# 2024 UCF Knights football team

The 2024 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida (UCF) as a member of the Big 12 Conference during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by Gus Malzahn in his 4th and final season as their head coach. The Knights played their home games at FBC Mortgage Stadium located in Orlando, Florida.
After eight games, on October 28, defensive coordinator Ted Roof was fired. Starting with the game against Arizona on November 2, assistant Addison Williams was promoted to defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. was named offensive play-caller.
The Knights started off the season 3–0, with Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson at quarterback. The Knights notably rallied from a 21-point deficit to defeat TCU 35–34 on the road in week 3. But they would lose 8 of their last 9 to finish 4–8 (2–7 in Big 12). Jefferson was benched, replaced first by EJ Colson, then by Jacurri Brown, then by redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk. Senior running back RJ Harvey was the offensive standout for the year, rushing for 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns, along with 267 yards receiving and three touchdowns catches. Harvey finished his UCF career with a school record 48 all-time touchdowns, breaking the record previously held by Kevin Smith. With a loss to West Virginia on November 23, the Knights were eliminated from bowl contention for the first time since their winless 2015 season, ending a school record eight straight bowl games.
On November 30, one day after their season concluded, head coach Gus Malzahn resigned to take the offensive coordinator position at Florida State.

## Offseason
### Transfers
#### Incoming

| Player | Position | Previous school |
| Ja'Varrius Johnson | WR | Auburn |
| Mac McWilliams | DB | UAB |
| Keegan Smith | IOL | Central Michigan |
| Sheldon Arnold II | DB | ETSU |
| Jacoby Jones | WR | Ohio |
| Peny Boone | RB | Louisville |
| Jacurri Brown | QB | Miami |
| Tre'Quon Fegans | DB | USC |
| Jack Bernstein | LS | Georgia State |
| Nyjalik Kelly | DE | Miami |
| Cedrick Hawkins | S | Ohio State |
| Evan Morris | TE | Michigan State |
| KJ Jefferson | QB | Arkansas |
| Ladarius Tennison | STAR | Ole Miss |
| Ethan Barr | LB | Vanderbilt |
| Jesiah Pierce | LB | Texas Tech |
| Antoine Jackson | DB | East Carolina |
| Xe'ree Alexander | LB | Idaho |
| Jabari Brooks | OL | Samford |
| Myles Montgomery | RB | Cincinnati |
| Daylon Dotson | DE | UT Martin |
| DeShawn Pace | STAR | Cincinnati |
| Byron Threats | S | Cincinnati |
| Wes Dorsey | OL | Western Kentucky |
| Reece Adkins | TE | Eastern Kentucky |
| Zavier Carter | DE | UNLV |
| Goldie Lawrence | WR | Florida State |

#### Outgoing

| Player | Position | Destination |
| Zavier Carter | LB | TBD |
| Xavier Williams | DB | Middle Tennessee |
| Jason Duclona | DB | Liberty |
| Ja'Maric Morris | DB | Georgia State |
| Stephen Martin | WR | Samford |
| Goldie Lawrence | WR | Florida A&M |
| Nikai Martinez | DB | Michigan State |
| Timmy McClain | QB | Arkansas State |
| Josh Celiscar | DE | Texas A&M |
| Jarvis Ware | DB | UNLV |
| KD McDaniel | DE | Georgia State |
| Dallaz Corbitt | DE | Bethune–Cookman |
| Kervins Choute | DT | UConn |
| Isaiah Paul | LB | TBD |
| Amari Johnson | WR | Florida A&M |
| Corey Thornton | DB | Louisville |
| Keenan Cupit | LB | Virginia Union |
| Tyler Griffin | WR | ULM |
| Jaylon Griffin | WR | Texas State |
| Jordan McDonald | RB | Boston College |
| Drake Metcalf | IOL | Virginia |
| Gunnar Smith | QB | Highland CC |
| Fred Davis II | DB | Jacksonville State |
| Demarkcus Bowman | RB | TBD |
* Source:

## Preseason
### Spring game

The 2024 UCF spring exhibition game was played on Friday April 12 at FBC Mortgage Stadium. The team was split into two squads for gameplay, the Knights and the 'Nauts. Two 12-minute halves were followed by a series of player skill challenges. Quarterback KJ Jefferson threw for 271 yards and two touchdown passes.
| Date | Time | Spring Game | Site | Result |
| April 12 | 7:00 pm | Knights vs. 'Nauts | FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL | 26-7 'Nauts |

### Big 12 media poll

The preseason poll was released on July 2, 2024.
Big 12 :
| Predicted finish | Team | Votes (1st place) |
| 1 | Utah | 906 (20) |
| 2 | Kansas State | 889 (19) |
| 3 | Oklahoma State | 829 (14) |
| 4 | Kansas | 772 (5) |
| 5 | Arizona | 762 (3) |
| 6 | Iowa State | 661 |
| 7 | West Virginia | 581 |
| 8 | UCF | 551 |
| 9 | Texas Tech | 532 |
| 10 | TCU | 436 |
| 11 | Colorado | 400 |
| 12 | Baylor | 268 |
| 13 | BYU | 215 |
| 14 | Cincinnati | 196 |
| 15 | Houston | 157 |
| 16 | Arizona State | 141 |
* First place votes in

