The Bounce House was electric Saturday afternoon as the UCF Knights delivered their most complete performance of the season, routing West Virginia 45–13 to secure their first Big 12 victory of 2025. Behind a balanced offensive attack, a suffocating defense, and explosive special teams, the Knights gave fans plenty to cheer about during Homecoming weekend.

UCF wasted no time asserting control. Quarterback Tayven Jackson orchestrated a 97-yard opening drive capped by a 40-yard strike to Chris Domercant, marking the Knights’ longest scoring drive of the season. The pair connected again late in the first quarter on a 34-yard touchdown, giving UCF a 14–0 lead after two scoring drives that showcased rhythm and precision.

The Knights’ offense, led by head coach Scott Frost, looked sharper than it had all season, racking up 578 total yards while converting key fourth downs that extended drives and built confidence. Frost praised his team’s execution, saying the group “played more of a complete game today, and it’s awesome to do it in the Bounce House on Homecoming.”

Running back Jaden Nixon was unstoppable, racking up 116 yards on just seven carries, including an 83-yard sprint in the third quarter — tying for the sixth-longest run in program history. His two touchdowns highlighted a dominant rushing performance that produced 255 yards on the ground.

“We definitely needed this one,” Nixon said after the game. “Being back home on Homecoming, you can’t lose that one. It just feels good to get rolling again and build some momentum for the rest of the season.”

Freshman quarterback Davi Belfort added his first career touchdown on a 10-yard run late in the fourth, sealing the victory and giving UCF its highest point total since September.

While the offense dazzled, the defense may have been even more impressive. Linebacker Keli Lawson returned a fumble 32 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter after defensive end Nyjalik Kelly forced the turnover. The play broke the game open, giving the Knights a 28–7 advantage and energizing the crowd of more than 43,000 at Acrisure Bounce House.

UCF recorded eight sacks, its highest total since 2007, and limited West Virginia to just 210 total yards. The Mountaineers managed only seven points through three quarters and were held to 79 passing yards while averaging just 2.7 yards per play.

“Our defense has been playing really well for a while,” Frost said. “I think this was their most complete game. The strip and score changed the game — that blew it open.”

Kicker Noe Ruelas continued his stellar season with a booming 51-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, marking his second make from 50+ yards this season. His consistency rounded out a complete three-phase effort that saw the Knights dominate time of possession (33:07 to 26:53) and field position.

Saturday’s win also marked UCF’s first-ever victory over West Virginia, improving the Knights’ all-time Homecoming record to 32–14 and snapping a two-game October losing streak dating back to 2022.

Looking Ahead

At 4–3 overall and 1–3 in Big 12 play, UCF heads into its bye week with momentum and renewed confidence. The Knights will return to action November 1, looking to continue their resurgence in conference play.

“This was much needed,” Nixon said. “We can celebrate it this weekend, but Monday we go right back to work.”

Final Score: UCF 45, West Virginia 13
Location: Acrisure Bounce House, Orlando, FL
Attendance: 43,445