UCF Knights Gear Up For Big 12 Home Opener vs Kansas Jayhawks Tonight
By Space Coast Daily // October 4, 2025
kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – This Saturday night, the Kansas Jayhawks (3–2, 1–1 Big 12) visit Orlando to take on the UCF Knights (3–1, 0–1 Big 12) in a pivotal midseason matchup at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
The 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff (on ESPN2) promises to be a litmus test for both teams as they look to establish momentum in conference play.
Kansas enters the contest riding a narrow loss at Cincinnati, 37–34, in which quarterback Jalon Daniels put on a show. Daniels completed 19 of 28 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns, doing so without an interception. He also chipped in 55 rushing yards on 14 carries. Wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. hauled in 214 yards and two scores, while running back Leshon Williams added 64 yards on 10 carries.
Despite the productivity, Kansas’ defense has struggled all season, giving up an average of 376 yards per game (85th in FBS) and allowing opponents to convert efficiently inside the red zone.
UCF, meanwhile, is looking to rebound from a 34–20 loss to Kansas State. Quarterback Tayven Jackson led the offense with 115 passing yards (12-of-24) and was intercepted once. Running back Myles Montgomery put forth a strong ground effort, rushing for 119 yards on 10 carries and catching one pass for three more yards. Wide receiver DJ Black made a splash with an 82‑yard touchdown catch.
The Knights’ offense has averaged 437.5 yards per game (42nd in FBS) and 34.8 points (44th), with a balanced attack that produces 203 rushing yards and 234.5 passing yards per contest.
Defensively, UCF ranks better overall (293.3 yards allowed per game, 27th in FBS) and boasts one of the stingiest pass defenses in the nation, surrendering just 129.8 yards per game through the air (6th-best).
The matchup presents interesting contrasts. Kansas leans heavily on Daniels and its passing game, which has accounted for 267.2 yards per game (35th in FBS). UCF’s defense will challenge that aerial assault. But Kansas’ own defense may be vulnerable to UCF’s rushing attack, given Kansas allows 149.4 rushing yards per game (77th in FBS).
Kansas continues to struggle in situational defense, ranking last in third-down conversion rate at just 31.5%. UCF defends third downs better, allowing opponents to convert at a 32.2% clip.
Red zone performance could prove decisive: Kansas’ defense allows scores on 100% of red-zone trips, while UCF’s offense scores on 92.9% of its own opportunities (34th-best).
In terms of matchups, all eyes will be on whether UCF can pressure Daniels and force Kansas out of its rhythm. If UCF’s front can get penetration and disrupt timing, the Knights’ opportunistic defense may generate turnovers or stalled drives. On the flip side, Kansas must find a way to contain Montgomery in the ground game and force Jackson into uncomfortable situations.
From a narrative perspective, this game offers UCF a chance to defend home turf and build confidence in conference play. For Kansas, it’s an opportunity to recover from a close loss and show it can win on the road in challenging environments. The outcome may hinge on which team executes better in critical moments — third downs, red zone plays, and turnovers.
Tuesday’s matchup could have ramifications beyond just a single win or loss. A Kansas win would help them move closer to the middle of the Big 12 pack, while a UCF victory would go a long way toward quieting critics and proving the Knights belong in tougher company. Expect a fast pace, aggressive playcalling, and a game that might boil down to a few key plays in the waning minutes.
