * 14 Gunnar Smith –  Fr.
*   * 21 Brock Hansel –  Fr.

Running backs

*   * 0 Johnny Richardson – Sr.
*   * 5 Jordan McDonald – So.
*   * 6 Mark-Antony Richards –  Sr.
*   * 7 R.J. Harvey –  Sr.
*   * 20 Kam Ingram –  So.
*   * 23 Demarkcus Bowman –  Jr.
*   * 37 Preston Foreman –  Fr.

Wide receivers

*   * 1 Javon Baker – Sr.
*   * 2 Kobe Hudson – Sr.
*   * 3 Xavier Townsend – So.
*   * 4 Corey Gammage –  Sr.
*   * 11 Chauncey Magwood – Jr.
*   * 15 Tyree Patterson – Fr.
*   * 16 Stephen Martin –  Jr.
*   * 17 Amari Johnson – Sr.
*   * 18 Jaylon Griffin –  Sr.
*   * 19 Jarrad Baker –  Sr.
*   * 24 Andrew Dickson –  So.
*   * 31 JaJuan Forte –  5th-Sr.
*   * 38 Dionte Marks –  Sr.
*   * 80 Trent Whittemore –  Jr.
*   * 81 Tyler Griffin –  Fr.
*   * 87 Dwartney Wortham –  Fr.
*   * 89 Cullen Smith –  So.

Tight ends/H-back

*   * 13 Randy Pittman – Fr.
*   * 41 Jack Morgan – So.
*   * 49 Max Holler –  Jr.
*   * 82 Alec Holler –  5th-Sr. (C)
*   * 83 Garrett French –  Jr.
*   * 84 Thomas Wadsworth –  Fr.
*   * 85 Zach Marsh Wojan –  5th-Sr.
*   * 86 Jordan Davis –  Jr.
*   * 88 Grant Stevens –  Fr.

|  |

Offensive Lineman

*   * 50 Patrick Barnett –  Jr.
*   * 52 Caden Kitler –  Fr.
*   * 54 Bula Schmidt –  Sr.
*   * 55 Cameron Kinnie –  Jr.
*   * 56 Johnathan Cline – Fr.
*   * 57 John Harris –  Sr.
*   * 59 Keyon Cox – Fr.
*   * 60 Drake Metcalf –  Jr.
*   * 64 Shaheem Hill –  Fr.
*   * 66 Chidoziri Maghiro –  5th-Sr.
*   * 68 Ethan Higgins – Fr.
*   * 69 Paul Rubelt –  Jr.
*   * 70 Edward Collins –  5th-Sr.
*   * 71 Tylan Grable –  5th-Sr.
*   * 72 Marcellus Marshall – Jr.
*   * 74 Matthew Prigmore – Fr.
*   * 75 Andrew Phelan – Fr.
*   * 76 Adrian Medley –  Sr.
*   * 77 Lokahi Pauole – 5th-Sr. (C)
*   * 78 Amari Kight –  Sr.

Kickers/Punters

*   * 32 Michael Carter –  Fr.
*   * 35 Colton Boomer – So.
*   * 40 Mitch McCarthy – So.
*   * 98 Kriston Esnard –  So.
*   * 80 Grant Reddick – Fr.

Long snappers

*   * 26 Chris Bowerfind –  So.
*   * 42 Aidan Fedigan – So.
*   * 41 Gage King –  Sr.

|  |

Defensive tackles

*   * 2 Lee Hunter –  So.
*   * 5 Ricky Barber –  Sr. (C)
*   * 40 Kervins Choute –  Jr.
*   * 55 John Walker – Fr.
*   * 56 Matthew Alexander –  So.
*   * 87 Andrew Rumph – Fr.
*   * 90 Derrick LeBlanc – Fr.
*   * 91 Keshaun Hudson – So.
*   * 94 Chris Ficka – Fr.

