New UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost faces several questions regarding the team’s roster, particularly at the quarterback position. UCF was one of the few teams to use four different quarterbacks during the 2024 season.
The Knights had brought in former Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson through the college football transfer portal last offseason. However, after five games, former head coach Gus Malzahn decided to bench Jefferson, opting instead for a mix of EJ Colson, Jacurri Brown, and Dylan Rizk.
Rizk ultimately maintained the QB1 role by the end of the season. According to JD PicKell of On3.com, with Scott Frost returning to Orlando, Fla., the Knights might once again look to make a major acquisition in the college football transfer portal.
The analyst sees UCF as a strong potential destination for Oklahoma Sooners quarterback, who has declared his intention to enter the transfer portal.
“One more school, this is a roundabout dot to connect,” PicKell explained during a Monday appearance on the “Andy & Ari” podcast. “Jackson Arnold, Dillon Gabriel, they’re boys. Dillon Gabriel, before Oklahoma, was at UCF. ‘Hey Dillon, let me shoot you a text real quick. How’s Orlando?’
“Scott Frost, a guy that probably Dillon Gabriel [is familiar with]. I understand he’s under the [Josh] Heupel era, but like maybe there’s some familiarity there. It’s Power Four football. I don’t know. …It could be fun.”
The former five-star prospect is anticipated to secure one of the highest NIL deals among quarterbacks in the transfer portal, with On3.com estimating Arnold’s NIL value at $1.3 million.
Should UCF pursue Arnold, they will face stiff competition. On3.com’s Pete Nakos predicts that Arnold is likely to sign with the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Arnold passed for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, completing 62.6% of his throws in 10 appearances during the 2024 season. Additionally, the talented quarterback rushed for 444 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The program that signs Arnold will be counting on the 20-year-old’s best years still to come, hoping the former five-star recruit can fulfill his full potential.
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