### Award watch lists

Eleven players were named to the Reese's Senior Bowl watchlist: RJ Harvey, Peny Boone, Deshawn Pace, Brandon Adams, Marcellus Marshall, Mac McWilliams, Malachi Lawrence, Lee Hunter, Kobe Hudson, KJ Jefferson, and Ricky Barber.
| Player | Position | Award(s) |
| KJ Jefferson | QB | Maxwell Award Davey O'Brien Award Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award |
| RJ Harvey | RB | Maxwell Award Doak Walker Award |
| Lee Hunter | DT | Bronko Nagurski Trophy Outland Trophy Chuck Bednarik Award Lombardi Award |
| Xavier Townsend | WR | Paul Hornung Award |
| Kobe Hudson | WR | Fred Biletnikoff Award |
| Caden Kitler | OL | Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award |
| William Wells | S | Wuerffel Trophy |
| Listed in the order that they were released |||

## Schedule

| Date | Time | Opponent | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
| August 29 | 7:00 p.m. | New Hampshire* | FBC Mortgage StadiumOrlando, FL | ESPN+ | W 57–3 | 44,206 |
| September 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Sam Houston* | FBC Mortgage StadiumOrlando, FL | ESPN+ | W 45–14 | 43,807 |
| September 14 | 7:30 p.m. | at TCU | Amon G. Carter StadiumFort Worth, TX | FOX | W 35–34 | 48,889 |
| September 28 | 3:30 p.m. | Colorado | FBC Mortgage StadiumOrlando, FL (Big Noon Kickoff) | FOX | L 21–48 | 45,702 |
| October 5 | 7:45 p.m. | at Florida* | Ben Hill Griffin StadiumGainesville, FL | SECN | L 13–24 | 90,369 |
| October 12 | 3:30 p.m. | Cincinnati | FBC Mortgage StadiumOrlando, FL (rivalry) | ESPN2 | L 13–19 | 42,611 |
| October 19 | 7:30 p.m. | at No. 9 Iowa State | Jack Trice StadiumAmes, IA | FS1 | L 35–38 | 61,500 |
| October 26 | 3:30 p.m. | No. 11 BYU | FBC Mortgage StadiumOrlando, FL | ESPN | L 24–37 | 42,144 |
| November 2 | 3:30 p.m. | Arizona | FBC Mortgage StadiumOrlando, FL (Space Game) | FS1 | W 56–12 | 42,110 |
| November 9 | 7:00 p.m. | at Arizona State | Mountain America StadiumTempe, AZ | ESPN2 | L 31–35 | 44,940 |
| November 23 | 3:30 p.m. | at West Virginia | Milan Puskar StadiumMorgantown, WV | ESPNU | L 21–31 | 40,722 |
| November 29 | 8:00 p.m. | Utah | FBC Mortgage StadiumOrlando, FL | FOX | L 14–28 | 40,747 |
| *Non-conference gameHomecomingRankings from AP Poll (and CFP Rankings, after October 30) - Released prior to gameAll times are in Eastern time |||||||
* Source

## Game summaries
### vs. New Hampshire (FCS)

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Wildcats (FCS) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Knights | 6 | 23 | 28 | 0 | 57 |
at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL
* Date: Thursday August 29, 2024
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 85 °F (29 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 44,206
* Referee: Cravonne Barrett
* TV announcers (ESPN+): Robert Lee (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
UCF: Colton Boomer 25-yard field goal, 10:55
UCF: Colton Boomer 44-yard field goal, 4:56
Second quarter
UCF: KJ Jefferson 3-yard run (Colton Boomer Kick), 14:45
UCF: Safety, 13:12
UCF: RJ Harvey 1-yard run (Colton Boomer Kick), 9:40
NH: Nick Mazzie 38-yard field goal, 4:31
UCF: RJ Harvey 13-yard run (Colton Boomer Kick), 0:43
Third quarter
UCF: Myles Montgomery 49-yard pass from KJ Jefferson (Colton Boomer Kick), 9:15
UCF: Peny Boone 59-yard run (Colton Boomer Kick), 6:39
UCF: Johnny Richardson 22-yard pass pass from KJ Jefferson (Colton Boomer Kick), 3:05
UCF: Myles Montgomery 25-yard run (Colton Boomer Kick), 1:28
Fourth quarter
None
Top passers
UCF – KJ Jefferson – 7/14, 164 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
NH – Seth Morgan – 14/28, 95 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 11 rushes, 142 yards, 2 TD
NH – Matt Vezza – 2 rushes, 21 yards
Top receivers
UCF – Kobe Hudson – 2 receptions, 61 yards
NH – Logan Tomlinson – 6 receptions, 73 yards
Win Probability/Line
UCF 96.8%, UCF -38.5, Over/Under 58.5 :
| Statistics | UNH | UCF |
| First downs | 9 | 27 |
| Total yards | 166 | 639 |
| Rushing yards | 71 | 454 |
| Passing yards | 95 | 185 |
| Time of possession | 30:27 | 29:33 |
UCF won their season opening game for the 9th consecutive season. The UCF offense put up 454 rushing yards, just 7 yards shy of the school record set in 1992. New quarterback KJ Jefferson had a shaky start, completing only 2 passes in the first half. But Jefferson eventually threw for 164 yards and two touchdown passes, and ran for a touchdown. RJ Harvey led the offense with 142 yards rushing, two touchdown runs, along with one reception for 8 yards. Leading 23–3 at halftime, the Knights put the game away with touchdowns on four consecutive drives in the third quarter.

