PROVO, Utah – An electric start from the UCF football team wasn’t enough to fend off No. 11 BYU in the 2025 regular season finale, falling 41-21 on the road.
Year one of the second stint of the Scott Frost era had plenty of brilliant moments throughout the campaign, and the Black and Gold nearly added another in the 12th and final game of the season. The Knights got out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, looking sharp in doing so, in search of the program’s first win over a ranked opponent on the road since 2022.
UCF started on offense and converted an early 3rd and 4 as Tayven Jackson found Waden Charles for a quick 16-yard gain near midfield. Once again behind the chains on third down, Jackson was able to escape a collapsing pocket and find Duane Thomas Jr. The junior wide receiver scampered to the endzone, but a holding call brought the ball back out to the BYU 20. Unphased, UCF scored four plays later, as Dylan Wade was on the receiving end of his fifth touchdown of the season, setting UCF’s FBS single season receiving touchdowns record for a tight end.
The opening drive touchdown was the first since UCF opened the scoring against West Virginia on Oct. 18 in the eventual 45-13 win. The Knights’ confidence carried over to the defensive side of the ball in the opening frame, as Lewis Carter forced a fumble on BYU’s first play, forcing the Cougars to fall on it, but 10 yards behind the original line of scrimmage. The Black and Gold stood tall the next two plays, forcing a three-and-out to start their next drive from near midfield after a 21-yard return by Antione Jackson.
UCF needed just seven plays to take a 14-0 lead as Jackson found walk-on Agyeman Addae at the five-yard line before taking it to the house for his first career touchdown.
BYU’s second drive of the contest resulted in points, going 65 yards in nine plays. Looking to strike back in a hurry, UCF dialed up a trick play to try and reignite the offensive spark, but the Cougars snagged an interception on the play, taking over at the 29-yard line. UCF’s defense bent but did not break. A Keli Lawson sack set BYU behind the chains and eventually forced a field goal attempt that pushed wide left, keeping the score 14-7.
After a UCF punt, BYU leveled the scoring at 14 with a direct snap to running back RJ Martin to cap a seven play, 54-yard touchdown drive.
Once again, UCF’s defense stood tall with its backs against the wall, as BYU drove 72 yards in 1:51, but came away with just a field goal, taking a 17-14 lead with nine seconds to play in the first half.
BYU got the ball to start the final stanza of the regular season, and again RJ Martin ran in for the touchdown on a direct snap, his third of the game, putting the Cougars on top 24-14 with 8:54 to play in the third quarter. A UCF three-and-out immediately turned into BYU points as they returned the ensuing punt 55 yards for a touchdown, taking a 31-14 edge.
UCF got points back on the following drive, capping it with a successful trick play that saw Addae take a handoff from Jackson, who in turn ran a quick wheel route into the endzone for the touchdown. The Columbus High School product not only recorded the first rushing touchdown of his career but posted his first passing touchdown to add to his banner day.
BYU responded on the following drive with a 46-yard strike on 4th and 3, retaking a 17-point lead at 38-21. The Cougars later added a fourth quarter field goal to finish the day’s scoring at 41-21.
UCF’s season comes to a close adding an additional victory compared to last season’s record. The Knights earned victories over a Bill Belichick-led North Carolina squad, North Carolina A&T and Jacksonville State to earn a perfect trip through the non-conference slate. Conference wins over West Virginia and Oklahoma State added to the tally, and the Knights were a few plays away from picking up another couple of victories. Year one of the second Frost stint offered a glimpse into what’s to come, going toe-to-toe with those in the Big 12 Conference.
The 2026 season includes five conference home games, hosting Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, Iowa State and TCU. Bethune-Cookman and Georgia State visit Orlando in the non-conference slate, which also includes UCF visiting Pitt. The Knights will visit Colorado, Houston, Kansas and Oklahoma State to complete the 12-game schedule.
The first step into preparing for that 2026 season comes on Wednesday, as UCF can announce its incoming freshman class as part of the early signing period, running Dec. 3-5.
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.