The University of Central Florida (UCF) has found itself in a critical position as it enters a new era under head coach Scott Frost.
The program, which faced a series of quarterback changes during the 2024 season, is now seeking a stable and talented signal caller to lead the team forward.
After starting four quarterbacks in a single season, including KJ Jefferson, who was eventually benched, UCF is now looking at new options in the transfer portal.
Frost’s return to Orlando has sparked rumors that UCF could be eyeing some high-profile players to strengthen its roster, with Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold emerging as a potential target.
Arnold, a former five-star recruit, recently announced his decision to enter the transfer portal, and analysts believe UCF could be a strong landing spot for the young quarterback.
According to JD PicKell from On3.com, the possibility of Arnold joining UCF is intriguing, especially given his connection to Dillon Gabriel, a former UCF star quarterback who now plays for Oklahoma.
PicKell pointed out that Gabriel might reach out to Arnold, offering insight into life in Orlando and the program’s potential under Frost.
This familiar connection could play a pivotal role in convincing Arnold to make the move to UCF, where he could continue to develop his skills in a new environment.
Arnold, who played in 10 games for Oklahoma in 2024, showcased impressive skills both through the air and on the ground.
He passed for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions while completing 62.6% of his passes. Additionally, Arnold added 444 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns to his total.
With such a strong performance, Arnold is expected to be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the transfer portal, with an estimated NIL valuation of $1.3 million. His next destination will be crucial in determining whether he can fully realize his immense potential.
However, UCF will face competition from other programs, with some analysts predicting that Arnold may choose Mississippi State instead. Despite this, the Knights have the advantage of being in a prominent football conference and the allure of reuniting with a familiar face like Dillon Gabriel.
If UCF enters the race for Arnold, the program will need to offer more than just familiarity; it will need to prove that it is the right place for Arnold to continue his development and achieve success at the highest level.
As Frost works to rebuild and strengthen his team, the addition of a quarterback like Jackson Arnold could be the missing piece for UCF. The program has struggled with consistency at the quarterback position in recent years, and bringing in a talented player like Arnold could be the boost they need to compete at the top of the American Athletic Conference. While it remains to be seen where Arnold will ultimately land, UCF’s interest in the young quarterback is a story to watch closely as the transfer portal period heats up.
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