By: Ethan Horner
(Photo/UCF Athletics)
The UCF Knights enter the 2026 season looking to be a spoiler in the Big 12 and make some noise in a competitive conference. The Knights hope to build momentum throughout the season, get hot at the right time, and make a run toward the NCAA Tournament as they look to take another step forward this year.
One of the biggest keys for UCF will be the return of leading scorer Riley Kugel, who returns for his fifth year of college basketball. Kugel's experience and familiarity with the program should provide valuable veteran leadership for a team looking to compete in the Big 12. His scoring ability will be crucial to the Knights' success, especially when facing some of the conference's toughest opponents.
The Knights also added a major piece through the transfer portal in Dior Johnson, who joins UCF after an impressive season at Tarleton State. Johnson averaged 24 points per game last season while shooting 50% from the field, showcasing his ability to score efficiently and take over offensively. His arrival gives the Knights another potential go-to scorer and could provide a significant boost to their offensive production.
With Kugel's experience and Johnson's scoring ability, UCF has the potential to put together a dangerous backcourt. The combination of a proven veteran and a high-scoring transfer could give the Knights the offensive firepower they need to compete with some of the Big 12's top teams.
Ultimately, UCF's success will depend on how quickly its roster comes together, how consistently the Knights perform on both ends of the floor, and whether they can find ways to win close games against quality competition. If the returning leadership and new additions mesh well, the Knights could surprise some teams in the Big 12 and put themselves in the conversation for an NCAA Tournament appearance.