### vs Sam Houston

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bearkats | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| Knights | 14 | 10 | 14 | 7 | 45 |
at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL
* Date: Saturday September 7, 2024
* Game time: 6:30 p.m. EDT; delayed until 7:02 p.m. EDT due to weather
* Game weather: 83 °F (28 °C)
* Game attendance: 43,807
* Referee: Henry Johns
* TV announcers (ESPN+): James Westling (play-by-play) and Leger Douzable (analyst)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
UCF: RJ Harvey 19-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 8:17
UCF: RJ Harvey 2-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 3:07
Second quarter
UCF: Colton Boomer 50-yard field goal, 10:36
SHSU: Simeon Evans 64-yard touchdown pass from Noah Smith (Christian Pavon Kick), 8:41
UCF: RJ Harvey 22-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 3:59
Third quarter
UCF: Myles Montgomery 7-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 9:58
UCF: RJ Harvey 2-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 7:14
Fourth quarter
UCF: P. Boone 3-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 12:36
SHSU: Michael Phoenix II 22-yard touchdown pass from Jase Bauer (Christian Pavon Kick), 4:14
Top passers
UCF – KJ Jefferson – 12/15, 169 yards
SHSU – Hunter Watson – 9/13, 82 yards
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 19 rushes, 126 yards, 4 TD
SHSU – Zach Hrbacek – 8 rushes, 25 yards
Top receivers
UCF – Kobe Hudson – 5 receptions, 104 yards
SHSU – Simeon Evans – 3 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD
Win Probability/Line
UCF 92.0%, UCF -21.5, Over/Under 53.5 :
| Statistics | SHSU | UCF |
| First downs | 12 | 28 |
| Total yards | 286 | 554 |
| Rushing yards | 67 | 384 |
| Passing yards | 219 | 170 |
| Time of possession | 25:57 | 34:03 |
RJ Harvey rushed for 126 yards and four touchdowns as UCF defeated Sam Houston 45–14. UCF improved to 2–0 on the season and achieved their 200th Division I FBS game victory. The Knights offense racked up a total of 384 yards rushing, the second week in a row with a strong ground game output. The Knights defense forced two turnovers, plus the special teams unit recovered a botched punt attempt by the Bearkats at the 2 yard line.
Harvey's four rushing touchdowns tied a school-record, last achieved by Isiah Bowser in 2019. The Knights started the season 2–0 for third time in four seasons under head coach Gus Malzahn. For this game, the players' helmets featured decals designed by pediatric patients at the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, in honor of Pediactric Cancer Awareness month.

### at TCU

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights | 0 | 7 | 13 | 15 | 35 |
| Horned Frogs | 14 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 34 |
at Amon G. Carter Stadium • Fort Worth, TX
* Date: September 14, 2024
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 95 °F (35 °C)
* Game attendance: 48,889
* Referee: David Alvarez
* TV announcers (FOX): Connor Onion (play-by-play) and Mark Helfrich (analyst)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
TCU: Eric McAlister 14-yard touchdown pass from Josh Hoover (Kyle Lemmermann Kick), 9:38
TCU: Savion Williams 18-yard touchdown pass from Josh Hoover (Kyle Lemmermann Kick), 3:18
Second quarter
UCF: RJ Harvey 29-yard touchdown pass from KJ Jefferson (Colton Boomer Kick), 14:52
TCU: Savion Williams 16-yard touchdown pass from Josh Hoover (Kyle Lemmermann Kick), 10:10
Third quarter
TCU: Jack Bech 50-yard touchdown pass from Josh Hoover (Kyle Lemmermann Kick), 13:28
UCF: RJ Harvey 1-yard touchdown run (PAT failed), 9:36
TCU: Kyle Lemmermann 31-yard field goal, 5:03
UCF: Kobe Hudson 27-yard touchdown pass from KJ Jefferson (Colton Boomer Kick), 4:01
Fourth quarter
UCF: RJ Harvey 27-yard touchdown run (Jefferson pass to Harvey), 13:38
TCU: Kyle Lemmermann 24-yard field goal, 8:44
UCF: Kobe Hudson 20-yard touchdown pass from KJ Jefferson (Colton Boomer Kick), 0:36
Top passers
UCF – KJ Jefferson – 13/22, 230 yards, 3 TD
TCU – Josh Hoover – 35/52, 402 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 29 rushes, 180 yards, 2 TD
TCU – Cam Cook – 11 rushes, 35 yards
Top receivers
UCF – Kobe Hudson – 6 receptions, 145 yards, 2 TD
TCU – Jack Bech – 9 receptions, 200 yards, 1 TD
Win Probability/Line
UCF 55.5%, TCU -2.5, Over/Under 59.5 :
| Statistics | UCF | TCU |
| First downs | 30 | 26 |
| Total yards | 519 | 460 |
| Rushing yards | 289 | 58 |
| Passing yards | 230 | 402 |
| Time of possession | 32:54 | 27:06 |
UCF traveled to TCU for their Big 12 conference opener. The Knights erased a 21-point deficit and defeated the Horned Frogs by the score of 35–34. Quarterback KJ Jefferson threw for 230 yards and three touchdown passes, and also rushed for 46 yards. RJ Harvey rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns, as the UCF offense put up 289 yards rushing total. It was UCF's first intra-conference road victory against an existing Big 12 opponent (one that was a member of the conference prior to 2023).
TCU built a 14–0 lead in the first quarter, with two quick touchdown strikes by quarterback Josh Hoover. UCF's first quarter drives came up empty, with a three-and-out followed by a blocked field goal. The Knights got on the board on the first play of the second quarter, with a 29-yard touchdown pass to RJ Harvey. The Horned Frogs answered, and stretched their lead to 21–7. In the final minute of the second quarter, the Knights were driving deep into TCU territory. The TCU defense managed to keep the Knights out of the endzone, and UCF had to settle for a field goal attempt. Colton Boomer's 27-yard field goal attempt was blocked - his second block of the half - and TCU led 21–7 at halftime.
TCU got the ball to start the third quarter, and drove 75 yards in just four plays. Josh Hoover connected to Jack Bech for a 50-yard touchdown, and the Horned Frogs led 28–7, their largest lead of the night. The Knights, rallied, however, scoring touchdowns on their next three drives. With 13:38 left in regulation, TCU clung to a 31–28 lead.
TCU drove down inside the UCF 10 yard line with under 11 minutes left. On 3rd & Goal at the UCF 1, a costly false start penalty pushed them back to the 6. The UCF defense stiffened, and TCU settled for a field goal and a 34–28 lead. After a TCU three-and-out, UCF took over with 3:44 to go. KJ Jefferson drove the Knights 72 yards in 10 plays for the go-ahead score. Jefferson found Kobe Hudson for a 20-yard touchdown pass with 36 seconds left. Colton Boomer's extra point gave the Knights a 35–34 lead. TCU had one last chance, and managed to make it down to the UCF 40 yard line. Kyle Lemmermann's 58-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right as time expired, and the Knights secured the victory.

