UCF gets first Big 12 win of 2025
BY ADAM EATON | Sons of UCF
As far as the 2025 season goes for the UCF Knights football team, two rare occasions happened on Saturday in Orlando. First, it did not rain, which, after having three home games impacted in some way by weather, was a welcome sight (although it sure was hot). Second, the Knights actually won the game, marking their first Big 12 win of the season, their first-ever win over West Virginia (previously 0-4), and their first win in October since 2022.
In a matchup of two teams facing eerily similar situations, the Knights proved the better throughout most of the game on Saturday, as a steady offense and dominant defense helped to create the lopsided 45-13 score. QB Tayven Jackson returned to the starting role and threw two first-quarter touchdowns to Chris Domercant to pace the offense. The defense also got in on the fun, notching a program record eight sacks, including one that led to a scoop and score fumble recovery touchdown. A late-game running explosion by Jaden Nixon sealed the deal for the Knights, who now move to 4-3, 1-3 on the season.
UCF will ride the momentum of the win into its final bye week, with the goal of getting healthy and mentally prepared for the five-game closing stretch to the 2025 season.
Award Season
Before we get too far ahead, let’s look back at the halfway-ish point of the Knights’ season and hand out some superlatives:
Best quarterback when he’s standing upright: Tayven Jackson
The Knights have had a revolving door at QB in 2025, with five different guys taking snaps throughout the season, albeit some in garbage time. Jackson and Cam Fancher have each started multiple games (Jackson – 5 and Fancher – 2), and also left games due to injury (Jackson -2 and Fancher – 1). Jackson’s stats aren’t exactly eye-popping – 65% completion rate, 5 TD passes, 3 TD runs, 2 INTs, and 136% passer rating – but they have been enough to move the Knights offense with a bit more consistency and play-making ability than the other QBs. And, with Fancher announced out against West Virginia with cracked ribs, it will likely be Jackson’s ball the rest of the way if he can stay healthy.
Most likely to hit his head on the goalpost: Jaden Nixon
The senior transfer running back from Western Michigan and Oklahoma State has added an explosive element to the Knights’ offense, despite getting out-touched by fellow back Myles Montgomery (100 carries to 32). Nixon leads the team with six rushing touchdowns, including TD runs of 87, 66, 54, and 83 yards, giving him a 12.6 yards per carry average. And the production doesn’t stop on offense, as Nixon also has a 96-yard kickoff return TD on his resume. Simply put, Nixon is a threat to be in the end zone every time he touches the ball, which is something the Knights have desperately needed.
He will chase you down and tackle you: Cole Kozlowski
The senior linebacker from Colgate started the season on the second unit as he recovered from injury. Still, a fierce will and high motor have firmly put Kozlowski into the middle of the stingy Knights’ defense. His 39 total tackles, 4 TFLs, and two sacks don’t paint the full picture of the heart and grit with which Kozlowski plays, as you will regularly see his number 43 jersey running all over the field.
It’s up and good: Noe Ruelas
When you are an inconsistent team on offense, it helps to be able to rely on a kicker to at least light the scoreboard in some way. For the Knights, James Madison and UConn transfer Noe Ruelas is that guy, hitting on 91% of his field goal attempts this season, including two 50+ yard bombs. Scott Frost recently commented that having a kicker with long range and consistency helps to rethink how you make decisions as a play caller.
We might owe you an apology: Alex Grinch
When the Knights announced Alex Grinch as their defensive coordinator, it was met with raised eyebrows and skepticism by many in Orlando and around the country. However, through the first seven games of the season, Grinch has the Knights in the top 20 in the country in both scoring defense (18th – 17.4 ppg) and total defense (16th – 292 ypg). With the Knights’ offense struggling throughout the season, it has been the play of Grinch’s unit that has kept UCF in games. While the remainder of the year holds some challenging matchups, the Knights will need to rely on the defense to keep up their statistical pace.
Up Next
The Knights will enjoy a bye week before beginning preparations to face the Baylor Bears in Waco, Texas, on Saturday, November 1. The game time and broadcast assignment have not been announced by the Big 12.
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