UCF WR leaders rave about QB room, stronger team chemistry for 2026

New UCFast Cast hosts Waden Charles and Duane Thomas Jr. discuss UCF's QB room, WR additions, team chemistry and 2026 expectations.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The UCFast Cast, hosted last season by running backs Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon, has turned things over to a new podcast duo for season two: wide receivers Waden Charles and Duane 'Speedy' Thomas Jr. Based on the first episode, it's clear Scott Frost is trying to build a more connected team this offseason, with the most notable takeaways coming in the pair's comments about UCF's revamped quarterback room, a deeper wide receiver group, and the chemistry they believe is forming inside the program after a difficult 2025 season.

Why it matters

The podcast episode provides insight into the mindset and expectations of two of UCF's top offensive weapons as the Knights look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The comments about the quarterback room, wide receiver additions, and team chemistry suggest Frost is making a concerted effort to build a more unified and talented roster heading into the 2026 season.

The details

Charles and Thomas both addressed why they returned to UCF, with Charles citing his love for the program and community, and Thomas describing it as a 'full-circle moment' given his South Florida roots and familiarity with UCF. The duo were particularly excited about the additions to the quarterback room, highlighting transfers Alonza Barnett III and Keyone 'Lights Out' Jenkins, as well as the potential of freshmen Dante Carr and Rocco Marriott. They also praised the revamped wide receiver room, including transfers Josh Derry and Jonathan 'SlimJim' Bibbs, and freshman Tyren Hornes.

  • The UCFast Cast podcast episode was released on Tuesday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Waden Charles

A wide receiver who emerged as a true freshman starter in 2025 and is returning to UCF for the 2026 season.

Duane 'Speedy' Thomas Jr.

UCF's leading receiver in 2025 and an All-Big 12 honorable mention, who is also returning to the Knights for the 2026 season.

Alonza Barnett III

A transfer quarterback from James Madison, where he was the 2025 Sun Belt Player of the Year and led the Dukes to the College Football Playoff.

Keyone 'Lights Out' Jenkins

A veteran transfer quarterback from FIU, where he accounted for 14 total touchdowns (9 passing, 5 rushing) in 2025 and helped lead the Panthers to their first bowl appearance since 2019.

Josh Derry

A wide receiver transfer from Monmouth, where he had a breakout 2025 season with 76 catches for 1,123 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning FCS All-America recognition.

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What they’re saying

“Why I stayed a Knight? … I just love it here at UCF, like, everything about it. I feel like the fans, the team, the coaching staff, just the community as a whole, like, it's just a big family around here. It's just a great place to build your career as a player.”

— Waden Charles, Wide Receiver (UCFast Cast)

“UCF got a special place in my heart. I grew up in Miami … playing 7-on-7, we used to come to UCF camps. We used to be in the Bounce House … so when I got that call that UCF had interest, my heart completely dropped.”

— Duane 'Speedy' Thomas Jr., Wide Receiver (UCFast Cast)

“Y'all already seen the additions we made this year … we got some guys. We got some guys that's gonna spin it, we got some guys that's gonna stretch the field. It's gonna be a great season, for sure.”

— Waden Charles, Wide Receiver (UCFast Cast)

“Biggest thing, quarterback, they gotta lead. We got leaders, we got proven leaders, we got proven winners. As Coach Frost already said.”

— Duane 'Speedy' Thomas Jr., Wide Receiver (UCFast Cast)

“AB, great dude. Laid back, chill. Like you said, proven winner. Just took his team to the playoffs, so definitely a great addition to our team … definitely good for the goals we want this year as a team.”

— Waden Charles, Wide Receiver (UCFast Cast)

What’s next

The UCF football team will continue their offseason workouts and team-building activities as they prepare for the 2026 season, with a focus on developing chemistry and leadership within the revamped roster.

The takeaway

The comments from Charles and Thomas suggest that UCF is making a concerted effort to build a more unified and talented roster heading into the 2026 season, with a particular emphasis on the quarterback room and wide receiver group. The players' reflections on the 2025 season and their desire to improve team chemistry indicate that the Knights are motivated to bounce back from a disappointing campaign and compete at a high level in the upcoming year.