### vs Colorado

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buffaloes | 14 | 13 | 14 | 7 | 48 |
| Knights | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL
* Date: September 28, 2024
* Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT, delayed until 4:20 p.m. EDT due to weather
* Game weather: 85 °F (29 °C)
* Game attendance: 45,702
* TV announcers (FOX): Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Brock Huard (analyst), and Allison Williams (sideline reporter)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
(3:49) COL – Travis Hunter 23-yard pass from Shedeur Sanders, Alejandro Mata kick (Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:28; Colorado 7–0)
(3:38) UCF – RJ Harvey 75-yard pass from KJ Jefferson, Colton Boomer kick (Drive: 1 plays, 75 yards, 0:11; Tied 7–7)
(0:10) COL – Will Sheppard 47-yard pass from Shedeur Sanders, Alejandro Mata kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:28; Colorado 14–7)
Second quarter
(12:21) COL – Dallan Hayden 14-yard run, Alejandro Mata kick (Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:01; Colorado 21–7)
(8:41) UCF – KJ Jefferson 7-yard run, Colton Boomer kick (Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:33; Colorado 21–14)
(0:42) COL – Alejandro Mata 36-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:02; Colorado 24–14)
(0:00) COL – Alejandro Mata 46-yard field goal (Drive: 2 plays, 7 yards, 0:08; Colorado 27–14)
Third quarter
(9:11) COL – Micah Welch 1-yard run, Alejandro Mata kick (Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 1:42; Colorado 34–14)
(3:38) UCF – Xavier Townsend 15-yard pass from KJ Jefferson, Colton Boomer kick (Drive: 3 plays, 92 yards, 1:20; Colorado 34–21)
(1:32) COL – LaJohntay Wester 10-yard pass from Shedeur Sanders, Alejandro Mata kick (Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:26; Colorado 41–21)
Fourth quarter
(5:05) COL – Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig 95-yard fumble recovery, Alejandro Mata kick (Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 1:52; Colorado 48–21)
Top passers
UCF – KJ Jefferson – 20/35, 284 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
COL – Shedeur Sanders – 28/35, 290 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 16 rushes, 77 yards
COL – Isiah Augustave – 4 rushes, 39 yards
Top receivers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 4 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD
COL – Will Sheppard – 4 receptions, 99 yards, 1 TD
Win Probability/Line
UCF 84.0%, UCF -12.5, Over/Under 59.5 :
| Statistics | COLO | UCF |
| First downs | 26 | 31 |
| Total yards | 418 | 461 |
| Rushing yards | 128 | 177 |
| Passing yards | 290 | 284 |
| Time of possession | 29:57 | 30:30 |
UCF hosted Colorado for their Big 12 intra-conference home opener, and the UCF main campus hosted Fox's Big Noon Kickoff pregame show. The Buffaloes defeated the Knights 48–21 behind Shedeur Sanders' three touchdown passes. The Knights offense committed four turnovers in the loss.

