UCF Basketball Coach Johnny Dawkins Builds Big 12 Contender

Master P visits campus as Dawkins' team gains national attention

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:19am

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A dynamic, cubist-inspired painting depicting the action and energy of a college basketball game, with the players and court fragmented into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in UCF's team colors.UCF's rise under Coach Dawkins could reshape the college basketball landscape.Today in Orlando

After a decade leading the UCF Knights basketball program, head coach Johnny Dawkins has the team on the verge of a breakthrough. Following back-to-back 20-win seasons and an NCAA Tournament appearance, Dawkins has UCF poised to potentially join the Big 12 Conference and become a new power in college basketball.

Why it matters

UCF's rise under Dawkins represents an opportunity for the school to elevate its national profile and join the ranks of college basketball's elite programs. The Big 12 has long been considered one of the top conferences, and UCF's potential inclusion would be a major coup for the growing Orlando-area university.

The details

Dawkins, who previously served as an assistant coach for Duke, has steadily built UCF into a winning program over the past 10 seasons. Last year's NCAA Tournament appearance was the team's first since 2005. Now, with the transfer portal heating up, Dawkins has been active in recruiting new talent to Orlando, including a recent visit from music mogul Master P, who has fueled speculation about potential NIL deals for UCF players.

  • Dawkins was hired as UCF's head coach in 2012.
  • The Knights have recorded back-to-back 20-win seasons, including an NCAA Tournament berth in 2025.
  • Master P recently visited the UCF campus, sparking rumors of potential NIL opportunities for players.

The players

Johnny Dawkins

The head coach of the UCF Knights basketball team, who has spent the last 10 years building the program into a potential Big 12 contender.

Master P

A music mogul and entrepreneur who recently visited the UCF campus, fueling speculation about potential NIL deals for Knights players.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Dawkins has done an incredible job turning UCF into a winning program. They're on the verge of something special.”

— Master P

What’s next

UCF is expected to make a decision on potentially joining the Big 12 Conference in the coming months, which could further elevate the program's national profile.

The takeaway

Johnny Dawkins' steady leadership has transformed UCF into a rising force in college basketball, and the team's potential move to the Big 12 could cement their status as a new powerhouse in the sport.