Central Florida is experiencing a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation as the highly anticipated 2024 season approaches. The UCF Knights, led by Head Coach Gus Malzahn, are looking to build on their recent successes. After having back-to-back nine-win seasons in his first two years, the Knights and Malzahn are primed for an even more promising third year. The excitement has reached new heights as UCF enters the season with a new conference home in the Big 12, solidifying its position as a Power Five school.
The Knights' move to the Big 12 has already made an impact off the field, notably in recruiting. Their 2023 class secured its highest-rated recruit in school history with defensive lineman John Walker. This momentum has carried over into the 2024 class, as UCF has positioned itself to have one of the best, if not the best, recruiting classes in the Big 12.
Additionally, the Knights are well on their way to building their highest-rated recruiting class in school history. During Big 12 media day, Malzahn confidently proclaimed, “The sky's the limit for recruiting at a place like this," setting the stage for even more remarkable achievements.
While the move to the Big 12 has already brought and will continue to bring waves of exciting opportunities, Malzahn knows that now is not the time for his program to become complacent. He emphasizes that the goal is not just to be a participant in the conference but to rise to the occasion and contend for championships.
Malzahn already has a history of success in program-building and contending for championships. In 2010, Malzahn played a pivotal role at Auburn, where he contributed to a national championship as the team's offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. In 2012, he took the Arkansas State head coaching job, leading the Red Wolves to a Sun Belt championship in his single season with the team. Malzahn returned to Auburn as the head coach in 2013, leading the Tigers to an SEC Championship and a trip to the national championship game in 2014.
Since joining UCF in 2021, Malzahn has wasted no time revitalizing the program and re-establishing the Knights as a formidable force in college football. In just his second season, he steered the team to the AAC Championship game, reaffirming UCF's standing as a contender behind an offense led by quarterback John Rhys Plumlee.
With the challenges that come with competing in a competitive conference like the Big 12, Malzahn acknowledges the obstacles ahead but emphasizes the team's determination to rise to the occasion. “For me personally, I'm very excited. This is a great conference, one of the best football conferences in college football… The challenge of playing these great teams in this league is what's exciting for us."
As the calendar inches closer to August 31st, UCF's first home game against Kent State, the excitement is palpable. All eyes will be on the Knights as they embark on this exhilarating chapter of their football journey. The anticipation further builds as UCF gears up for its conference debut against the Baylor Bears in week 4, a pivotal moment that will set the tone for their Big 12 adventure. With Coach Malzahn at the helm, UCF and its passionate fan base eagerly await the kickoff.
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