### at Florida

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights | 3 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
| Gators | 7 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium • Gainesville, FL
* Date: October 5, 2024
* Game time: 7:45 p.m.
* Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C)
* Game attendance: 90,369
* Referee: Daniel Gautreaux
* TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst), and Tori Petry (sideline reporter)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
UF – Elijhah Badger 13-yard pass from Graham Mertz (Trey Smack kick), 7:02
UCF – Grant Reddick 27-yard field goal, 2:32
Second quarter
UF – Ja'Kobi Jackson 1 yard run (Trey Smack kick), 12:50
UF – Montrell Johnson Jr. 3-yard run (Trey Smack kick), 1:50
UF – Trey Smack 28-yard field goal, 0:04
Third quarter
UCF – Grant Reddick 37-yard field goal, 6:32
Fourth quarter
UCF – RJ Harvey 13-yard run (Grant Reddick kick), 7:50
Top passers
UCF – KJ Jefferson – 12/22, 165 yards, 1 INT
UF – Graham Mertz – 19/23, 179 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 16 rushes, 75 yards, 1 TD
UF – Montrell Johnson Jr. – 10 rushes, 54 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
UCF – Randy Pittman Jr. – 3 receptions, 44 yards
UF – Chimere Dike – 4 receptions, 88 yards
Win Probability/Line
UF 51.9%, UCF -1.5, Over/Under 60.5 :
| Statistics | UCF | UF |
| First downs | 20 | 18 |
| Total yards | 273 | 359 |
| Rushing yards | 108 | 130 |
| Passing yards | 165 | 229 |
| Time of possession | 27:44 | 32:16 |
UCF faced Florida for the fourth meeting all-time. The Gators won the first two meetings at Gainesville (1999, 2006), and the Knights won the most recent meeting at the 2021 Gasparilla Bowl. This was the Knights' third and final non-conference game of the season. The Gators jumped out to a 24–3 lead in the first half, then held on for a 24–13 victory.

### vs Cincinnati (rivalry)

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bearcats | 3 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 19 |
| Knights | 0 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 13 |
at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL
* Date: October 12, 2024
* Game time: 3:30 p.m.
* Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C)
* Game attendance: 42,611
* Referee: Stephen Baron
* TV announcers (ESPN2): Mike Monaco (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst), and Dawn Davenport (sideline reporter)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
(8:36) CIN – Nathan Hawks 22-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:48; Cincinnati 3–0)
Second quarter
(14:56) CIN – Brendan Sorsby 3-yard run, Nathan Hawks kick (Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 5:58; Cincinnati 10–0)
(1:52) UCF – Grant Reddick 22-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 93 yards, 6:10; Cincinnati 10–3)
Third quarter
(8:26) UCF – Kobe Hudson 15-yard pass from Jacurri Brown, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 4:06; Tied 10–10)
(3:06) CIN – Nathan Hawks 51-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 5:20; Cincinnati 13–10)
Fourth quarter
(6:32) CIN – Tony Johnson 4-yard pass from Brendan Sorsby (Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:04; Cincinnati 19–10)
(2:59) UCF – Grant Reddick 29-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:08; Cincinnati 19–13)
Top passers
UCF – KJ Jefferson – 13/20, 207 yards, 1 TD
CIN – Brendan Sorsby – 25/38, 241 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 17 rushes, 94 yards
CIN – Corey Kiner – 17 rushes, 83 yards
Top receivers
UCF – Kobe Hudson – 7 receptions, 114 yards, 1 TD
CIN – Joe Royer – 8 receptions, 84 yards
Win Probability/Line
UCF 59.7%, UCF -2.5, Over/Under 57.5 :
| Statistics | CIN | UCF |
| First downs | 19 | 19 |
| Total yards | 338 | 397 |
| Rushing yards | 97 | 196 |
| Passing yards | 241 | 201 |
| Time of possession | 33:44 | 26:16 |
UCF hosted rival Cincinnati. KJ Jefferson was benched during the week and freshman EJ Colson started at quarterback. Jacurri Brown eventually took over in the middle of the first quarter. The Knights fell 19–13 for their third straight loss.

### at No. 9 Iowa State

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights | 7 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 35 |
| No. 9 Cyclones | 14 | 0 | 13 | 11 | 38 |
at Jack Trice Stadium • Ames, IA
* Date: October 19, 2024
* Game time: 7:30 p.m.
* Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C)
* Game attendance: 61,500
* Referee: David Alvarez
* TV announcers (FS1): Trent Rush (play-by-play) and Spencer Tillman (analyst)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
UCF – Jacurri Brown 6-yard touchdown run (Grant Reddick kick), 12:17
ISU – Carson Hansen 57-yard touchdown run (Kyle Konrardy kick), 6:57
ISU – Carson Hansen 5-yard touchdown run (Kyle Konrardy kick), 0:30
Second quarter
UCF – RJ Harvey 80-yard touchdown run (Grant Reddick kick), 11:01
UCF – Brandon Adams 63-yard interception return (Grant Reddick kick), 1:18
Third quarter
UCF – Jacurri Brown 67-yard touchdown run (Grant Reddick kick), 13:33
ISU – Rocco Becht 1-yard touchdown run (Kyle Konrardy kick), 8:36
ISU – Jayden Higgins 12-yard pass from Rocco Becht (PAT blocked), 0:51
Fourth quarter
UCF – RJ Harvey 1-yard touchdown run (Grant Reddick kick), 11:38
ISU – Kyle Konrardy 30-yard field goal, 8:53
ISU – Rocco Becht 1-yard touchdown run (Becht run for Two-Point Conversion), 0:30
Top passers
UCF – Jacurri Brown – 8/20, 62 yards, 2 INT
ISU – Rocco Becht – 20/46, 274 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 25 rushes, 198 yards, 2TD
ISU – Rocco Becht – 20 rushes, 97 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
UCF – Kobe Hudson – 3 receptions, 26 yards
ISU – Jaylin Noel – 8 receptions, 153 yards
Win Probability/Line
ISU 72.1%, ISU -13.5, Over/Under 49.5 :
| Statistics | UCF | ISU |
| First downs | 14 | 28 |
| Total yards | 416 | 530 |
| Rushing yards | 354 | 256 |
| Passing yards | 62 | 274 |
| Time of possession | 22:32 | 37:28 |
After playing most of the game the week prior, Jacurri Brown started at quarterback. Brown struggled in the air, completing only 8 passes for 62 yards, and 2 interception. However, he had 154 yards on the ground, and two touchdown runs. The Knights offense, led by RJ Harvey, racked up 354 total yards rushing. The UCF defense made two interceptions - a 63-yard "pick-six" by Brandon Adams, and a 70-yard interception return by Braeden Marshall that led to a touchdown. The Knights were leading #9 Iowa State 35–30 on the road with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Rocco Becht then drove the Cyclones 80 yards in 11 plays, scoring the game-winning touchdown with 30 seconds left. The Knights fell to 3–4 on the season.

