The undefeated University of Central Florida football team received its first consensus preseason top-25 ranking when the Associated Press and Coach’s Poll released their list Monday.
The Knights went 13-0 after knocking off Memphis for the second time at the AAC Championship and Auburn on New Year’s Day at the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl. After the roaring sweep of the season, a controversial, but well-earned No. 6 ranking was bestowed to UCF. It would be their third top-25 finish since 2010.
A complete coaching staff reset, with the return of key players, has raised question marks to how the Knights might perform in 2018. Typically, a change in coaching staff has been the precursor to a rebuilding season, however, given last year’s performance and the schedule for this season, UCF has a strong chance for at least a 10-2 finish.
UCF Football responded to the ranking with a tweet illustrating a chip on their shoulder, eager to repeat the 2017 season under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel.
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 20, 2018
The Knights’ home opener is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. against South Carolina State.
👇Great illustration of the “perception” battle we are facing. I couldn’t be more confident that we have the student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans & donors to build #UCF in to a perennial Top 25 Intercollegiate Athletics Program. At that point, “perception” should = “reality.” https://t.co/4KBrvF1YaE
— Danny White (@UCFDannyWhite) August 20, 2018
