Knights Earn 300th Program Win with a Triumph over Jacksonville State

ORLANDO - In a game that stretched across more than 5 hours, two quarterbacks, and a 2-hour, 7-minute weather delay, the Knights defeated a determined Jacksonville State squad to open the second Scott Frost era with a gutsy 17–10 victory Thursday night at Acrisure Bounce House.

UCF leaned on depth, discipline, and timely execution to grind out its first win of the season and give Frost a successful return to the program. The Knights totaled 422 yards of offense and held Jacksonville State to 322, making key plays on both sides of the ball when it mattered most.

UCF quarterback Tayven Jackson, stepping in early in the second quarter after starter Cam Fancher exited with an injury following the weather delay, delivered an efficient and composed performance. Jackson completed 17 of 24 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns, providing the offense with rhythm and stability in his first action as a member of the Black and Gold.

Running back Myles Montgomery was a consistent force throughout the night, rushing for 79 yards on 21 carries while adding 71 receiving yards on three catches. His ability to extend drives and break off chunk plays helped UCF stay in control of the possession for most of the game.

After both teams traded early field goals, Jackson connected with Dylan Wade on a 40-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to give UCF a 10–3 lead. Jacksonville State tied the game midway through fourth before the Knights answered with their most complete drive of the night.

Then with just under 2 minutes left with JSU driving, defensive back Jayden Williams stuffed JSU running back Cam Cook on a fourth-down hurry-up play to turn the ball over on downs to the Knights.

Then, starting at their own 36-yard line, UCF marched 64 yards in six plays in just 32 seconds. After two incompletions, Jackson took off on a 15-yard scramble to the JSU 34-yard line. Three plays later Jackson hit DJ Black on a naked bootleg over the middle for a 33-yard score and the lead with just over a minute remaining.

Tay And DJ Called Game 😤 pic.twitter.com/j2LQ2HO6dq

— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 29, 2025

The UCF defense held strong the rest of the way, limiting big plays and forcing a key fourth-down stop late in the fourth quarter. The win marked the 300th in program history and extended UCF’s streak to 10 straight opening game victories. It also marked the Knights’ 11th consecutive Thursday night win, the third most such wins in all of FBS history.

Frost’s season-opening win was his 20th career victory with the Knights and extended his winning streak to 14 games in Black and Gold.

About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.