In a dramatic, weather-delayed opener that tested patience and resilience, the UCF Knights secured a pivotal 17–10 victory over Jacksonville State on Thursday night at Acrisure Bounce House. The win delivers the 300th victory in program history and marks the start of Scott Frost’s second stint with a flourish.

What began as a standard opener turned into an ordeal — nearly five hours in length — thanks to a two-hour, seven-minute lightning delay that paused the action early in the second quarter. When play resumed, UCF leaned on its depth and discipline to grind out a crucial win.

Redshirt senior Cam Fancher began the game as the starter but exited following an injury post-delay. In stepped Tayven Jackson, who commanded the offense with poise—going 17-for-24 passing for 282 yards and two touchdowns. His composure stabilized the offense when it needed it most. Offensive Fireworks and Game-Winning Drive

Jackson found Dylan Wade for a 40-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, pulling UCF ahead 10–3. After Jacksonville State evened the score, the Knights responded with a 64-yard, six-play march in just 32 seconds. Jackson scrambled for 15 yards and then connected with DJ Black on a 33-yard touchdown on a naked bootleg to clinch the win with just over a minute left.

On defense, cornerback Jayden Williams delivered a late-game highlight by stuffing a Jacksonville State fourth-down attempt, flipping momentum back to UCF. The defense held steadfast in the waning moments to preserve the victory.

Milestones and Streaks

The win not only marked UCF’s 300th program victory, but also extended several notable streaks:

  • 10th consecutive season-opening win under Frost’s tenure.

  • 11th straight Thursday-night win, ranking third among FBS programs historically.

  • The victory became Frost’s 20th career win with the Knights, extending his personal season-opening streak to 14 straight wins.

Running back Myles Montgomery was a consistent force, rushing for 79 yards on 21 carries and adding 71 receiving yards on three catches—giving UCF balanced production and playmaking in key moments.

Final Score: UCF 17, Jacksonville State 10
Record: UCF (1–0)

This gritty and hard-earned victory sets a resilient tone for the Knights as the Big 12 schedule looms ahead. With Frost back in Orlando and milestones falling, the Bounce House atmosphere couldn’t have asked for a more dramatic opener.