The UCF Knights football schedule for 2026 features 12 games: 7 home contests at Acrisure Bounce House and 5 road trips, marking Scott Frost’s second season as head coach.
The schedule includes 9 Big 12 Conference matchups and 3 non-conference games, with the season opener set for Thursday, September 3, 2026, against Bethune-Cookman.
Table of Contents
2026 UCF Football Schedule: Full Game-by-Game Breakdown
| Date | Opponent | Location | Conference | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, September 3 | Bethune-Cookman | Orlando, FL | Non-conference | Season opener; Thursday night game |
| Saturday, September 12 | at Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | Non-conference (ACC) | Road game at Acrisure Stadium |
| Saturday, September 19 | Georgia State | Orlando, FL | Non-conference | Family Weekend |
| Saturday, September 26 | TCU | Orlando, FL | Big 12 | Conference opener at home |
| Saturday, October 3 | at Houston | Houston, TX | Big 12 | First conference road game |
| Saturday, October 10 | at Oklahoma State | Stillwater, OK | Big 12 | Road test at Boone Pickens Stadium |
| October 17 | BYE WEEK | — | — | Mid-season break |
| Saturday, October 24 | BYU | Orlando, FL | Big 12 | Homecoming game |
| Saturday, October 31 | Baylor | Orlando, FL | Big 12 | Halloween game |
| Saturday, November 7 | at Kansas | Lawrence, KS | Big 12 | Late-season road game |
| Saturday, November 14 | Arizona State | Orlando, FL | Big 12 | First home matchup vs Sun Devils |
| Saturday, November 21 | Iowa State | Orlando, FL | Big 12 | Senior Day |
| Saturday, November 28 | at Colorado | Boulder, CO | Big 12 | Season finale at Folsom Field |
UCF Knights 2026 Home Games at Acrisure Bounce House
UCF plays 7 home games during the 2026 season at the 45,301-capacity Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando, Florida. The venue, formerly known as FBC Mortgage Stadium, received its new naming rights in July 2025.
Home Schedule Breakdown
Non-Conference Home Games:
- Bethune-Cookman (September 3)
- Georgia State (September 19)
Big 12 Conference Home Games:
- TCU (September 26)
- BYU (October 24)
- Baylor (October 31)
- Arizona State (November 14)
- Iowa State (November 21)
The stadium underwent an $8 million renovation in 2019 and features the distinctive “bounce” phenomenon, where synchronized fan movements create visible stadium vibration during games. The 2026 season marks UCF’s fourth year in the Big 12 Conference after joining in 2023.
UCF Road Games and Travel Schedule 2026
The Knights face 5 road games in 2026, including trips to four Big 12 venues and one ACC opponent. As the only Florida-based Big 12 program, UCF confronts significant travel challenges with conference games spanning from Texas to Kansas.
Away Game Details
| Opponent | Stadium | Capacity | Distance from Orlando |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh | Acrisure Stadium | 68,400 | 1,050 miles |
| Houston | TDECU Stadium | 40,000 | 966 miles |
| Oklahoma State | Boone Pickens Stadium | 55,509 | 1,265 miles |
| Kansas | David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium | 47,233 | 1,385 miles |
| Colorado | Folsom Field | 50,183 | 1,850 miles |
The regular-season finale at Colorado on Saturday, November 28, 2026, represents the longest road trip of the season at approximately 1,850 miles from Orlando.
Scott Frost’s Second Season: Coach Context and Expectations
Scott Frost enters his second stint as UCF head coach in 2026 after returning to Orlando in February 2025 on a 5-year contract. Frost previously coached the Knights from 2016-2017, leading the program to a 13-0 season in 2017 and a self-proclaimed national championship.
2025 Season Performance Review
The 2025 season marked Frost’s return with mixed results:
- Overall record: 5-7
- Big 12 Conference record: 2-7
- Conference finish: 14th in Big 12
- Notable wins: Jacksonville State (17-10), North Carolina (34-9), West Virginia (45-13), Oklahoma State (17-14)
- Point differential: +9 (292 points scored, 283 allowed)
UCF finished the 2025 season ranked 14th in the Big 12 in recruiting class rankings, highlighting roster development challenges ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Big 12 Conference Opponents: Matchup Analysis
UCF faces 9 Big 12 Conference games in 2026, beginning with TCU on Saturday, September 26, 2026—the first time the Knights open conference play at home since joining the league.
Conference Matchup Breakdown
Home Conference Games (5):
- TCU Horned Frogs (September 26)
- BYU Cougars (October 24)
- Baylor Bears (October 31)
- Arizona State Sun Devils (November 14)
- Iowa State Cyclones (November 21)
Road Conference Games (4):
- Houston Cougars (October 3)
- Oklahoma State Cowboys (October 10)
- Kansas Jayhawks (November 7)
- Colorado Buffaloes (November 28)
The schedule features three former American Athletic Conference opponents—Houston, Cincinnati, was on the 2025 schedule—reflecting the conference realignment that brought UCF, Houston, Cincinnati, and BYU into the Big 12 in 2023.
