UCF Knights face a major defensive shake-up as Derek LeBlanc and John Walker exit via the transfer portal, sparking fresh concerns about roster stability under head coach Scott Frost. Can UCF reload in time to keep its defensive line strong, or will these portal losses derail offseason plans? Mike G. and UCF sports commentator James Duncan debate the impact of these departures, potential package deals, and what it means for Alex Grinch’s defensive strategy. The conversation turns to UCF’s offensive line struggles, spotlighting Carter Miller hitting the portal after a disappointing season and questioning whether a full rebuild could jumpstart the Knights’ offense. With NIL-fueled transfer madness at an all-time high, Mike G. and James Duncan break down Scott Frost’s approach to retention versus acquisition and how UCF plans to compete in a rapidly evolving college football landscape. Will the Knights’ aggressive recruiting and portal moves pay off next season?

UCF Knights face a pivotal offseason as Scott Frost weighs retention versus acquisition in building the 2026 roster. With no seniors earning Senior Bowl invites but key standouts like Malachi Lawrence asserting their value, which defensive anchors must the coaching staff secure to spark a Big 12 playoff run? Mike G. and James Duncan unpack UCF’s postseason prospects, highlighting rising stars Braden Marshall, Jaden Bellamy, and Lewis Carter as must-keeps. The duo scrutinize the Knights’ evolving offensive identity, wide receiver depth, and ongoing quarterback questions amid portal activity. Can Scott Frost attract elite talent while developing a sustainable QB pipeline? Key NIL strategy, Coach Frost’s impact, and UCF’s path to playoff contention fuel this can’t-miss UCF football breakdown.

The Big 12 Conference has been nothing short of a whirlwind over the past week, marked by a major championship, postseason selection drama, and a groundbreaking business announcement that reinforces its "New Look" identity. 1. Championship and CFP Breakthrough The week started with the Big 12 Championship Game where Texas Tech defeated BYU in a commanding fashion (34-7). This victory propelled the Red Raiders to a 12-1 record, securing the Big 12's automatic bid to the expanded College Football Playoff. The subsequent CFP rankings confirmed Texas Tech as the No. 4 seed, earning them a crucial first-round bye straight to the Orange Bowl Quarterfinal—a massive statement for the restructured league. 2. Bowl and Political Fallout While the Big 12 celebrated Tech's CFP inclusion and the bowl selections for seven other teams, drama erupted over the bubble. Commissioner Brett Yormark publicly backed the CFP committee's decision, despite BYU's exclusion, and notably criticized Notre Dame's Athletic Director for his "egregious" outrage over the Irish being left out. This positioned the Big 12 as a stable, unified partner in the new CFP ecosystem, contrasting sharply with the ACC's turmoil. Adding to the controversy, the conference levied $500,000 fines on Iowa State and Kansas State for opting to skip bowl games, underscoring the conference's commitment to fulfilling its postseason obligations. 3. NFL Partnership Announcement Perhaps the most significant long-term news was the conference's announcement of a strategic partnership with the NFL. This collaboration aims to align the two organizations on everything from officiating development and emerging technology to global growth initiatives. This unprecedented move further showcases the Big 12's innovative, business-forward approach under Yormark, establishing a distinct brand identity separate from the traditionalist SEC/Big Ten dynamic.

UCF faces major shakeups as standout defensive lineman John Walker enters the transfer portal, raising pressing questions about the value of retention versus acquisition in today's NIL-driven college football landscape. With Walker's dominant run-stopping abilities and escalating market worth, can UCF keep pace as Big 12 rivals and powerhouses like Texas Tech and FSU aggressively target top talent? The money game in recruiting and staff contracts is now more intense than ever. Mike G. and sports analyst James Duncan break down UCF football’s biggest challenges—Walker’s departure, defensive unit depth, and the ripple effect of losing coach Brandon Harris to Florida State. The conversation gets heated over bowl snubs, shifting conference priorities, and controversial playoff decisions, spotlighting BYU, Vanderbilt, and Notre Dame. Is the bowl system broken, and will higher NIL payouts be the only fix? Don’t miss bold predictions, insider insight, and strategies for UCF’s future.