Linebacker

*   * 0 Jason Johnson –  5th-Sr (C)
*   * 16 T.J. Bullard –  Fr.
*   * 15 Isaiah Paul –  Sr.
*   * 17 Rian Davis –  Sr.
*   * 20 Troy Ford Jr. – Fr.
*   * 25 Camden Vining –  So.
*   * 27 Walter Yates III –  5th-Sr.
*   * 28 Andrew Harris – Fr.
*   * 30 Kam Moore – So.
*   * 35 Keenan Cupit –  Jr.
*   * 43 Kingston Gorney –  Sr.
*   * 45 Quentin Hatch – So.
*   * 54 Keeron Henderson – Sr.

Defensive back

*   * 3 Ja'Cari Henderson –  Fr.
*   * 4 Braeden Marshall – Fr.
*   * 7 Fred Davis – Sr.
*   * 8 Demari Henderson – So.
*   * 9 Jireh Wilson – 5th-Sr.
*   * 10 Quadric Bullard – Sr.
*   * 11 Decorian Patterson – Sr.
*   * 13 DeJordan Mask – 5th-Sr.
*   * 14 Corey Thornton – Sr.
*   * 18 Ja'Maric Morris –  Sr.
*   * 19 Hudson Gibbs – Fr.
*   * 21 Nikai Martinez – So.
*   * 22 Jason Duclona – Fr.
*   * 24 Jarvis Ware –  Sr.
*   * 26 Daniel McCullon –  Jr.
*   * 29 William Wells – Jr.
*   * 31 Brandon Adams – Jr.
*   * 34 Terrell Jackson – So.
*   * 36 Champ Jenkins –  So.
*   * 39 R.D. Cooper – Sr.
*   * 46 Nicholas Antoine–  Fr.

|  |

Defensive ends

*   * 3 Tre'mon Morris-Brash – 5th-Sr.
*   * 6 Isaiah Nixon – Fr.
*   * 33 Kaven Call – Fr.
*   * 47 K.D. McDaniel –  Sr.
*   * 51 Malachi Lawrence –  So.
*   * 12 Shaun Peterson Jr. –  Sr.
*   * 58 Dallaz Corbitt –  Sr.
*   * 88 Josh Celiscar – Sr. (C)
*   * 96 Trace O'Hara –  Jr.
*   * 92 Finau Fine –  Jr.
*   * 99 Jamaal Johnson –  Fr.

Legend

* (C) Team captain
* (S) Suspended
* (I) Ineligible
* Injured
* Redshirt

Coaching staff

* Gus Malzahn – Head Coach
* Darin Hinshaw – Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks
* Addison Williams – Defensive coordinator/Defensive Backs
* David Gibbs – Co-Defensive coordinator/secondary
* Herb Hand – Co-Offensive coordinator/Offensive line
* Brian Blackmon – Special teams coordinator/Tight Ends
* Ernie Sims – Linebacker
* Kenny Ingram – Defensive Ends/Rush
* Kenny Martin – Defensive Tackles
* Grant Heard – Wide receivers
* Kam Martin – Running backs
* Will Healy – Assistant Head Coach/Senior Offensive Analyst
* Bobby Bentley – Analyst
* Andrew Blaylock – Special Assistant to Head Coach
* Nate Craig-Myers – Recruiting/Offensive Assistant
* Ben Larson – Special Teams Analyst
* Charles Moore – Defensive Analyst
* Brendan Bognar – Offensive Analyst
* Cory Giddings – Director of Player Personnel
* Deshon Lawrence – Director of Player Development
* Alex Mathis – Asst. Director of Player Personnel/High School Relations
* Chris Dawson – Director of Sports Performance
* Andrew Shirek – Asst. Dir. of Sports Performance
* Corey Meredith – Asst. Dir. of Sports Performance
* Sean Beckton Jr. – Asst. Dir. of Sports Performance
* CJ Holden – Dir. of FB Operations

→ Roster updated September, 2023
→ Depth chart updated September, 2023

## Awards and milestones[edit]

### National honors[edit]

* FWAA Cheez-It National Team of the Week: (Week 11)[29]
* Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week (Week 11): Gus Malzahn[30]
* Manning Award Star of the Week — John Rhys Plumlee (Week 11)[31]
* On3 True Freshman All-American: John Walker[32]

### All-Americans[edit]

All-American Honors  Player  | Athletic  | Athlon  | BR  | CBS Sports  | CFN  | ESPN  | FOX Sports  | Phil Steele  | SI  | USA Today

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Javon Baker  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | HM  |  |
RJ Harvey |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | HM  |  |
Tremon Morris Brash  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | HM  |  |
HM = Honorable mention.

