UCF walked into Provo with energy, urgency and a chance to close the regular season with a statement. For one quarter, the Knights looked ready to shock the nation. A 14 to 0 lead on the road against the No. 11 team in the country set the tone for what felt like a breakthrough moment in year one of Scott Frost’s return. Instead, momentum shifted and BYU seized control, handing UCF a 41 to 21 loss in the final game of the 2025 regular season.
A Brilliant Opening That Slipped Away
The Knights delivered one of their sharpest opening drives of the season. Tayven Jackson converted an early third down, found Waden Charles for a burst near midfield, then kept the offense moving when he escaped pressure and located Duane Thomas Jr. Though a holding call wiped away a touchdown, UCF refused to fold. Four plays later, Jackson hit Dylan Wade for his fifth score of the year, breaking the program’s FBS single season touchdown record for a tight end.
UCF’s defense matched that energy. Lewis Carter forced a fumble on BYU’s very first play and the Knights forced a quick three and out to get the ball back near midfield. Jackson then guided a seven play drive that ended with walk on Agyeman Addae scoring his first career touchdown to push the lead to 14 to 0.
The Knights had BYU uncomfortable and the sideline felt the weight of opportunity.
BYU Regroups and Turns the Tide
Good teams respond, and the Cougars did just that. Their next drive cut the lead in half. UCF attempted to hit back with a trick play, but BYU intercepted it and used the short field to threaten again. A missed field goal briefly bailed out the Knights, but momentum had begun to shift.
A UCF punt opened the door for BYU to tie the score at 14. The Cougars ended the half with a late field goal, taking a 17 to 14 lead into the break after outscoring the Knights 17 to 0 in the second quarter.
Second Half Slips Away
BYU opened the third quarter with another direct snap touchdown from running back RJ Martin, who became unstoppable as the game wore on. Moments later, a UCF three and out turned into a 55 yard punt return touchdown that stretched the deficit to 31 to 14.
UCF showed life with a well timed trick play. Addae took a handoff and flipped the ball back to Jackson, who leaked out on a wheel route and scored to trim the margin. It was a highlight in a tough afternoon and capped a memorable day for Addae, who recorded a rushing and passing touchdown.
The hope was brief. BYU converted a fourth down deep shot for a 46 yard touchdown, then added a field goal in the fourth to close out the 41 to 21 win.
The Frost Era Finds Its Footing
Despite the loss, UCF’s season ends with growth. The Knights added an extra win to last year’s total and showed flashes of the fast, aggressive identity that defined Frost’s first run in Orlando. Wins over North Carolina, North Carolina A and T and Jacksonville State provided a perfect non conference stretch. Conference victories over West Virginia and Oklahoma State showed that UCF belongs in the Big 12 conversation.
UCF also pushed several contenders to the brink and proved they can compete with the league’s best when locked in.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Knights now shift immediately into roster building as the early signing period opens Dec. 3 to 5. The 2026 slate offers five Big 12 home games, including visits from Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, Iowa State and TCU. Bethune Cookman and Georgia State come to Orlando in non conference play, while UCF travels to Pitt as well as Colorado, Houston, Kansas and Oklahoma State.
The future feels promising. If UCF can bottle the opening quarter in Provo and stretch it across four quarters next fall, the program could take a significant step forward in Frost’s second era.