UCF Knights secure a boost for 2026 as leading receiver Duane Thomas Jr. announces his return, bringing much-needed continuity to Scott Frost’s squad. Can this dynamic playmaker, alongside Wayne Charles and a tight end group boasting Dylan Wade, spark an offensive revival despite ongoing quarterback uncertainty? Mike G. and Andrew Gluchov break down roster decisions, key injury comebacks, and the implications of recent portal moves. The hosts tackle college football playoff controversy: Should Group of Five powerhouses like James Madison and Tulane be in the mix? Heated debate erupts over ACC shortcomings and Paul Finebaum’s viral G5 comments, while declining bowl invites and NIL shake-ups raise questions about the future of postseason play. Get insider perspective on UCF’s path forward and the shifting landscape of bowl season.

UCF Knights face a pivotal portal season as financial realities shape their quest for top talent. Can head coach Scott Frost’s first true off-season produce a roster built to contend in the Big 12, or will limited NIL resources hold them back from landing a star quarterback and upgrading the offensive line? Mike G. and Andrew Gluchov unpack UCF’s challenges in recruiting, spotlighting the Knights’ unique position in Florida and the struggle to attract elite linemen without “sugar daddy” donors. The conversation covers the team’s decision to decline a Dukes Mayo Bowl invite, transparency issues within UCF Athletics, and Rocco Marriott’s potential at QB. Key insights include portal strategy, player departures, and whether smarter roster building—not overspending—is the key to UCF’s bowl eligibility next season. Will UCF find the right balance to fuel a Big 12 breakthrough?

UCF Knights lose transfer quarterback Jacurri Brown and promising tight end Kylan Fox as portal season shakes up Scott Frost’s roster plans. Is UCF facing a pivotal rebuild, or can the team quickly plug its most glaring gaps? The quarterback carousel continues, and with Taven Jackson also hitting the portal, uncertainty surrounds who will take the helm—will Davi Belfort step up, or is a new Band-Aid QB on the horizon? Mike G. and James Duncan break down UCF’s portal needs, from offensive line depth concerns to high stakes retention strategies amid the NIL era’s wild west. The discussion covers impact losses, recruiting dynamics, and whether the Knights could snag a bowl invite as a five-win outlier. Insightful commentary on contract trends, developmental prospects, and Scott Frost’s roster approach sets up a crucial offseason for UCF football. Is another bowl game within reach, or does the rebuild come first?

UCF Knights shake up their roster as Waden Charles announces his return and quarterback Tavin Jackson heads to the transfer portal. With Scott Frost leading the charge, the Knights aim to build stability around returning talents like Charles—whose freshman campaign stood out despite the team’s passing struggles—and incoming recruits such as Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr. Is a breakout season for Charles on the horizon, and can Frost find the right quarterback to ignite UCF’s offense? Mike G. and James Duncan break down UCF’s latest recruiting wins, roster fireworks, and the urgent need for elite offensive line play. The conversation highlights the impact of transfer portal autonomy, the pursuit of five-star talent, and how Frost’s relationship-driven recruiting may shape UCF’s Big 12 future. Will a revamped QB room and an injection of young talent get the Knights back to bowl contention? Don’t miss this essential update on UCF’s path forward. 0:00 – UCF Roster Moves & Waden Charles Returning Mike G. and James Duncan set the stage for UCF's offseason roster changes, focusing on the return of key wide receiver Waden Charles, his freshman impact, and what his return means for the team’s culture and stability. 7:08 – Quarterback Room Overhaul & Tavin Jackson’s Exit Discussion shifts to the quarterback situation, analyzing Tavin Jackson’s departure, Scott Frost’s challenge to rebuild the QB room, potential replacements, and the ongoing uncertainty about next season’s starter. Thoughts on transfer portal options and the overall QB competition ahead. 19:09 – Recruiting Class & National Signing Day Recap A breakdown of UCF’s efforts on National Signing Day. Mike G. and James Duncan assess the quality of the incoming class, highlight top recruits like James Alhassan Idrisu and Rocco Marriott, concerns about offensive line depth, and long-term strategy for closing the gap with bigger programs.