### All-Big 12 Conference[edit]

Big 12 All-Conference Honors  Player  | Big 12  | AP  | Athlon  | CFN  | PFF  | Phil Steele  | USA Today

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Javon Baker | 1st[33][34] | 2nd[35] | 1st[36] | 1st [37] | S[38] | 1st  |
Colton Boomer  | HM  |  |  |  |  |  |
Tylan Grable | HM  |  |  | HM  |  |  |
Demari Henderson  | HM  |  |  |  |  |  |
RJ Harvey | HM  |  | 2nd  | 1st  |  | 2nd  |
Kobe Hudson  | HM  |  | 2nd  | 2nd  |  | 2nd  |
Lee Hunter  | HM  |  |  | 3rd  |  | 2nd  |
Jason Johnson | 2nd  | 2nd  | 2nd  | 2nd  |  | 1st  |
Malachi Lawrence  | HM  |  |  |  |  |  |
Nikai Martinez  |  |  |  | HM  |  |  |
Marcellus Marshall  |  |  |  | 2nd  |  |  |
Tremon Morris Brash  | 1st  | 1st  | 1st  | 1st  |  | 1st  |
Lokahi Pauole | HM  |  |  |  |  | 2nd  | S[39]
John Rhys Plumlee | HM  |  |  |  |  |  |
Corey Thornton  | HM  |  |  | HM  |  |  |
Xavier Townsend  | HM  |  |  | HM  |  | 3rd  |
Walter Yates III  |  |  |  | HM  |  |  |
HM = Honorable mention.

S = Selected, indicating they were selected for a singular "best of" All-Big 12 team.

### Big 12 Conference honors[edit]

* Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 2): Colton Boomer[40]
* Co-Offense Player of the Week (Week 10): R. J. Harvey[41]
* Defensive Player of the Week (Week 11): Demari Henderson[42]
* Tre'mon Morris-Brash (Defensive Lineman of the Year - Honorable Mention)[33][34]
* Randy Pittman Jr. (Offensive Freshman of the Year - Honorable Mention)[33][34]
* John Walker (Defensive Freshman of the Year - Honorable Mention)[33][34]

### School records[edit]

* Longest field goal (ties school record): 55 yards, Colton Boomer (at Boise State), September 9, 2023[40]

