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UCF Football Looks to O-Line Turnaround Under New Coach
New offensive line coach AJ Blazek aims to build stability and depth on the Knights' front five.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:23am
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A conceptual illustration captures the complexity and fragmentation of rebuilding an offensive line, a critical challenge facing the UCF football team.Today in OrlandoUCF football is hoping for an offensive line turnaround under new offensive line coach AJ Blazek. Blazek, who previously coached at Wisconsin, says he can only recall one season where his offensive line stayed healthy and consistent throughout the year. With several injuries impacting the Knights' O-line last season, Blazek is focused on building depth and stability up front.
Why it matters
The offensive line is a critical component of any successful college football team, and UCF struggled with injuries and inconsistency on the line last season. Blazek's track record of developing strong offensive lines could be a key factor in the Knights' success in 2026.
The details
Blazek says he had to play three freshmen on the offensive line at Wisconsin last season due to a rash of injuries. At UCF, he's aiming to build more depth and stability on the front five, which he sees as crucial to the team's overall offensive performance.
- Blazek joined the UCF coaching staff in the offseason after previously coaching at Wisconsin.
The players
AJ Blazek
The new offensive line coach for the UCF football team, previously held the same position at the University of Wisconsin.
What they’re saying
“I went through four injuries a year ago (at Wisconsin), played three freshmen,”
— AJ Blazek, UCF Offensive Line Coach
The takeaway
Blazek's experience developing strong offensive lines, even in the face of injuries, could be a valuable asset for UCF as they look to improve their performance up front and build a more consistent and productive offense in 2026.