UCF Knights shake up their roster as Waden Charles announces his return and quarterback Tavin Jackson heads to the transfer portal. With Scott Frost leading the charge, the Knights aim to build stability around returning talents like Charles—whose freshman campaign stood out despite the team’s passing struggles—and incoming recruits such as Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr. Is a breakout season for Charles on the horizon, and can Frost find the right quarterback to ignite UCF’s offense? Mike G. and James Duncan break down UCF’s latest recruiting wins, roster fireworks, and the urgent need for elite offensive line play. The conversation highlights the impact of transfer portal autonomy, the pursuit of five-star talent, and how Frost’s relationship-driven recruiting may shape UCF’s Big 12 future. Will a revamped QB room and an injection of young talent get the Knights back to bowl contention? Don’t miss this essential update on UCF’s path forward. 0:00 – UCF Roster Moves & Waden Charles Returning Mike G. and James Duncan set the stage for UCF's offseason roster changes, focusing on the return of key wide receiver Waden Charles, his freshman impact, and what his return means for the team’s culture and stability. 7:08 – Quarterback Room Overhaul & Tavin Jackson’s Exit Discussion shifts to the quarterback situation, analyzing Tavin Jackson’s departure, Scott Frost’s challenge to rebuild the QB room, potential replacements, and the ongoing uncertainty about next season’s starter. Thoughts on transfer portal options and the overall QB competition ahead. 19:09 – Recruiting Class & National Signing Day Recap A breakdown of UCF’s efforts on National Signing Day. Mike G. and James Duncan assess the quality of the incoming class, highlight top recruits like James Alhassan Idrisu and Rocco Marriott, concerns about offensive line depth, and long-term strategy for closing the gap with bigger programs.

Big 12 heavyweights BYU and Texas Tech shake up the championship picture as powerhouse coach Kalani Sitake nearly exits for Penn State, triggering a wild flurry of NIL deals and university power plays. Is the Big 12’s new financial arms race redefining the path to playoff success, or will legacy programs like Baylor and Kansas State be left behind? The roundtable debates elite coaching moves, jaw-dropping staff salaries, and the explosive influence of boosters and collectives across the conference. Locked On’s squad of insiders spotlights BYU’s dramatic retention saga, Texas Tech’s bold investments, and why schools like Colorado are facing multimillion-dollar deficits. The hosts question playoff selection criteria, analyze rivalry scheduling strategies, and ask whether the Big 12 committee made the right call in pitting BYU against Texas Tech. Can innovative fundraising and NIL strategies thrust these programs into national contention, or will conference politics hold them back?

CF Knights fans, the season may be over, but the debate is just heating up—who truly shined as this year’s MVPs? Mike G. and James Duncan revisit the highs and lows of UCF football, spotlighting tight end Dylan Wade’s standout offensive performance and linebacker Lewis Carter’s dominance on defense. With discussions on pivotal plays, underutilized weapons, and the importance of roster retention in the NIL and transfer portal era, the hosts ask: can UCF keep these stars for a championship push next season? From West Virginia to North Carolina, the duo breaks down the Knights’ most complete team win and what the numbers say about Taven Jackson’s development at quarterback. With candid insights, strategic analysis, and a healthy dose of Knights pride, this recap sets the stage for an offseason full of questions—and optimism—for UCF football’s future. 0:00 – Season MVPs Introduction Mike G. and James Duncan set the stage for the show, previewing a series on UCF football's offensive and defensive MVPs, plus top team performances. 1:38 – Offensive MVP: Dylan Wade Deep dive analysis of Dylan Wade’s impact as UCF’s offensive MVP, his stats, growth, and why his return is critical for the upcoming season. 8:53 – Defensive MVP: Lewis Carter Discussion shifts to defense, highlighting Lewis Carter as the defensive MVP. Mike G. and James Duncan break down his performance, the importance of player retention, and challenges in the portal era. 19:43 – Best Team Performance Debate Exploring UCF’s best team win of the season, with Mike G. and James Duncan debating between the victories over West Virginia and North Carolina, and reflecting on what each meant for the program.

