UCF Offense and Special Teams Face Key Questions in Spring Practice

New QB Alonza Barnett III's status, running back competition, and kicking game uncertainty loom large for Knights

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:36pm

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As UCF football kicks off spring practice, the offense and special teams have several key questions to address. The quarterback battle appears settled with Alonza Barnett III's arrival, but his early absence raises concerns. The backfield is wide open after losing top rushers, and the kicking game must replace an All-Big 12 performer. Head coach Scott Frost and his staff will work to solidify these areas before the 2026 season.

Why it matters

UCF is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw their offense struggle mightily. Resolving the quarterback situation, establishing a reliable ground game, and finding a new placekicker will be crucial for the Knights to return to the upper echelon of the Big 12 in 2026.

The details

Quarterback Alonza Barnett III, a transfer from James Madison, is expected to take over the starting job, but he did not participate in the team's first spring practice due to undisclosed "little things" he is dealing with. Head coach Scott Frost said they are taking it slow with Barnett to ease him in. In the backfield, sophomore Agyeman Addae is the lone returning rusher with experience, but he'll have to fend off several newcomers, including transfers Landen Chambers and Duke Watson, as well as high school recruits Kaj Baker and Arthur Lewis IV. The kicking game also faces uncertainty, as senior Noe Ruelas, an All-Big 12 Third Team selection, has departed. Texas transfer Will Stone and redshirt freshman Noah McGough are the top candidates, but neither has attempted a field goal in a collegiate game.

  • UCF began spring football practice on March 31, 2026.
  • Quarterback Alonza Barnett III did not participate in the team's first spring practice.

The players

Alonza Barnett III

A transfer quarterback from James Madison who is expected to take over the starting job at UCF, but missed the team's first spring practice due to undisclosed "little things" he is dealing with.

Agyeman Addae

A sophomore running back who is the lone returning rusher with experience, but will have to compete with several newcomers for carries.

Landen Chambers

A transfer running back who will compete for playing time in the UCF backfield.

Duke Watson

A transfer running back who will compete for playing time in the UCF backfield.

Will Stone

A Texas transfer who is one of the candidates to replace graduated kicker Noe Ruelas, but has never attempted a field goal in a collegiate game.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to take it slow with him, just kind of out of caution. He's just, you know, dealing with a couple little things, and we don't want to push it. He's been doing an unbelievable job in offseason workouts with the guys and getting himself ready, and he'll be back up ready to go at some point during spring, but we're gonna kind of ease him into it.”

— Scott Frost, Head Coach

What’s next

UCF will continue spring practice over the next several weeks, with the goal of Alonza Barnett III fully integrating with the offense and a new starting running back emerging from the crowded backfield competition. The team will also work to identify a new placekicker to replace the departed Noe Ruelas.

The takeaway

Resolving the quarterback situation, establishing a reliable ground game, and finding a new placekicker will be crucial focus areas for UCF this spring as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to the upper echelon of the Big 12 in 2026.