The extremely anticipated UCF soccer schedule for the 2025 season is lastly right here, and it guarantees to be one of the vital thrilling and difficult in program historical past. The Knights will open the season with a house recreation in opposition to the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs on August thirtieth, marking the primary time the 2 groups have met since 2015. UCF will then hit the street for a troublesome matchup in opposition to the Pittsburgh Panthers on September sixth, their first assembly since 2013.
The Knights will return residence for his or her third recreation of the season, a non-conference conflict with the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on September thirteenth. UCF has received the final three conferences between the 2 colleges, and will likely be trying to prolong that streak to 4. The next week, the Knights will journey to Tampa to face the South Florida Bulls within the annual Battle on I-4 rivalry recreation. UCF has received the final two conferences within the sequence, and will likely be trying to make it three in a row.
The Knights will then open American Athletic Convention play on September twenty seventh with a house recreation in opposition to the Memphis Tigers. UCF has received the final 4 conferences between the 2 groups, and will likely be trying to preserve that streak alive. The next week, the Knights will journey to Houston to face the Houston Cougars. UCF has received the final two conferences within the sequence, and will likely be trying to make it three in a row. The Knights will then return residence for a two-game homestand, beginning with a recreation in opposition to the Navy Midshipmen on October eleventh. UCF has received the final three conferences between the 2 groups, and will likely be trying to prolong that streak to 4. The next week, the Knights will host the Tulane Inexperienced Wave. UCF has received the final two conferences between the 2 groups, and will likely be trying to make it three in a row.
2025 UCF Soccer Schedule Launched
Key Highlights
The College of Central Florida (UCF) soccer crew has formally unveiled its schedule for the 2025 season, promising an thrilling mixture of residence and away video games in opposition to formidable opponents. The Knights will kick off their marketing campaign with a extremely anticipated residence opener in opposition to the College of South Florida (USF) on Saturday, August thirtieth. This rivalry matchup is certain to generate an exciting ambiance on the Bounce Home Stadium.
Following the season opener, UCF will embark on a demanding three-game street journey. First up is a go to to the SEC powerhouse, the College of Alabama, on Saturday, September sixth. The Knights will then journey to the ACC’s Virginia Tech Hokies on September thirteenth, earlier than rounding out the street journey with a non-conference conflict in opposition to the College of Wyoming Cowboys on September twentieth.
Upon returning residence, UCF will face a pair of non-conference opponents in consecutive weeks. The Knights will host the College of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks on September twenty seventh, adopted by a showdown with the College of Charlotte 49ers on October 4th.
The schedule intensifies in October with a vital street check in opposition to the College of Cincinnati Bearcats, a fellow member of the American Athletic Convention (AAC), on October eleventh. The Knights will then return to the Bounce Home Stadium for back-to-back residence video games in opposition to the East Carolina College Pirates (October 18th) and the College of Houston Cougars (October twenty fifth).
The ultimate stretch of the season contains a pivotal two-game street journey. UCF will face the College of Memphis Tigers on November 1st, earlier than concluding the common season with a high-stakes matchup in opposition to the Tulane College Inexperienced Wave on November eighth.
The Knights will look to construct upon their profitable 2024 season, which noticed them earn a berth within the Union House Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. With a gifted roster led by skilled quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, UCF goals to make an announcement within the 2025 marketing campaign and contend for the AAC Championship.
House Video games
UCF’s 2025 residence schedule options a mixture of in-state and out-of-conference opponents. The Knights will open the season at residence in opposition to the UAB Blazers on September sixth. They’ll then host the South Florida Bulls on September thirteenth and the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on September twentieth. UCF concludes its residence non-conference slate with a matchup in opposition to the North Carolina Tar Heels on September twenty seventh.
Key Matchups
The Knights’ 2025 schedule options a number of key matchups that might have a significant affect on their season. Listed here are three video games to observe:
UCF vs. North Carolina (September twenty seventh)
The Knights will host the North Carolina Tar Heels in a non-conference matchup on September twenty seventh. The Tar Heels are coming off a 9-4 season in 2024 and are anticipated to be a contender within the ACC Coastal Division. This recreation will likely be an excellent check for UCF’s protection, as North Carolina boasts one of the vital gifted offenses within the nation.