UCF Knights flash early dominance but collapse against BYU, raising urgent questions about offensive consistency and discipline. After a surprise 14-0 lead powered by breakout performances from Dylan Wade and walk-on Ajmen Adi, Scott Frost’s squad struggled with costly turnovers, penalties, and offensive droughts, revealing troubling trends for the program. Can UCF fix their offensive woes and build a more resilient team for next season? Mike G. and James Duncan unpack the Knights’ loss, spotlighting key defensive stats, game-changing moments, and pivotal roster departures, including Kelly Lawson and Cole Kozlowski. The conversation explores offseason priorities such as upgrading the offensive line, recruiting “dogs” through the transfer portal, and unlocking the full potential of young quarterbacks like Rocco and Dante. Is Frost still an offensive mastermind, or will UCF be left searching for answers?

UCF Knights face a pivotal challenge as they gear up to battle BYU out west—can key injuries and roster changes spark a surprise upset? With leading receiver Chase Roberts listed as doubtful for BYU and UCF missing crucial players like Max Drag and Stacy Gage, the game hangs in the balance, raising questions about both teams’ depth and adaptability. Mike G. and James Duncan break down the latest injury report, highlight crucial matchups, and examine the impact of missing playmakers on UCF’s offensive schemes. Insights include BYU’s potent ground attack led by L.J. Martin, defensive concerns, and whether UCF’s seniors can rise to the occasion. Score predictions, Big 12 Playoff implications, and weather conditions in Provo add intrigue to this must-listen episode. Could missing stars shift the momentum and redefine UCF’s season?UCF Knights face a pivotal challenge as they gear up to battle BYU out west—can key injuries and roster changes spark a surprise upset? With leading receiver Chase Roberts listed as doubtful for BYU and UCF missing crucial players like Max Drag and Stacy Gage, the game hangs in the balance, raising questions about both teams’ depth and adaptability. Mike G. and James Duncan break down the latest injury report, highlight crucial matchups, and examine the impact of missing playmakers on UCF’s offensive schemes. Insights include BYU’s potent ground attack led by L.J. Martin, defensive concerns, and whether UCF’s seniors can rise to the occasion. Score predictions, Big 12 Playoff implications, and weather conditions in Provo add intrigue to this must-listen episode. Could missing stars shift the momentum and redefine UCF’s season?

SEC rivalry week ramps up as playoff dreams and coaching rumors swirl. Can Alabama’s defense shut down Auburn in the Iron Bowl, or will house money and chaos reign in Jordan-Hare? Brandon Olsen, Chris Gordy, Steven Willis, and the squad debate playoff bids, shocking upsets, and which blueblood—Georgia or Texas A&M—faces a must-win scenario. Heated discussions erupt around Lane Kiffin’s future, with Florida, LSU, and Ole Miss fans all bracing for a shakeup that could redefine the SEC coaching landscape. Key matchups—from the Egg Bowl’s overlooked drama to Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee’s Heisman-worthy quarterback duel—anchor the conversation. Insights on Georgia Tech’s upset hopes, Mark Stoops’ job security at Kentucky, and the committee’s playoff selection criteria round out this jam-packed episode. Who emerges as the SEC’s true playoff contender, and where will Lane Kiffin land? Squad up and get the insider breakdown on football’s wildest weekend yet.

UCF Knights face their toughest test yet as they seek an unexpected hero to ignite a bowl push against the formidable BYU Cougars. Can running back Miles Montgomery or quarterback Taven Jackson rise to the occasion and shatter BYU’s stout run defense in this high-stakes Big 12 clash? With BYU eyeing a College Football Playoff spot, every play matters—and special teams might be the surprise game-changer fans haven’t seen coming. Mike G. and Andrew Glucov break down UCF’s path to victory, spotlighting the importance of disciplined defense, flawless special teams, and limiting self-inflicted mistakes. The conversation covers Noah Ruelis’ reliability at kicker, key defensive assignments against BYU’s ground attack, and the wild-card factor of an unusual 11AM local kickoff. With bowl eligibility on the line, can UCF send shockwaves through the Big 12 and sign off their season with a signature upset?