Non-Conference Schedule: Key Matchups
UCF plays 3 non-conference games in 2026, including one Power Four opponent and two Group of Five programs.
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (September 3)
The Wildcats visit Orlando for the season opener on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Bethune-Cookman competes in the SWAC Conference and represents an FCS opponent, providing a warm-up game before conference play.
Pittsburgh Panthers (September 12)
The road trip to Pittsburgh marks the first meeting between these programs since 2019. The game takes place at Acrisure Stadium—not to be confused with UCF’s Acrisure Bounce House. This ACC opponent provides a Power Four test before Big 12 play begins.
Georgia State Panthers (September 19)
Georgia State visits Orlando for Family Weekend on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The Sun Belt Conference opponent replaced a previously canceled game against UMass in the 2026 schedule.
Quarterback Battle: Alonza Barnett III and Freshman Competition
Alonza Barnett III, a transfer quarterback from James Madison, enters 2026 as the expected starter for UCF. The quarterback position saw significant changes after the 2025 season, where Tayven Jackson completed 200 of 315 passes for 2,151 yards and 10 touchdowns.
2026 Quarterback Depth Chart
The Knights signed two highly-rated high school quarterbacks in their 2026 recruiting class:
- Rocco Marriott
- Dante Carr
This dual-signing strategy represents a long-term developmental approach as UCF builds depth at the position under Frost’s offensive system. The quarterback competition will be resolved during spring practice ahead of the September 3 season opener.
2025 Season Statistics and Performance Metrics
UCF’s 2025 campaign provided baseline data for 2026 expectations:
Offensive Statistics (2025)
| Category | UCF | Opponents |
|---|---|---|
| Total points | 292 | 283 |
| Points per game | 24.3 | 23.6 |
| Rushing yards | 1,896 | 1,808 |
| Rushing average | 4.9 yards | 3.9 yards |
| Passing yards | 2,649 | 2,221 |
| Total offense | 4,545 yards | 4,029 yards |
| Yards per play | 5.7 | 5.1 |
Defensive Statistics (2025)
- Total tackles: 764
- Sacks: 27 (156 yards)
- Interceptions: 9 (122 return yards)
- Tackles for loss: 68 (243 yards)
The 2025 season saw Jaden Nixon lead rushers with 554 yards on 71 carries (7.8 average), while Myles Montgomery contributed 705 yards on 143 attempts (4.9 average). Wide receiver Dylan Wade caught 43 passes for 523 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Mission X Space Game: 10th Anniversary Event
The Mission X Space Game represents the 10th anniversary of UCF’s signature themed football game in 2026. The Space Game tradition began in 2017 and celebrates Central Florida’s proximity to Kennedy Space Center and the region’s aerospace industry.
Space Game Details (TBD)
UCF officials have not announced the specific date for the Mission X Space Game as of February 2026. The university stated: “To ensure the best possible gameday atmosphere, UCF will await the decision of the conference and its television partners before designating the date of the Mission X Space Game.”
Potential dates for the Space Game include:
- October 24 vs BYU (Homecoming)
- October 31 vs Baylor (Halloween)
- November 14 vs Arizona State
The decade-long Space Game tradition typically features special uniforms, themed promotions, and enhanced gameday experiences tied to space exploration.
TV Schedule and Broadcast Information
Kickoff times and television assignments remain “To Be Announced” for all 12 games on the 2026 UCF football schedule. The Big 12 Conference distributes games across multiple broadcast partners:
Broadcast Partners
- FOX Sports
- ABC/ESPN networks
- ESPN+
- Big 12 Now on ESPN+
The conference typically announces specific kickoff times and TV assignments 6-12 days before each game during the season. Some games may be moved to Friday nights or special time slots based on television partner requests.
The Thursday night season opener against Bethune-Cookman on September 3 likely receives an ESPN+ or ESPN2 broadcast slot, following typical season-opening game patterns.
UCF Football Tickets and Stadium Access 2026
Season ticket deposits for the 2026 UCF football schedule opened in January 2026 through the official UCF Athletics ticket portal. The Acrisure Bounce House offers multiple seating categories:
Seating Options
- General admission seating
- Reserved seating
- Club seats (1,236 available in Roth Tower)
- Luxury suites
- Student section (“Knightmare”)
Single-game tickets typically go on sale in July and August before the season starts. Premium games like the TCU Big 12 opener and BYU Homecoming game command higher ticket prices than non-conference matchups.
