The UCF Knights are staring down a tough moment as the transfer portal season creeps closer. Nine players have already jumped in, and the portal hasn’t even officially opened yet. The Knights are hustling to keep key guys for the 2026 season.
This article digs into three players—Jayden Bellamy, Carter Miller, and Braeden Marshall—who really matter for UCF’s future. Keeping them isn’t just about wins; it’s about holding the team together, on and off the field.
Jayden Bellamy: The Defensive Backbone
Jayden Bellamy came over from Syracuse and quickly became a huge piece for UCF. He led the team with eight pass breakups and racked up 27 tackles, 20 of those solo.
His game-winning interception against Jacksonville State right out of the gate? That set the tone for the year.
Why Bellamy is Irreplaceable
Now that Phillip Dunnam is heading to the NFL Draft, Bellamy stands alone as the only All-Big 12 Honorable Mention defensive back left with eligibility. Losing defensive backs coach Brandon Harris to Florida State just makes things messier.
The Knights have to get creative—NIL money, whatever it takes—to keep Bellamy. He played a huge part in UCF finishing 25th in the nation for fewest passing yards allowed and 48th in team passing efficiency defense.
His leadership and experience? UCF needs both, especially with a new defensive backs coach coming in.
Carter Miller: The Anchor of the Offensive Line
The offensive line is another headache for UCF right now. Out of the 10 offensive linemen on the two-deep, six are done after this season.
That makes keeping Carter Miller around even more important for some sense of stability.
Miller’s Impact on the Offensive Line
Miller started the first nine games at center before he got hurt. When Cameron Kinnie stepped in, penalties piled up—three false starts in just the last three games.
Compare that to Miller, who only got flagged four times in nine games. That kind of discipline is rare and valuable.
The offensive line struggled with penalties all year, so having someone steady like Miller back would make a real difference. His experience could help guide a pretty green group next season.
Braeden Marshall: The Defensive Playmaker
Braeden Marshall has been a fixture for UCF since his freshman year in 2023. This offseason is his last shot to use the transfer portal, and the Knights really can’t afford to lose him.
Marshall’s Contributions and Future
Marshall mostly played nickelback this season, putting up 22 tackles—20 solo—plus two tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and two interceptions. His numbers stack up well next to Bellamy’s.
He’s from Lake Mary, and his long run with the Knights brings a sense of continuity you just can’t fake. Keeping Marshall for his senior year would boost the defense and help hold the locker room together.
Strategic Moves for the Future
The portal opens officially on January 2 and closes January 16. Not a lot of time for the Knights to lock things down.
Staff and player departures make this even more urgent. NIL deals and smart coaching hires could tip the scales.
Navigating the Transfer Portal
With nine guys already out the door, UCF has to move fast to keep things from unraveling. The priority? Players who bring steady performance and real leadership.
Bellamy, Miller, and Marshall top that list, and keeping them might just set the vibe for 2026.
For more updates and inside info on UCF’s transfer portal moves, check out the source article.
Conclusion
The UCF Knights are at a pivotal point as they navigate the transfer portal. Retaining players like Jayden Bellamy, Carter Miller, and Braeden Marshall matters a lot for the team’s performance and culture.
As the portal opens, UCF faces big decisions. Leveraging NIL money and making smart coaching hires could shape the future of UCF football.
Stick around for more updates and some real talk about the Knights’ journey through this wild transfer portal season.
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