UCF Knights face a high-stakes showdown against BYU Cougars, with quarterback Bear Bachmeier leading a playoff-contending passing attack. Can UCF’s defense disrupt BYU’s balanced offense and topple the Cougars as underdogs? Two explosive 700-yard receivers, Parker Kingston and Chase Roberts, pose major threats, while UCF’s injuries test their defensive depth. Mike G. and James Duncan analyze Bachmeier’s dual-threat ability, his linebacker mentality, and how UCF must generate turnovers to have a shot at a bowl game. Key discussion points include Scott Frost’s coaching influence, defensive playmakers like Braden Marshall and Malachi Lawrence, and the impact of relentless pass rush pressure. With bowl eligibility on the line, can the Knights pull off an upset and send shockwaves through the Big 12?

UCF Knights keep their bowl game hopes alive with a gritty 17-14 win over Oklahoma State, overcoming a disastrous first half with clutch plays from Taven Jackson and breakout tight end Dylan Wade. Can Scott Frost's squad pull off another upset and secure postseason glory? Mike G., James Duncan, and Andrew Gluchov break down the dramatic turnaround, highlighting UCF's second-half adjustments, defensive resilience led by Braden Marshall's timely interception, and crucial impact from Miles Montgomery in the ground game. The episode also covers quarterback news with Kane Archer’s decommitment and Rocco Beck’s arrival, plus strategic implications for the Knights ahead of their showdown with BYU. Will UCF finish strong and send a message to the Big 12? Episode Timestamps & Topics 0:00 – UCF vs Oklahoma State: First Half Struggles 10:59 – Second Half Turnaround & Offensive Standouts Transitioning after the ad break, 17:41 – Quarterback Recruiting & Bowl Hopes 10:29 – GameTime Ticketing App 22:03 – FanDuel Sports Betting Let me know if you want a deeper breakdown of each segment or speaker analysis!

UCF Knights face a must-win senior night showdown against Oklahoma State, but the real battle might be happening off the field. Can Scott Frost keep his roster intact as star players field lucrative NIL offers from rival programs? Mike G and James Duncan break down the Knights' injury-depleted depth chart, with quarterbacks Jacurri Brown and Cam Fancher sidelined, leaving Tayven Jackson as the lone healthy starter. The discussion reveals UCF's troubling pattern of losing every competitive game this season while dominating weaker opponents. Key defensive standout Nyjalik Kelly is reportedly receiving significant transfer portal interest, highlighting the NIL inflation crisis where player values have jumped from $100,000 to $500,000 in a single year. The hosts analyze why building strong culture and community matters more than marginal financial increases, sharing insights from RJ Harvey's decision to stay despite $700,000-plus offers elsewhere. Discover why this Oklahoma State matchup could determine UCF's bowl eligibility and which undisclosed player is taking emergency quarterback reps in practice.

Utah and BYU deserve College Football Playoff spots over Notre Dame and Alabama. Is the committee finally ready to respect Big 12 football? Drake and the Locked On Big 12 Squad break down the latest CFP rankings controversy, with JT Worcestershill defending Utah's dominant 35-point average margin of victory against critics who favor traditional powers. The panel analyzes Texas dropping seven spots after three losses, TCU's Sonny Dykes facing a hot seat, and Kenny Dillingham's future at Arizona State despite calling it his "dream job." Key discussions include whether the Big 12 can land two playoff teams, how conference championship losses will be evaluated, and why SEC teams with identical records get home playoff games while Big 12 champions don't. Jeff Car, Nick Maravettes, Cody Stovall, Parker, and Darian join the heated debate about conference bias and playoff positioning. Tune in for insider analysis on coaching carousel speculation and the Big 12's uphill battle for playoff respect.