IRVING, Texas - Not only is excitement high for UCF fans and alumni ahead of the 2024 football season, but also from the media as a trio of Knights were selected to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, announced Tuesday by the conference office. Quarterback KJ Jefferson was voted the Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year, while wide receiver Kobe Hudson and defensive tackle Lee Hunter also earned a spot on the preseason team selected by the media.
UCF was one of six schools with at least three players recognized on the Preseason All-Big 12 Team. Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon was tabbed the preseason offensive player of the year and Colorado’s Travis Hunter was named the preseason defensive player of the year.
The Big 12 also announced the results of the preseason media poll with the Knights predicted to finish eighth in the new look 16-team league. Conference newcomer Utah was picked to win the league with 20 first-place votes and 906 total points, while Kansas State received 889 points with 19 first-place votes and Oklahoma State rounded out the top three with 14 first-place votes and 829 points.
Jefferson joined the Knights in January 2024 after spending five seasons at Arkansas where he set the program records for completions (626), completion percentage (65.1), passing yards (7,911), passing TDs (67) and total TDs (88).
Hudson was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection last season after reeling in 44 receptions for 900 yards. His eight receiving touchdowns were tied for the fourth most among conference receivers. The Pine Mountain, Georgia, native compiled three consecutive games with 100 or more receiving yards and tallied a career-high three receiving touchdowns in UCF’s 45-3 victory against then-No. 15 Oklahoma State in the Knights’ annual Space Game.
Hunter turned in a stellar 2023 season for the Black and Gold, recording 69 tackles to lead all defensive tackles in the nation, according to Pro Football Focus. He was also an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection from the league’s coaches, ending the season with 11 tackles for loss and three sacks.
The Knights open their 2024 campaign against New Hampshire at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at FBC Mortgage Stadium. The first meeting between the programs will air live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
UCF’s home conference slate features contests versus Colorado, Cincinnati, BYU, Arizona and Utah. The Knights' Big 12 road game list includes TCU, Iowa State, Arizona State and West Virginia.