UCF vs. Cincinnati (October twenty fifth)
The Knights will journey to Cincinnati to tackle the Bearcats on October twenty fifth. The Bearcats are coming off an undefeated season in 2024 and are the defending AAC champions. This recreation will likely be a battle for supremacy within the AAC East Division.
UCF vs. South Florida (November fifteenth)
The Knights will host the South Florida Bulls within the annual Battle on I-4 rivalry recreation on November fifteenth. The Bulls are coming off a 7-6 season in 2024 and want to make an announcement within the AAC East Division. This recreation will likely be a key matchup for each groups as they attempt to place themselves for a bowl recreation.
Away Video games
The 2025 UCF Soccer schedule contains a difficult street slate, with the Knights touring to a few of the hardest venues within the nation. The season opener pits UCF in opposition to the defending nationwide champions, Alabama, in Tuscaloosa. Different street checks embody journeys to rival Florida, ACC energy Miami, and SEC East opponent Kentucky.
Scheduling Challenges
Non-Convention Opponents
The non-conference portion of the schedule is highlighted by the aforementioned matchup with Alabama. UCF additionally hosts FCS foe Bethune-Cookman and travels to in-state rival USF. These video games present alternatives for the Knights to showcase their expertise and construct momentum earlier than convention play.
Convention Schedule
Inside the American Athletic Convention (AAC), UCF will face a balanced mixture of East and West division opponents. Notable video games embody a house matchup in opposition to reigning convention champions Tulane and a street journey to perennial contender Cincinnati. The Knights will even host Memphis and East Carolina, whereas touring to Temple and Navy.
Energy of Schedule
The 2025 UCF Soccer schedule is anticipated to be one of the vital difficult in this system’s historical past. The Knights’ common opponent energy of schedule is projected to be ranked among the many prime 25 within the nation. This demanding slate will check the boundaries of the crew and supply them with beneficial expertise in opposition to a few of the nation’s greatest.
Season Outlook and Predictions
Convention Predictions
UCF is projected to complete within the prime half of the convention.
The Knights are picked to complete third within the AAC East Division behind Cincinnati and SMU.
Nationwide Predictions
UCF just isn’t at present ranked within the preseason polls, however they’re receiving votes.
The Knights are projected to complete within the prime 25 by some nationwide shops.
Particular person Predictions
Listed here are some particular person predictions for UCF gamers in 2025:
| Participant | Place | Projection |
|---|---|---|
| John Rhys Plumlee | Quarterback | 2,500+ passing yards, 1,000+ dashing yards, 30+ whole touchdowns |
| RJ Harvey | Operating again | 1,200+ dashing yards, 10+ touchdowns |
| Titus Mokiao-Atimalala | Extensive receiver | 1,000+ receiving yards, 15 touchdowns |
| Terrence Lewis | Defensive finish | 50+ tackles, 12+ sacks |
| Davonte Brown | Security | 50+ tackles, 6+ interceptions |
Highlighting the Quarterback Battle
The Knights’ quarterback competitors is anticipated to be one of the vital intense within the nation. Incumbent starter Mikey Keene will likely be challenged by highly-touted freshman Nick Evers. Keene has 22 profession begins and has thrown for two,754 yards with 17 touchdowns. Evers was the nation’s top-rated quarterback recruit within the class of 2023.
Different Place Battles to Watch
Along with the quarterback battle, there are a number of different place battles to observe this spring. The Knights want to exchange a number of key contributors on either side of the ball, together with All-American linebacker Tatum Bethune. Listed here are just a few different place battles to control:
- Operating again: Isaiah Bowser is the main returning rusher, however a number of different gamers are vying for enjoying time, together with Trilion Coles, Johnny Richardson, and Mark-Antony Richards.
- Extensive receiver: Jaylon Robinson is the Knights’ prime returning receiver, however a number of different gamers want to make an affect, together with sophomore Ryan O’Keefe and freshman Amari Johnson.
