ORLANDO – UCF and Florida have agreed to a three-game football series, beginning with a matchup in Gainesville in 2024.
Here are the dates and sites:
--Oct. 5, 2024: UCF at Florida – Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville
--Sept. 14, 2030: UCF vs. Florida – Bounce House in Orlando
--Sept. 3, 2033: UCF at Florida – Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville
"As I've said since arriving, we were in desperate need for games on our upcoming schedule," UCF vice president and director of athletics Terry Mohajir said. "For the 2024 season specifically, we had three options. Play just 11 games instead of 12, play two FCS opponents, or play at Florida. We obviously made the best choice for our program and recruiting.
"Once we were able to secure this game in 2024, we then proceeded to add the home-and-home series at their earliest availability," Mohajir went on to say. "I appreciate (Florida AD) Scott (Stricklin) for returning my call and helping us fill one of our two holes on the 2024 schedule.
"We were at the point where we would have played a one-off guarantee game at Florida, but we were fortunate that we were able to add a home-and-home series as well, starting here at the Bounce House. It's a bonus that it happens to be an in-state team that will create a tremendous amount of excitement for both fan bases.
"Finally, and most importantly, our players and coaches asked me multiple times about the potential of playing Florida. These guys are fired up to play quality competition. As I've said several times that we are going to do what is best for our program and what makes sense for us. Right now, this makes the most sense under the current scheduling environment and circumstances."
UCF and Florida will be meeting for the first time since 2006 and only the third, fourth and fifth times overall. The game in 2030 will mark the first time Florida will play UCF in Orlando.
