June 27, 2025

University of Central Florida Football Boosts Recruitment Efforts

News Summary

UCF football has made significant advances in recruiting, securing commitments from high school athletes Kaj ‘Nitro’ Baker and Isaiah McNish. This marks a turning point in UCF’s strategy under Coach Scott Frost as they build their 2026 recruiting class, now totaling 13 commitments. Baker, a standout running back known for his speed, and versatile athlete McNish are expected to enhance UCF’s competitiveness in the Big 12 and nationally, reflecting the university’s growing appeal in college football recruiting.

Orlando, Florida – UCF football has made significant strides in its recruiting efforts, securing commitments from two promising high school athletes over the weekend. Three-star running back Kaj “Nitro” Baker and versatile athlete Isaiah McNish have both pledged their futures to the Knights, marking a notable turning point in the team’s recruitment strategy under head coach Scott Frost.

The commitment of Baker and McNish represents the 10th and 11th verbal agreements for UCF’s 2026 recruiting class, which has so far accumulated a total of 13 commitments. With Baker’s addition, UCF’s class currently ranks 44th nationally and 7th in the Big 12, highlighting the university’s growing appeal in the competitive landscape of college football recruiting.

Kaj “Nitro” Baker, hailing from Somerset Charter Academy in Florida, has gained recognition as one of the fastest recruits in the state. His exceptional speed is evidenced by a personal best of 10.35 seconds in the 100-meter dash, complemented by several performances under the 10.5-second mark. During the 2022 season, Baker earned a spot on the MaxPreps Freshman All-American team after achieving 743 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

In his sophomore year, Baker transferred to Miami Central, where his role included fewer touches, yet he still managed to contribute with 145 yards and 3 touchdowns as the team reached the FHSAA Quarterfinals. Returning to Somerset for his junior season, Baker experienced significant growth, catching 37 passes for 756 yards and scoring 6 touchdowns, while also rushing for 520 yards and 12 touchdowns on just 63 carries.

Isaiah McNish has garnered attention for his versatility on the field. As a player for the Wekiva Mustangs, McNish has demonstrated his capabilities not only as a defensive end and tackle but also as a running back and tight end. In his junior season, he recorded 64 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. Additionally, he contributed 73 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns to his team’s offense.

The recruitment of these athletes underscores a shift in UCF’s strategy under Frost, who recently returned to the program after a stint at Nebraska. Coach Frost has indicated that players with the skill set of Baker are integral to his offensive plans, drawing comparisons to successful past players in the program.

Baker’s commitment to UCF comes amid discussions with Frost, who likened him to notable figures like De’Anthony Thomas and Adrian Killins. Meanwhile, McNish expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Knights after engaging in conversations with current players, confirming a positive environment fostered by the coaching staff.

The growing momentum in UCF’s recruiting efforts reflects Frost’s renewed commitment to building a competitive program, aiming to attract talent that will contribute significantly in the coming years. As the Knights aim to solidify their standing in the Big 12 and nationally, the addition of Baker and McNish is seen as a pivotal step towards achieving their goals.

As UCF continues to build its recruiting class, the expectations will undoubtedly increase regarding the performance of these recruits in the upcoming seasons. With the Knights demonstrating an ability to attract top talent locally and beyond, the future looks promising for UCF football.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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