News Summary
The University of Central Florida is preparing for a weekend of official visits as it looks to enhance its football team. With nine commitments already secured for the 2026 class, including notable players like Elijah Keys and Antoine Sharp, UCF aims to strengthen key positions. The Knights are also incorporating athletes from other sports, such as Deebo Coleman, a former basketball player turned tight end. This recruitment initiative is part of UCF’s strategy to improve its standing in the Big 12 Conference, showcasing a proactive approach to building a competitive team.
Orlando, FL – The University of Central Florida (UCF) is gearing up for an exciting weekend as it welcomes seven football prospects for the second official visit weekend of the summer. This visit comes on the heels of UCF’s successful recruiting efforts, having already secured nine commitments for the 2026 class, including a recent commitment from quarterback Dante Carr, who pledged earlier this week.
Among the notable recruits, Elijah Keys, a cornerback who committed to UCF on March 29, previously held offers from several schools, including South Carolina and Tulane. During his junior season, Keys showcased his defensive skills with six pass breakups, making him a valuable asset for the Knights. Additionally, linebacker Antoine Sharp, ranked as the No. 85 overall linebacker in the 2026 graduating class, has committed to UCF and brings an impressive record. Sharp recorded 133 tackles, 13½ tackles for loss, and 4½ sacks during his junior season, playing a critical role in his team’s success with a 10-2 record and a spot in the regional semifinals.
The first official visit weekend of UCF’s Scott Frost 2.0 era featured nine prospects exploring the campus, indicating a strong interest in the football program. The Knights are focusing on enhancing their recruitment of key positions, including wide receiver, tight end, and running back. Noteworthy visitors this weekend include three-star wide receiver Xavier Stinson from Vero Beach High School, who has also planned visits to Vanderbilt and FAU. Tight end and linebacker recruit Charlie Jilek from Michigan recently received his first Power Five offer from UCF during his visit.
In addition to high school talents, UCF is also integrating athletes from other sports into their football roster. Deebo Coleman, a former basketball player who started 30 games for UCF’s basketball team, has joined the Knights as a tight end. Coleman has a rich history in football, having played since the age of four. He displayed dual-sport athleticism until high school, where basketball took precedence. His father noted that Deebo could have been a four-star football recruit had he focused solely on football.
Myles Montgomery, another new addition to UCF Football, expressed his readiness to seize opportunities after patiently waiting for his moment to shine. UCF is not only welcoming established athletes but is also being strategic in enhancing their roster with legacy recruits. Zac Palmer, whose father previously played at UCF, has committed as a preferred walk-on, while recruit Chase Hinshaw, also a legacy candidate with multiple offers, is under consideration by the Knights.
As UCF’s recruitment heats up, their strategy is clearly aligned with improving their standing in the Big 12 Conference, bolstered by robust in-state recruiting efforts. UCF head coach Scott Frost, alongside Coach Johnny Dawkins, emphasized the importance of these recruitment initiatives during their recent addresses at the Big 12 spring meetings in Orlando.
Looking ahead, UCF is anticipated to host more prospects in the coming days. This wave of official visits signifies an active recruiting season for the Knights, as they strive to build a competitive team capable of excelling in the Big 12. With a focus on both athleticism and potential, UCF is positioning itself as a formidable contender in college football.
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Additional Resources
- News Journal: UCF Football Recruiting 2026
- Wikipedia: University of Central Florida
- Rivals: Southeast Spotlight on UCF Visits
- Google Search: UCF Football Recruiting
- KCEN: Scott Frost’s UCF Recruiting Struggles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- News Journal: UCF Knights Football Recruiting Class 2026
- Google News: UCF Football
