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?