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b "2023 Central Florida Knights Football Depth Chart". ourlads.com. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
2. ^ Vannini, Chris (July 12, 2023). "Inside UCF's rise from D-III to Big 12 and what's next: 'This could be the premier place'". The Atlantic. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
3. ^ "2023 UCF Football Transfer Portal". On3. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
4. ^ "2023 College Football Transfer Portal". 247Sports. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
5. ^ Forcella, Daniel (January 24, 2023). "2023 UCF Football Spring Game Set for April 14". UCFKnights.com. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
6. ^ "2023 All-Big 12 College Football Preseason Team and Individual Honors". collegefootballnetwork.com. August 1, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
7. ^ THE 11TH ANNUAL REESE'S SENIOR BOWL WATCHLIST, seniorbowl.com, retrieved October 28, 2023
8. ^ "Johnson is UCF nominee for Campbell trophy". UCFKnights.com. August 29, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
9. ^ "2023 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List". polynesianfootballhof.com. August 17, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
10. ^ "Allstate Sugar Bowl Announces Manning Award Watch List=Allstatesugarbowl.com". August 15, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
11. ^ "Johnson tabbed to Bednarik award watch list". UCFKnights.com. August 14, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
12. ^ "The 2023 Butkus Award Preseason Watch List". athlonsports.com. August 11, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
13. ^ "Harvey featured on Doak Walker watch list". UCFKnights.com. August 9, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
14. ^ "McCarthy named to Ray Guy award watch list". UCFKnights.com. August 8, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
15. ^ "Plumlee Tabbed to Davey O'Brien Award Watch List". UCFKnights.com. August 8, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
16. ^ "Gammage named to Biletnikoff award watch list". UCFKnights.com. August 7, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
17. ^ "Boomer named to Lou Groza award watch list". UCFKnights.com. August 2, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
18. ^ "Johnson featured on Bronko Nagurski watch list". UCFKnights.com. August 1, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
19. ^ "Pauole selected to the outland trophy watch list". UCFKnights.com. August 1, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
20. ^ "Plumlee named to Maxwell Award Watchlist". UCFKnights.com. July 31, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
21. ^ "Texas Selected Atop Big 12 Football Media Preseason Poll". Big12Sports.com. July 6, 2023.
22. ^ Adelson, Andrea (June 10, 2022). "Cincinnati, Houston, UCF reach exit deal with American, to join Big 12 in 2023". ESPN. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
23. ^ Beede, Jason (January 24, 2022). "UCF adds old conference foe, Kent State, to 2023 schedule". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
24. ^ a b Beede, Jason (February 1, 2023). "Marc Daniels: It's More Than A Schedule For UCF". WYGM 96.9 The Game. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
25. ^ a b c Heisler, John (May 31, 2023). "First Two 2023 UCF Football Games on FS1". ucfknights.com.
26. ^ https://twitter.com/UCF_Football/status/1701281088478306537
27. ^ "2023 UCF Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
28. ^ Jeyarajah, Shehan (September 11, 2023). "UCF QB John Rhys Plumlee expected to miss multiple weeks, including Big 12 opener, with leg injury". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
29. ^ "UCF is Cheez-It National Team of the Week". Sportswriters.net. November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
30. ^ "Malzahn named Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week". ucfknights.com. November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
31. ^ "UCF's John Rhys Plumlee earns Manning Award Quarterback of the Week". crescentcitysports. November 16, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
32. ^ Wilson, Justin (November 30, 2023). "Walker named On3 True Freshman All-American". UCFKnights.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
33. ^ a b c d Wilson, Justin (November 29, 2023). "UCF's 2023 All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced". UCFKnights.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
34. ^ a b c d "2023 All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced" (PDF). Big12sports.com. November 29, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
35. ^ Hawkins, Stephen (December 8, 2023). "TD-scoring Texas DT T'Vondre Sweat and Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon top AP All-Big 12 team". Associated Press. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
36. ^ Lassan, Steven (December 15, 2023). "College Football: 2023 Postseason All-Big 12 Team". Athlon Sports. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
37. ^ Mellor, Cam (December 2, 2023). "2023 All-Big 12 College Football Team and Individual Honors". College Football Network. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
38. ^ Chadwick, Max (December 11, 2023). "2023 College Football All-Big 12 Team: Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II, Texas DI T'Vondre Sweat and more". Pro Football Focus. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
39. ^ Davis, Danny (November 29, 2023). "USA TODAY Sports Network 2023 All-Big 12 football team: Gordon, Sarkisian earn top awards". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
40. ^ a b "UCF, OU and UT Earn Big 12 Football Week 2 Awards". Big12sports.com. Big 12 Conference. September 11, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
41. ^ "UCF, OSU and UT Receive Big 12 Football Week 10 Awards". Big12sports.com. Big 12 Conference. November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
42. ^ "UCF, ISU, OU and TTU Claim Big 12 Football Week 11 Awards". Big12Sports.com. November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.

* v
* t
* e

UCF Knights football

Venues|

* Citrus Bowl (1979–2006)
* FBC Mortgage Stadium (2007–present)

Bowls & rivalries|

* Bowl games
* Cincinnati
* South Florida

Culture & lore|

* Civil Conflict
* Knightro
* "Charge On"
* Marching Knights
* Kernkraft 400

People|

* Head coaches
* NFL draftees
* Alumni
* Statistical leaders

Seasons|

* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989
* 1990
* 1991
* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024

National championship seasons in bold
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[Conf]: Conference record
*[W]: Wins
*[L]: Losses