ORLANDO – Following a record-breaking season, UCF running back RJ Harvey has been named a First Team All-Big 12 Conference honoree, while defensive tackle Lee Hunter earned a spot on the league’s second team.
The Big 12’s 16 head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own players, made the selections.
Ricky Barber (defensive lineman of the year, defensive line), Harvey (offensive player of the year), Kobe Hudson (wide receiver), Nyjalik Kelly (defensive line) and Amari Kight (offensive line) were tabbed All-Big 12 Honorable Mentions.
For the second consecutive year, Harvey was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s best collegiate running back. The Orlando native became the first player in program history to garner the recognition twice or in consecutive years and was one of just three players nationally to be a semifinalist in 2023 and 2024.
Harvey led the Big 12 and finished the regular season ranked third nationally with 1,577 rushing yards. His 22 rushing touchdowns were the third most in the country and best among conference running backs. Harvey’s 25 total touchdowns (22 rushing, 3 receiving) helped him set the program record for career touchdowns scored with 48, two more than UCF Hall of Famer Kevin Smith who previously held the record.
The UCF standout was the second player in program history to record consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining Marquette Smith (1994-95), after compiling 1,416 in 2023.
Harvey scored 152 points during the season to top the Big 12 and rank second nationally behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, averaging 12.7 points per game. He had 54 rushes of 10 or more yards to rank second nationally and lead the conference.
He finished his career with 3,792 rushing yards, the second most in program history, with 579 carries. Harvey also received consideration from the league’s head coaches for the offensive player of the year award and secured an honorable mention for that accolade.
Hunter garners All-Big 12 honors for the second straight year, as he was an honorable mention in 2023. He tallied 45 tackles with 9.5 tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries and one sack this season. According to Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) advanced metrics, Hunter graded out at 77.0, which was the second best in the Big 12 for a defensive tackle and ranked among the nation’s best.
The Mobile, Alabama, native turned in one of his best performances of the season at then-No. 9 Iowa State with four tackles, including two tackles for loss with a sack.
Barber joined Hunter on the defensive line for the Knights and had a strong year, receiving votes from the Big 12’s head coaches for the defensive lineman of the year and all-conference recognition. The Louisville, Kentucky, product ended the season with 34 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Additionally, Barber had a team-high nine quarterback hurries. He and Hunter helped the UCF defense finish the year ranked third in the conference in rushing defense, allowing 120.3 yards per game.
Hudson claims honorable mention accolades for the second consecutive season after reeling in a team-high 47 receptions for 770 yards with four touchdowns. His receiving yardage ranked among the top 15 of the Big 12 and he averaged 16.38 yards per reception, the seventh most in the league.
Hailing from Pine Mountain, Georgia, Hudson had three games with 100 or more receiving yards during the season. He had his best showing of the year at TCU with six catches for 145 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Hudson also had at least one reception in every game to end his time in a Knights uniform with a streak of 35 consecutive games, the second longest in program history.
In his first season with UCF, Kelly made a significant impact on the edge for the Black and Gold. He finished with the sixth-most tackles on the team with 53. Kelly led the Knights with 5.5 sacks, which ranked seventh in the Big 12.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Kelly tied for the team lead with 9.5 tackles for loss and had a team-high three forced fumbles.
Kight led a UCF offensive line that was a midseason honorable mention for the Joe Moore Award, presented annually to the nation’s best offensive line. He helped pave the way for a rushing attack that led the Big 12 and finished the regular season seventh in the nation with 248.1 yards per game.
In addition, UCF ranked second in the league and 16th nationally in total offense, averaging 447.8 yards per game. Kight started every game at left tackle and graded out as the sixth-best tackle in the conference at 76.9.
UCF’s All-Big 12 Selections
First Team
RJ Harvey, RB
Second Team
Lee Hunter, DL
Honorable Mention
Ricky Barber (Defensive Lineman of the Year, Defensive Line)
RJ Harvey (Offensive Player of the Year)
Kobe Hudson (Wide Receiver)
Nyjalik Kelly (Defensive Line)
Amari Kight (Offensive Line)