### vs No. 11 BYU

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 11 Cougars | 7 | 17 | 10 | 3 | 37 |
| Knights | 0 | 10 | 0 | 14 | 24 |
at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL
* Date: October 26, 2024
* Game time: 3:30 p.m.
* Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C)
* Game attendance: 42,144
* Referee: Kevin Boitmann
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Couzens (play-by-play), Brock Osweiler (analyst), and Stormy Buonantony (sideline reporter)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
BYU: Jake Retzlaff 29-yrd touchdown run (Will Ferrin Kick), 10:32
Second quarter
BYU: Will Ferrin 41-yard field goal, 14:53
BYU: LJ Martin 15-yard touchdown run (Will Ferrin Kick), 8:13
UCF: RJ Harvey 2-yard touchdown run (Grant Reddick Kick), 7:02
UCF: Grant Reddick 38-yard field goal, 0:59
BYU: Chase Roberts 62-yard touchdown pass from Jake Retzlaff (Will Ferrin Kick), 0:27
Third quarter
BYU: Mata'ava Ta'ase 1-yard touchdown pass from Jake Retzlaff (Will Ferrin Kick), 7:01
BYU: Will Ferrin 37-yard field goal, 3:40
Fourth quarter
UCF: RJ Harvey 5 -yard touchdown run (Dylan Rizk Run for Two-Point Conversion), 9:14
BYU: Will Ferrin 36-yard field goal, 3:10
UCF: Jacoby Jones 29-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Rizk (Two-point conversion failed), 0:56
Top passers
UCF – Dylan Rizk – 6/10, 102 yards, 1 TD
BYU – Jake Retzlaff – 16/24, 228 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 16 carries, 127 yards, 2 TD
BYU – LJ Martin – 15 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
UCF – Jacoby Jones – 6 receptions, 116 yards, 1 TD
BYU – Chase Roberts – 2 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD
Win Probability/Line
BYU 54.7%, UCF -2.5, Over/Under 53.5 :
| Statistics | BYU | UCF |
| First downs | 29 | 18 |
| Total yards | 483 | 379 |
| Rushing yards | 255 | 181 |
| Passing yards | 228 | 198 |
| Time of possession | 40:28 | 19:32 |
BYU built a 17–0 lead in the first half, and pulled away for a 37–24 victory. Jacurri Brown started at quarterback for the Knights, but was benched in the fourth quarter after throwing two interceptions and managing only 96 yards. Dylan Rizk came in at quarterback and drove the Knights for two late touchdown scores, but time ran out for any chance at a comeback.

