Scott Frost recaps UCF preseason, previews Jax State during ‘Knight Talk’ appearance

With UCF’s 2025 season opener just two days away, head coach Scott Frost joined Voice of the Knights Marc Daniels for the first edition of “Knight Talk” at Miller’s Ale House in Waterford Lakes.

The hour-long radio show on 96.9 The Game also featured interviews with running backs coach Jimmy Beal and running back Jaden Nixon.

Frost reflected on the program’s progress since his return in December, the unique challenges of assembling a brand new roster and staff, and what excites him most heading into his first game back inside the Bounce House.

“We got a lot done,” Frost said of spring and preseason camp. “We made a ton of progress. I feel really good about where we are. You just never know for sure until the game actually happens, but our guys are going to play free and loose and fast. I’m excited to see them compete.”

Building chemistry with a new-look roster

In the transfer portal era, Frost inherited a massive roster overhaul. UCF welcomed nearly 70 newcomers to the team, and Frost admitted the chemistry-building process required more intentionality than in previous coaching stops.

“Usually when you’re a college football player, you’ve had three, four, five years to get to know your teammates,” Frost said. “This era is different. You have to be intentional about building relationships. And even then, I don’t think you really come together until you have some shared experiences, either success or adversity.”

He joked about the challenges of name memory at times, especially with waves of portal additions, freshmen, and walk-ons, but said he’s confident he knows the roster now, even if he wouldn’t bet on getting every name right.

On the quarterback battle and naming Cam Fancher QB1

Frost confirmed on Monday that Cam Fancher, the FAU transfer, will start at quarterback in Thursday’s opener. He praised the effort of all three competitors, Fancher, Jacurri Brown and Tayven Jackson, and said the decision came down to the smallest of margins.

“All three kids did enough that I’d feel good about them being our starter,” Frost said. “It was by an eyelash. Cam just had the most control of the huddle, the offense, and he did a great job turning negative plays into positives.”

While the extended competition cut down on first-team reps for any single quarterback by “30 to 40 percent,” Frost is confident Fancher’s experience will carry him through.

Progress across all position groups

Asked which position group made the most progress, Frost highlighted multiple areas: young wide receivers gaining confidence, consistency from the running backs, improvement across both lines, and recent strides in the secondary.

“I’ve been really impressed with the interior D-line and O-line,” Frost said. “The secondary has really come on lately too. Coach Grinch and Coach Harris are doing a great job with them.”

He also praised the leadership of four team captains for Week 1: RB Myles Montgomery, OL Paul Rubelt, DE Malachi Lawrence and LB Keli Lawson.

“There are certain guys that have innate traits to be leaders, but it needs to be developed,” he said. “You’ve got to empower them.”

Lessons from the Rams and a new-look staff

Frost spoke about how his time with the Los Angeles Rams gave him perspective that he’s carried into this season.

“Football is important and I love it, but I think it frees you up to do it even better if your happiness isn’t hanging on every snap,” he said. “The thing that impressed me about the Rams was how everyone went to work with no egos and pulled the rope in the same direction. That’s what I want here.”

That mentality guided Frost’s staff-building approach, bringing in several coaches he hadn’t previously worked with: DC Alex Grinch, OL coach Shawn Clark, RBs coach Jimmy Beal, LB coach Mark D’Onofrio, and DB coach Brandon Harris. He also praised Kenny Martin for keeping the team glued together during the transition.

Defensive front expected to lead

Frost singled out the defensive line as a potential strength, especially with veterans Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly returning off the edge and John Walker now healthy inside. He also mentioned Isaiah Nixon, Sincere Edwards, Jamaal Johnson,RJ Jackson, Horace Lockett and Rodney Lora as players who will rotate in.

“It’s going to be hot Thursday. We’re going to rotate guys and keep them fresh. I want those guys to attack,” he said.

At linebacker, Frost said fans will be impressed by Virginia Tech transfer Keli Lawson.

“Freak is the right word for him,” Frost said. “He’s taller than a normal linebacker, longer, but he can really run and bend. I’m anxious to watch him hit on Thursday.”

Transitioning to Big 12 line play

Frost acknowledged the physicality jump from the AAC to the Big 12, particularly in the trenches, but said UCF will continue to lean on their trademark Florida speed.

“It’s more physical. Bigger human beings. But we’re going to keep letting our Florida speed try to win the day for us,” he said.

Scouting Jacksonville State

With JSU undergoing its own overhaul, former coach Rich Rodriguez is now at West Virginia and Charles Kelly has taken over, Frost said the opener presents a lot of unknowns.

“You’ve got to kind of piece together film,” Frost said. “It’s an educated guess. But they’re doing the same thing with us. In a game like this, you’ve got to lean on what you do well and put your guys in good situations.”

He expects dual-threat quarterback Gavin Wimsatt and running back Cam Cook to challenge the defense.

“Wimsatt is big, physical, fast and has a good arm,” Frost said. “We’ve got to keep him bottled up.”

Letting players play free

Despite the uncertainty of a first game and so many new faces, Frost’s message to the team is clear: attack.

“I don’t want them playing worried about mistakes,” he said. “We always talk about playing with a desire to excel and no fear of failure.”

He said the team has rehearsed even the smallest logistical details, like how to line up for warmups and where to be on the sideline, so that players can focus on football when the lights come on.

Returning to the Bounce House

Asked about the emotion of stepping back into the Bounce House for the first time since 2017, Frost admitted there will be a moment at some point when it all hits.

“I think there will be some sentimental feelings, but I’ll probably be too mission focused at first,” he said. “At some point, I’ll look around and it’ll all come back to me.”

His final message to the team?

“Nobody outside our team room has high expectations for us. That’s a great place to start from,” he said. “There’s no reason for us to be afraid of anything. Just go try to be great, play fast, play free, and attack.”

UCF hosts Jacksonville State on Thursday night at Acrisure Bounce House. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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