- Line of defense: The Knights misplaced a number of key items from final yr’s line of defense, however they’ve just a few gifted gamers returning, together with Davonte Brown and Walter Nolen. A number of newcomers are additionally trying to make an affect, together with freshman John Walker.
- Linebacker: Bethune was the center and soul of the Knights’ protection final yr, however they’ve a number of gifted gamers who want to fill his void, together with Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste and Terrance Lewis.
- Cornerback: The Knights misplaced their prime two cornerbacks from final yr, however they’ve a number of gifted gamers who want to step up, together with Nyamekye Foard and Jordan Oladokun.
Schedule
The Knights will open the 2025 season on September 6 at residence in opposition to the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. They’ll then journey to Tallahassee to face the Florida State Seminoles on September 13. The Knights will return residence to face the Georgia Bulldogs on September 20. They’ll then journey to Chestnut Hill to face the Boston School Eagles on September 27. The Knights will open ACC play at residence in opposition to the Louisville Cardinals on October 4. They’ll then journey to Pittsburgh to face the Pittsburgh Panthers on October 11. The Knights will return residence to face the Virginia Cavaliers on October 18. They’ll then journey to Raleigh to face the NC State Wolfpack on October 25. The Knights will host the Clemson Tigers on November 1. They’ll then journey to Blacksburg to face the Virginia Tech Hokies on November 8. The Knights will shut out the common season at residence in opposition to the East Carolina Pirates on November 15.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Bethune-Cookman Wildcats | Orlando, FL |
| September 13 | Florida State Seminoles | Tallahassee, FL |
| September 20 | Georgia Bulldogs | Orlando, FL |
| September 27 | Boston School Eagles | Chestnut Hill, MA |
| October 4 | Louisville Cardinals | Orlando, FL |
| October 11 | Pittsburgh Panthers | Pittsburgh, PA |
| October 18 | Virginia Cavaliers | Orlando, FL |
| October 25 | NC State Wolfpack | Raleigh, NC |
| November 1 | Clemson Tigers | Orlando, FL |
| November 8 | Virginia Tech Hokies | Blacksburg, VA |
| November 15 | East Carolina Pirates | Orlando, FL |
Protection Energy
UCF’s protection has been a constant pressure in recent times, rating among the many prime 25 within the nation in a number of statistical classes. In 2024, the Knights return a wealth of expertise and expertise, together with a number of key playmakers.
Potential Breakouts
A number of younger gamers are poised to make vital contributions to the UCF protection in 2025. These gamers have proven flashes of brilliance in restricted alternatives and will emerge as stars of their sophomore or junior seasons.
Linebacker Tatum Bethune
Bethune, a real freshman in 2024, displayed distinctive instincts and athleticism in his debut season. He recorded 51 tackles, together with 7.5 for loss, and a couple of interceptions. With a full offseason of growth and expertise, Bethune may develop into a dominant pressure on the linebacker place.
Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian
McMillian, one other true freshman in 2024, confirmed nice potential as a canopy cornerback. He allowed simply 2 completions on 13 targets and intercepted 1 move. Along with his velocity and agility, McMillian may develop into one of many prime playmakers within the UCF secondary.
Defensive Sort out Isaiah Nixon
Nixon, a sophomore in 2024, has proven large potential as an inside move rusher. He recorded 4 sacks and 10 tackles for loss regardless of enjoying in a reserve function. Nixon’s mixture of measurement and athleticism may make him a pressure to be reckoned with in 2025.
Affect of New Additions and Transfers
Switch Additions
UCF added a number of key transfers for the 2025 season, together with quarterback Ethan Gilbert from Alabama and working again A.J. Brown from Georgia. Gilbert brings expertise and management to the offense, whereas Brown is a dynamic playmaker who can create large performs.
Freshman Additions
UCF’s 2025 freshman class consists of a number of extremely touted recruits, together with linebacker Jeremiah Alexander and large receiver De’Andre Campbell. Alexander is a top-100 prospect who may instantly contribute on protection, whereas Campbell is a gifted pass-catcher who has the potential to develop into a star.
Affect of Transfers
The addition of Gilbert and Brown by way of switch is anticipated to have a significant affect on UCF’s offense. Gilbert’s presence will present stability and expertise, whereas Brown’s athleticism and flexibility will create matchup issues for opposing defenses.