### vs Arizona

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Wildcats | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 12 |
| Knights | 14 | 21 | 14 | 7 | 56 |
at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL
* Date: November 2, 2024
* Game time: 3:30 p.m.
* Game weather: 86 °F (30 °C)
* Game attendance: 42,110
* Referee: Tutashinda Salaam
* TV announcers (FS1): Dan Hellie (play-by-play) and Robert Smith (analyst)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
(3:58) UCF – Jacurri Brown 4-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:54; UCF 7–0)
(3:38) UCF – RJ Harvey 17-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 1 play, 17 yards, 0:04; UCF 14–0)
Second quarter
(10:34) UCF – RJ Harvey 18-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 12 plays, 99 yards, 5:17; UCF 21–0)
(3:39) UCF – Myles Montgomery 5-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 8 plays, 88 yards, 4:13; UCF 28–0)
(0:46) ARIZ – Sam Olson 23-yard pass from Noah Fifita, Tyler Loop PAT failed (Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 2:46; UCF 28–6)
(0:00) UCF – Randy Pittman Jr. 48-yard pass from Dylan Rizk, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 0:46; UCF 35–6)
3rd Quarter
(10:01) UCF – RJ Harvey 19-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 2:35; UCF 42–6)
(8:02) ARIZ – Tetairoa McMillan 2-yard pass from Noah Fifita, Two-point pass conversion failed (Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 1:55; UCF 42–12)
(6:49) UCF – Jones 40-yard pass from Dylan Rizk, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:13; UCF 49–12)
4th Quarter
(1:56) UCF – Randy Pittman Jr. 1-yard pass from Dylan Rizk, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 4:34; UCF 56–12)
Top passers
UCF – Dylan Rizk – 20/25, 294 yards, 3 TD
ARIZ – Noah Fifita – 24/33, 256 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 22 carries, 184 yards, 3 TD
ARIZ – Kedrick Reescano – 8 carries, 20 yards
Top receivers
UCF – Jacoby Jones – 5 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
ARIZ – Chris Hunter – 7 receptions, 102 yards
Win Probability/Line
UCF 76.6%, UCF -5.5, Over/Under 54.5 :
| Statistics | ARIZ | UCF |
| First downs | 14 | 33 |
| Total yards | 261 | 602 |
| Rushing yards | 5 | 308 |
| Passing yards | 256 | 294 |
| Time of possession | 28:39 | 31:21 |
UCF hosted Arizona for the 8th annual Space Game. The Knights routed the Wildcats by the score of 56–12 to snap a five-game losing streak, and to improve to 8–0 all-time in the history of the Space Game. Redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk made his first start at quarterback, and threw for 294 yards and three touchdown passes.
RJ Harvey rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns, two in the first half. Harvey scored his first touchdown of the day on a 17-yard run in a heavy downpour. The play was set up by a Wildcats fumble one play earlier deep in their own territory. Harvey's second touchdown came in the second quarter, capping off a 99-yard drive which started inside their own 1 yard line. With UCF up 28–6 with 4 seconds left in the second quarter, Rizk connected to Randy Pittman Jr. for a 48-yard Hail Mary touchdown as time expired. The Knights took a 35–6 lead into halftime.
The Knights controlled the game from start to finish, racking up 602 yards on offense under new offensive play-caller Tim Harris Jr. The Knights defense, under new defensive coordinator Addison Williams, held the Wildcats to 5 yards rushing, sacked quarterback Noah Fifita five times, and forced a turnover.

### at Arizona State

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights | 7 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
| Sun Devils | 7 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 35 |
at Mountain America Stadium • Tempe, AZ
* Date: November 9, 2024
* Game time: 7:00 p.m.
* Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C)
* Game attendance: 44,940
* Referee: Luke Richmond
* TV announcers (ESPN2): Brian Custer (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (analyst), and Lauren Sisler (sideline)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
(7:46) UCF – RJ Harvey 8-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:14; UCF 7–0)
(2:17) ASU – Montana Warren 46-yard return of blocked punt, Parker Lewis kick (Tied 7–7)
Second quarter
(12:39) UCF – Grant Reddick 45-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 4:38; UCF 10–7)
(4:56) UCF – Jacurri Brown 6-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:30; UCF 17–7)
(0:56) ASU – Chamon Metayer 4-yard pass from Sam Leavitt, Parker Lewis kick (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:00; UCF 17–14)
(0:47) ASU – Laterrance Welch 9-yard interception return, Parker Lewis kick (ASU 21–17)
3rd Quarter
(5:03) UCF – RJ Harvey 8-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 2:15; UCF 24–21)
(0:43) ASU – Jordyn Tyson 9-yard pass from Sam Leavitt, Parker Lewis kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:20; ASU 28–24)
4th Quarter
(13:04) UCF – RJ Harvey 13-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:39; UCF 31–28)
(4:55) ASU – Jordyn Tyson 13 Yd pass from Sam Leavitt, Parker Lewis kick (Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 4:38; ASU 35–31)
Top passers
UCF – Dylan Rizk – 24/34, 229 yards, 1 INT
ASU – Sam Leavitt – 16/33, 161 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 25 carries, 127 yards, 3 TD
ASU – Kyson Brown – 18 carries, 73 yards
Top receivers
UCF – Randy Pittman Jr. – 4 receptions, 62 yards
ASU – Jordyn Tyson – 7 receptions, 99 yards, 2 TD
Win Probability/Line
ASU 57.6%, Line ASU -2.5, Over/Under 55.5 :
| Statistics | UCF | ASU |
| First downs | 26 | 18 |
| Total yards | 406 | 260 |
| Rushing yards | 177 | 99 |
| Passing yards | 229 | 161 |
| Time of possession | 31:20 | 28:40 |
Dylan Rizk threw for 229 yards, and RJ Harvey scored three touchdowns, but the Knights fell 35–31 at Arizona State. Special teams miscues proved costly for the Knights. A blocked punt was returned for an Arizona State touchdown, then later a botched kickoff return led to a pick-six touchdown. With 3:24 left, and trailing by 4, the Knights faced 4th & 2 at the 22 yard line. RJ Harvey was tackled short of the line to gain, turning the ball over on downs. The Sun Devils were able to run the clock down, and secured the victory.

