LAST TIME OUT
The Knights became one of college tennis’ most compelling stories last season, capturing national attention with their relentless rise. The momentum carried them all the way to the program’s first NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance, where they met a familiar foe in TCU.
After delivering two standout performances against in‑state opponents Florida and Miami, the Knights’ historic run ultimately came to an end against the then‑No. 2 Horned Frogs.
QUICK HITS
- THEY’RE BACK: The Knights return five players from the 2024-25 roster, a seasoned group featuring four seniors and one sophomore. Veterans Mehdi Benchakroun and Yassine Dlimi will once again don the “C” as team captains in their final collegiate season. Fellow seniors Paul Colin and Luca Hotze bolster the experienced core, while sophomore Nicolas Oliveira returns as the lone underclassman among the returners.
- NEW KNIGHTS: Joining the returning group are five fresh faces set to make an immediate impact. The incoming class includes three proven transfers and two highly touted freshmen. Wissam Abderrahman arrives after two strong seasons at Clemson, while Clement Lemire and Kai Luca Ampaw bring valuable experience from Oregon and Gonzaga. The roster is rounded out by standout newcomers Pedro Rodrigues and Fadi Bidan, both arriving as highly recruited freshmen.
- PRESEASON RANKS: UCF sits at No. 14 in this year’s ITA preseason poll. This accomplishment marks the first time the Knights have been ranked in the preseason poll under Bruce-Burgess. In addition to the ITA poll, the Black and Gold sit at No. 4 in the Big 12 Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
ABOUT THE EAGLES
The Black and Gold have faced the Eagles a total of 11 times, winning in each of the teams’ matchups. The Knights have a perfect 9-0 record against FGCU when playing on home courts at the USTA National Campus. The Eagles finished their 2024-25 season with a 13-14 record, with a 6-2 record in ASUN play. The Eagles return eight of their 10 players from the 2025 roster and add one freshman and one transfer. Standout Hugo Magnusson was named to the Preseason All-ASUN team ahead of the 2026 campaign following a stellar sophomore season. The team is led by head coach Jack Molino, who is currently in his second season with the team.
ABOUT THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS
UCF has faced Louisiana seven times, most recently in a season‑opening doubleheader sweep to begin the 2024–25 campaign. The Ragin’ Cajuns finished last season with a 10–12 overall record and a 4–4 showing in Sun Belt competition. They are guided by head coach Thomas Sevel, also entering his second season with the program.
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.