Parking and Gameday Logistics at Acrisure Bounce House
The Acrisure Bounce House lacks traditional large parking lots due to its on-campus location in Orlando. Fans utilize several transportation options:
Parking Solutions
- Street parking on the surrounding campus roads
- Parking garages (limited availability)
- Ride-share drop-off zones
- LYNX bus routes serving the UCF campus
Interstate 4 connects Orlando to major population centers, creating traffic congestion on gamedays. Fans should arrive 2-3 hours before kickoff to secure parking and navigate security checkpoints.
The stadium’s “Bounce House” nickname derives from actual structural vibration when fans jump in unison—a phenomenon documented by engineering studies of the facility’s design and construction.
Big 12 Championship Game Qualification Path
UCF can qualify for the Big 12 Championship Game scheduled for Saturday, December 4, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The conference championship features the top two teams from the Big 12 standings after the regular season concludes.
Championship Qualification Requirements
- Finish in the top 2 of the Big 12 Conference standings
- Conference record determines seeding
- Head-to-head results break ties
- Division structure: The Big 12 eliminated divisions in 2023
The Knights went 2-7 in Big 12 play during 2025, finishing 14th in the conference standings—far from championship contention. Frost’s second season requires significant improvement to reach Arlington.
UCF Football History and Program Context
The University of Central Florida began playing FBS football in 1996 after starting as a Division III program in 1979. The Knights have won 6 conference championships across multiple conference affiliations:
Conference Championship History
- American Athletic Conference: 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018
- Conference USA: 2005, 2007, 2010
The 2017 season under Scott Frost produced a 13-0 undefeated record and a Peach Bowl victory over Auburn (34-27). UCF claimed a national championship based on the Colley Matrix computer ranking system, though the College Football Playoff selected other teams.
Rivalry Games and Traditional Opponents
War on I-4 Rivalry
The “War on I-4” rivalry against South Florida (USF) does not appear on the 2026 schedule. South Florida plays in the American Athletic Conference, preventing annual scheduling after UCF moved to the Big 12. The series record shows USF leading 8-7 all-time through 2024.
Florida Gators Series
UCF and the University of Florida do not meet in 2026. The Gators lead the all-time series 3-1, with the next scheduled meeting set for 2030. The in-state rivalry carries recruiting implications as both programs compete for Central Florida talent.
Transfer Portal and Roster Changes for 2026
UCF experienced significant roster turnover entering the 2026 season:
- 34 players departed via transfer portal or graduation
- 31 new players arrived through the transfer portal and recruiting
This 65-player roster movement represents substantial change from the 2025 squad that finished 5-7. The transfer portal volatility creates both challenges and opportunities as Frost rebuilds the program in his second year.
Recruiting Class and Future Outlook
The UCF 2026 recruiting class ranks 14th in the Big 12 Conference and outside the top 50 nationally. As the only Florida-based Big 12 program, the Knights compete against Florida, Florida State, and Miami for in-state prospects while battling geographic isolation in recruiting against other conference schools.
Recruiting Challenges
- Distance from Big 12 footprint complicates regional recruiting
- In-state competition from three Power Four programs
- Travel costs and time zones disadvantage Big 12 exposure
- Portal strategy supplements high school recruiting
How to Access UCF Football Schedule Information
Official Sources
- ucfknights.com: Official UCF Athletics website
- Big 12 Conference website: Conference schedule updates
- FBSchedules.com: Independent schedule database
- ESPN.com: Broadcast schedules and kickoff times
Fans can download printable PDF schedules and add games to digital calendars (iCal, Google Calendar) through the official UCF Athletics website. Mobile apps provide schedule updates and push notifications for kickoff time announcements.
UCF Football Schedule Frequently Asked Questions
When does the UCF football season start in 2026?
The 2026 UCF football season begins Thursday, September 3, 2026, against Bethune-Cookman at Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando, Florida.
How many home games does UCF play in 2026?
UCF plays 7 home games at Acrisure Bounce House and 5 road games during the 2026 season.
What conference is UCF football in?
UCF competes in the Big 12 Conference, joining in 2023 alongside Cincinnati, Houston, and BYU as part of conference expansion.
Who is UCF’s head coach in 2026?
Scott Frost serves as UCF head coach in his second season after returning to the program in February 2025 on a 5-year contract.
When is the UCF vs BYU game in 2026?
UCF hosts BYU on Saturday, October 24, 2026, for Homecoming at Acrisure Bounce House.
What is the Mission X Space Game?
The Mission X Space Game is UCF’s annual themed game celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Space Game tradition in 2026, though the specific date has not been announced.
Where can I buy UCF football tickets for 2026?
UCF football tickets are available through the official UCF Athletics ticket portal at ucfknights.com, with season tickets available now and single-game tickets releasing in summer 2026.
What is Acrisure Bounce House?
Acrisure Bounce House is UCF’s 45,301-capacity on-campus football stadium in Orlando, Florida, renamed from FBC Mortgage Stadium in July 2025 following a new naming rights agreement.
