News Summary
The UCF Knights prepare to host the Kansas Jayhawks for their first Big 12 home matchup. With UCF seeking their first conference win and Kansas aiming to stabilize their season after recent struggles, this game promises high stakes and intense competition.
Orlando, FL – The UCF Knights are set to host the Kansas Jayhawks in their first Big 12 home matchup of the 2025 season on Saturday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
The Knights currently hold a record of 3-1, but they are still searching for their first victory in the Big 12 Conference, having dropped their initial conference game. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks come into this matchup with a record of 3-2 overall, showing a 1-1 mark in conference play.
In their last encounter in 2023, Kansas claimed victory over UCF, decisively beating them 51-22. However, the Jayhawks have faced some struggles recently, losing two out of their last three games, including a narrow defeat against Cincinnati, where they lost 37-34 after allowing a go-ahead touchdown run in the final minute of play.
The game against Cincinnati was a high-scoring affair, totaling 1,200 yards of offense between the two teams. Kansas contributed 597 of those yards, with quarterback Jalon Daniels standing out by tossing for 445 yards and four touchdowns.
This season, Kansas has consistently put points on the board, averaging 36.6 points per game, and has not scored less than 31 points in any of their games. However, despite such offense prowess, they have only managed a 1-2 record against Power 5 opponents.
On a positive note for Kansas, head coach Lance Leipold has guided the team to its first winning season since 2008. Under his leadership, the Jayhawks boast an overall coaching record of 25-30 and are notable for his achievement of securing 100 wins in the fastest time in NCAA history. Linebacker Trey Lathan has also been a significant contributor this season, already recording nearly half of last season’s total tackle count.
For UCF, the Knights are looking to bounce back after their recent loss to Kansas State, which ended with a score of 34-20. This loss marked a significant moment as it was Scott Frost’s first loss since taking over as head coach in 2016. UCF’s quarterback Tayven Jackson faced difficulties during the Kansas State game, playing through a shoulder injury and returning to the field in the third quarter.
One particular area of concern for UCF has been their red-zone efficiency. The Knights have struggled significantly, allowing only three points during their first defensive series in their last game and failing to score touchdowns on six out of 23 trips inside the opponent’s red zone.
Defensively, UCF has excelled, currently ranking sixth nationally in pass defense, allowing an average of just 129.8 yards per game. The Knights hope to leverage this defensive strength to counter the Jayhawks’ high-scoring offense and avoid falling behind early, especially considering Kansas’s track record of scoring at least 31 points in every game so far this season.
This matchup promises to be an exciting contest as both teams aim to improve their standings in the Big 12. UCF is eager to obtain their first conference win in front of their home crowd, while Kansas seeks to stay competitive within their conference after facing challenges in recent weeks.
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Additional Resources
- News Journal: UCF Knights vs. Kansas Jayhawks Predictions
- UCF Knights Official Site: Big 12 Home Slate
- 247 Sports: UCF Defense Out for Kansas Game
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google Search: UCF Football
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.