### at West Virginia

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
| Mountaineers | 14 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 31 |
at Milan Puskar Stadium • Morgantown, WV
* Date: November 23, 2024
* Game time: 3:30 p.m.
* Game weather: Rain • Temperature: 46 °F (8 °C) • Wind: W 8 miles per hour (13 km/h)
* Game attendance: 40,722
* Referee: Stepen Baron
* TV announcers (ESPNU): Mike Monaco (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst), and Dawn Davenport (sideline)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
(10:34) WVU – CJ Donaldson Jr. 1-yard run, Michael Hayes II kick (Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:34; WVU 7–0)
(1:47) WVU – Jahiem White 3-yard run, Michael Hayes II kick (Drive: 14 plays, 66 yards, 6:21; WVU 14–0)
Second quarter
(8:37) UCF – RJ Harvey 2-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:51; WVU 14–7)
(0:15) WVU – Rodney Gallagher III 12-yard pass from Garrett Green, Michael Hayes II kick (Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 3:31; WVU 21–7)
Third quarter
(12:10) WVU – CJ Donaldson Jr. 1-yard run, Michael Hayes II kick (Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:45; WVU 28–7)
(5:38) UCF – Kobe Hudson 45-yard pass from Dylan Rizk, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 2:18; WVU 28–14)
Fourth quarter
(12:15) WVU – Michael Hayes II 35-yard field goal (Drive: 14 plays, 57 yards, 8:23; WVU 31–14)
(5:20) UCF – RJ Harvey 9-yard run, Grant Reddick kick (Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 1:48; WVU 31–21)
Top passers
UCF – Dylan Rizk – 11/21, 172 yards, 1 TD
WVU – Garrett Greene – 13/21, 118 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 16 carries, 130 yards, 2 TD
WVU – CJ Donaldson Jr. – 19 carries, 96 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
UCF – Kobe Hudson – 2 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD
WVU – Hudson Clement – 5 receptions, 81 yards
Win Probability/Line
UCF 55.4%, Line UCF -3.5, Over/Under 60.5 :
| Statistics | UCF | WVU |
| First downs | 21 | 20 |
| Total yards | 348 | 318 |
| Rushing yards | 176 | 200 |
| Passing yards | 172 | 118 |
| Time of possession | 22:10 | 37:45 |
After a bye week, UCF traveled to West Virginia. The Knights fell 31–21, dropping to 4–7, and were eliminated from bowl eligibility. Running back RJ Harvey two rushing touchdowns, bringing his career total to 46, which tied him with Kevin Smith for most all-time in program history.

### vs Utah

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Utes | 3 | 10 | 0 | 15 | 28 |
| Knights | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL
* Date: November 29, 2024
* Game time: 8:00 p.m.
* Game weather: 0 °F (−18 °C)
* TV announcers (FOX): Trent Rush (play-by-play) and Robert Smith (analyst)
* Preview • Recap • Gamecast
Game information :
First quarter
(6:52) UTAH – Cole Becker 37-yard field goal. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 2:42; UTAH 3–0
Second quarter
(7:45) UTAH – Zemaiah Vaughn 60-yard interception return (Trey Coleman kick). UTAH 10–0
(3:25) UCF – RJ Harvey 5-yard run (Grant Reddick kick). Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 4:17; UTAH 10–7
(1:17) UTAH – Trey Coleman 24-yard field goal. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 2:00; UTAH 13–7
Third quarter
No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
(14:46) UTAH – Landen King 15-yard pass from Luke Bottari (Bottari Pass to Micah Bernard for Two-Point Conversion). Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 5:04; UTAH 21–7
(3:34) UTAH – Smith Snowden 13-yard interception return (Trey Coleman kick). UTAH 28–7
(0:19) UCF – RJ Harvey 6-yard pass from EJ Colson (Grant Reddick kick). Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 3:15; UTAH 28–14
Top passers
UCF – Dylan Rizk – 11/27, 118 yards, 1 INT
UTAH – Luke Bottari – 13/20, 111 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
UCF – RJ Harvey – 20 carries, 119 yards, 1 TD
UTAH – Micah Bernard – 22 carries, 87 yards
Top receivers
UCF – Kobe Hudson – 7 receptions, 79 yards
UTAH – Zacharus Williams – 6 receptions, 72 yards
Win Probability/Line
UCF 68.5%, Line UCF -9.5, Over/Under 46.5 :
| Statistics | UTAH | UCF |
| First downs | 11 | 22 |
| Total yards | 196 | 379 |
| Rushing yards | 85 | 173 |
| Passing yards | 111 | 206 |
| Time of possession | 27:34 | 32:26 |
UCF hosted Utah on Black Friday in the final game of the regular season. Senior running back RJ Harvey set a new school record for most career touchdowns scored (48), breaking the record previously held by Kevin Smith. However, UCF struggled much of the night with three turnovers including two pick-six touchdowns. The Knights fell by the score of 28–14, and finished the season with a record of 4–8 (2–7 in the Big 12). The following day, head coach Gus Malzahn resigned to take the offensive coordinator position at Florida State.

## Awards

| Player | Position | Award(s) |
| KJ Jefferson | QB | Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year Week 3 — Manning Star of the Week Week 3 — Davey O'Brien Great 8 List |
| Kobe Hudson | WR | Big 12 Preseason All-Big 12 Offense |
| Lee Hunter | DL | Big 12 Preseason All-Big 12 Defense |
| RJ Harvey | RB | Week 3 — Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week Week 3 — East–West Shrine Bowl Breakout Player of the Week Week 3 — Doak Walker Award National Running Back of the Week Doak Walker Award semifinalist |
| Randy Pittman Quadric Bullard RJ Harvey Ricky Barber | Randy Pittman Quadric Bullard RJ Harvey Ricky Barber | PFF Big 12 Team of the Week (November 9) |