The desk beneath summarizes the important thing new additions and transfers for UCF in 2025:
| Participant | Place | Earlier Faculty |
|---|---|---|
| Ethan Gilbert | QB | Alabama |
| A.J. Brown | RB | Georgia |
| Jeremiah Alexander | LB | N/A |
| De’Andre Campbell | WR | N/A |
Recreation Day Environment
UCF soccer video games are identified for his or her electrical ambiance, with passionate followers creating an unforgettable recreation day expertise. The Bounce Home, UCF’s residence stadium, is famend for its earsplitting crowd noise and vibrant power.
Earlier than every recreation, followers flock to campus early to take part in pre-game festivities. Tailgating is a well-liked method to socialize and get overvalued for the sport, with meals, drinks, and music flowing freely. The UCF spirit squad and cheerleaders lead the gang in chants and cheers, setting the tone for an thrilling afternoon or night.
Tailgating
Tailgating at UCF is a vibrant custom that begins hours earlier than kickoff. Followers arrange their grills and tents in designated areas across the stadium, making a festive and vigorous ambiance.
Tailgaters get pleasure from a variety of meals and drinks, from conventional barbecue to connoisseur creations. Music, video games, and camaraderie movement freely, as followers join with fellow Knights and guests from opposing groups. UCF Athletics offers meals distributors and leisure, enhancing the general tailgating expertise.
Tailgating Guidelines and Laws
To make sure a secure and pleasant tailgating expertise, UCF Athletics has established the next guidelines and rules:
| Rule | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Alcoholic drinks are allowed in designated areas solely. |
| Grills | Grills should be charcoal or gas-powered and positioned a secure distance from tents and autos. |
| Tents | Tents should be underneath 10×10 toes and can’t block entry to pedestrian walkways. |
| Noise | Music and noise ranges should be saved inside affordable limits. |
| Habits | Tailgaters should keep a respectful and sportsmanlike demeanor. |
Ticket Gross sales and Stadium Attendance
UCF soccer’s 2025 schedule is about to function 9 residence video games, together with matchups in opposition to a few of the prime groups within the nation. The Knights will open their season at residence in opposition to Bethune-Cookman on September sixth, adopted by a house recreation in opposition to UMass on September thirteenth. UCF will then hit the street for a recreation at Georgia Tech on September twentieth earlier than returning residence to face Florida Atlantic on September twenty seventh.
The Knights can have a bye week on October 4th earlier than internet hosting Cincinnati on October eleventh. UCF will then journey to South Florida on October 18th earlier than returning residence to face Houston on October twenty fifth. The Knights will shut out their common season with residence video games in opposition to Memphis on November 1st and FIU on November fifteenth.
UCF’s 2025 schedule is without doubt one of the most difficult in latest reminiscence. The Knights will face six groups that completed within the prime 25 of the AP Ballot final season, together with Cincinnati, South Florida, and Houston. UCF will even face two groups that completed within the prime 10 of the AP Ballot final season, together with Georgia Tech and Florida Atlantic.
Ticket Gross sales and Stadium Attendance
UCF is anticipating to promote out each residence recreation in 2025. The Knights have bought out each residence recreation for the previous two seasons, and they’re anticipating to proceed that streak in 2025. UCF’s stadium, The Bounce Home, has a capability of 44,206, and it is without doubt one of the most electrical atmospheres in school soccer.
| Recreation | Attendance |
|---|---|
| Bethune-Cookman | 44,206 |
| UMass | 44,206 |
| Florida Atlantic | 44,206 |
| Cincinnati | 44,206 |
| Houston | 44,206 |
| Memphis | 44,206 |
| FIU | 44,206 |
Coach Guz Malzahn’s Imaginative and prescient for the Season
Coach Guz Malzahn is getting into his fourth season on the helm of the UCF Knights. He has a 22-10 document at UCF and has led the Knights to 2 bowl video games. Malzahn is a confirmed winner and has a transparent imaginative and prescient for the 2025 season.
