With the 2025 football season about to begin, we finally have a chance to see a school-released UCF depth chart. Let’s take a look and see if there are any surprises.
Offensive Notes
Most offensive positions within the UCF depth chart do not come as a surprise. While reports were already out regarding Cam Fancher being the starting quarterback, it was confirmed by Scott Frost at his Monday press conference. There are a few things to note, though.
Frost has not differentiated between Tayven Jackson and Jacurri Brown as to who the second-string quarterback will be. If Fancher does his job, this is a non-issue. He has also not made it depth chart official at the wide receiver position between Marcus Burke and Waden Charles. If he starts, Charles would be the only freshman starter on offense.
Two previously highly contested position groups now have a clear pecking order. At running back, Myles Montgomery will be RB1. Frost has spoken very highly of Montgomery and has been rewarded with this coveted spot. Jaden Nixon will be RB2. It is expected that both players will see plenty of playing time. At tight end, the more experienced Dylan Wade will be TE1 while Kylan Fox will be TE2.
QB1: Cam Fancher – RSr
QB2: Tayven Jackson – RJr or Jacurri Brown – RJr
RB1: Myles Montgomery – RSr
RB2: Jaden Nixon – RSr
WRX1: Marcus Burke – RSr or Waden Charles – Fr
WRY1: Duane Thomas Jr – Jr
WRY2: Chris Domercant – RSr
WRZ1: DJ Black – RJr
WRZ2: Carl Jenkins Jr – Fr
TE1: Dylan Wade – Jr
TE2: Kylan Fox – So
LT1: Paul Rubelt – 5th year
LT2: Owen Spell – Jr
LG1: Gaard Memmelaar – 5th year
LG2: Jabari Brooks – 5th year
C1: Carter Miller – RJr
C2: Cam Kinnie – 5th year
RG1: Keegan Smith – RSr
RG2: Pat Barnett – 5th year
RT1: Peston Cushman – RJr
RT2: Connor Meadows – RJr
Defensive Notes
On the defensive side of the UCF depth chart, there are not as many surprises as to who the starters will be. The depth chart does show who the defensive rotational players will be on the defensive line and backfield. UCF is going with a three-man rotation at each of the four defensive line positions. There are also three players on the two-deep at the nickel position, and one of the cornerback and safety spots.
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At the above-referenced safety position, the depth chart shows there is some indecision between Jayden Williams and Demari Henderson. Other than that, there is a clear-cut starter at every position. It’s worth noting that Malachi Lawrence will be the starter at one of the defensive end positions and backed up by a rotation, including Sincere Edwards. This is a brutal one-two punch. It’s also good to see players like John Walker, Antione Jackson, and Braeden Marshall back on the field.
DEX1: Malachi Lawrence – RSr
DEX2: Sincere Edwards – So or Jamaal Johnson – RJr
DTX1: John Walker – RSo
DTX2: Horace Lockett – RJr or Tyreek’e Robinson – RFr
DTY1: RJ Jackson Jr – Jr
DTY2: Rodney Lora – RSo or Jeffson Lafontant – RSo
DEY1: Nyjalik Kelly – Sr
DEY2: Isiah Nixon – RSo or Jamaal Johnson – RJr
LBX1: Keli Lawson – RSr
LBX2: Cole Kozlowski – Sr
LBY1: Lewis Carter – Jr
LBY2: Jayden McDonald – RSr
Nickel1: Braeden Marshall – Jr
Nickel2: Christian Peterson – So or Jyaire Brown – RJr
CBX1: Antione Jackson – Jr
CBX2: Ja’Cari Henderson – RJr or Rukeem Stroud – Fr
SX1: Jayden Williams – RSr or Demari Henderson – RJr
SX2: Jaden Gould – RJr
SY1: Phillip Dunnam – Sr
SY2: AP Heyward – So
CBY1: Jayden Bellamy – RJr
CBY2: DJ Bell – RJr
Special Teams Notes
When predicting the UCF depth chart, it was expected that Jaden Nixon would play a significant role in the return game. That ended up being half right, as Nixon is listed as the primary kickoff returner. Nixon has returned 49 kickoffs with a touchdown in his career. Backing him up is Duane Thomas Jr, who has four career kickoff returns under his belt. Surprisingly, Nixon is not on the two-deep for punt returning duties. The Knights have opted to go with Antione Jackson and Bredell Richardson. Both are new to the punt return game.
KR1: Jaden Nixon – RSr
KR2: Duane Thomas Jr – Jr
PR1: Antione Jackson – Jr
PR2: Bredell Richardson – RFr
Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Noe Ruelas will handle placekicking and kickoff duties, while Anthony Venneri is expected to be the punter, despite having an “or” designation with freshman Mason Denaburg. Snapping the ball will be Dalton Riggs. All of these players are new to the program and have multiple years of collegiate experience, with the exception of Denaburg.
PK1: Noe Ruelas – RSr
PK2: Noah McGough – Fr
P1: Anthony Venneri – RJr or Mason Denaburg – Fr
H1: Dalton Riggs – RJr
H2: Rocklyn Kelley – Fr
UCF hosts Jacksonville State this Thursday, August 28th, at the Acrisure Bounce House. The game will kick off at 7pm on ESPN+.
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