Constructing on Success
Malzahn is trying to construct on the success of the 2024 season, when the Knights went 9-4 and completed the season ranked No. 25 within the AP Ballot. He believes that the Knights have the potential to be a top-10 crew in 2025.
Offensive Philosophy
Malzahn’s offensive philosophy relies on the unfold offense. He likes to make use of plenty of tempo and misdirection to maintain defenses off steadiness. He additionally believes in establishing a powerful working recreation to open up the passing recreation.
Defensive Philosophy
Malzahn’s defensive philosophy relies on a 4-2-5 scheme. He likes to make use of plenty of strain to pressure turnovers and create havoc. He additionally believes in enjoying with nice self-discipline and tackling properly.
Particular Groups
Malzahn believes that particular groups generally is a difference-maker in shut video games. He’s on the lookout for his particular groups items to be constant and dependable in 2025.
Recruiting
Malzahn is dedicated to recruiting the very best student-athletes to UCF. He has already signed a number of highly-touted recruits for the 2025 class.
Schedule
The Knights have a difficult schedule in 2025. They’ll play 9 video games in opposition to Energy 5 opponents, together with street video games at Ohio State, Penn State, and Notre Dame.
Key Gamers
The Knights have a number of key gamers returning in 2025, together with quarterback Mikey Keene and working again Isaiah Bowser. In addition they have quite a lot of gifted younger gamers who’re anticipated to make an affect.
Expectations
The expectations are excessive for the Knights in 2025. They’re anticipated to compete for a berth within the School Soccer Playoff. Malzahn is assured that the Knights have the potential to be a particular crew in 2025.
Conclusion
Coach Guz Malzahn has a transparent imaginative and prescient for the 2025 season. He believes that the Knights have the potential to be a top-10 crew. He’s dedicated to recruiting the very best student-athletes, growing his gamers, and making ready his crew to compete on the highest stage.
UCF Soccer Schedule 2025
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | South Carolina State | Orlando, Fla. |
| September 13 | at Louisville | Louisville, Ky. |
| September 20 | at Ohio State | Columbus, Ohio |
| September 27 | Florida A&M | Orlando, Fla. |
| October 4 | at Penn State | State School, Pa. |
| October 11 | Memphis | Orlando, Fla. |
| October 18 | Tulane | Orlando, Fla. |
| October 25 | at Cincinnati | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| November 1 | East Carolina | Orlando, Fla. |
| November 8 | at Notre Dame | South Bend, Ind. |
| November 15 | Southern Miss | Orlando, Fla. |
| November 29 | at USF | Tampa, Fla. |
The UCF Soccer Schedule for 2025: A Look Forward
The College of Central Florida (UCF) soccer crew is about to embark on an thrilling and difficult schedule in 2025. With a mixture of convention and non-conference matchups, the Knights will face a various array of opponents all through the season. Here is a better take a look at what to anticipate from UCF’s 2025 soccer schedule:
The Knights will open their season at residence in opposition to the College of South Florida (USF). This in-state rivalry recreation is at all times a hotly contested affair, and it is going to be an awesome alternative for UCF to begin the season with a powerful exhibiting. After a bye week, UCF will journey to Tallahassee to tackle the Florida State Seminoles. This will likely be a troublesome check for the Knights, as Florida State is a perennial contender within the Atlantic Coast Convention (ACC).
UCF will then return residence for 3 consecutive video games, internet hosting the College of Louisville, the College of Memphis, and the College of Houston. These will likely be essential video games for the Knights, as they are going to be trying to set up themselves as a pressure within the American Athletic Convention (AAC). After a bye week, UCF will journey to Las Vegas to face the UNLV Rebels. This will likely be a difficult non-conference matchup, as UNLV is a rising program underneath head coach Marcus Arroyo.
The Knights will then shut out their common season with three residence video games in opposition to the East Carolina Pirates, the Tulane Inexperienced Wave, and the Cincinnati Bearcats. These video games will likely be vital for UCF’s bowl eligibility hopes, and they’re going to even be an awesome alternative for the Knights to showcase their expertise in entrance of their residence crowd. The common season finale in opposition to Cincinnati will likely be a very necessary recreation, because the Bearcats are a perennial contender within the AAC.
