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UCF has put the talent together for the makings of a strong season in Year 2 under head coach Scott Frost. This is not only an older UCF team, but a roster that prioritized retaining talent while improving big-time at quarterback with Alonza Barnett III. Still, a lot of national media aren't keen on the Knights, but the internal expectations for what this roster can accomplish are a lot higher. They have championship aspirations. Following a 73-6 victory over Bethune-Cookman, UCF clearly has the ability to score, defend and execute, but can they accomplish those driving factors once conference play starts? Here are five bold predictions for the 2026 season: Alonza Barnett III Throws for Over 3,000 Yards: UCF's success this season relies on its quarterback and, in the words of coach Frost, this team will go as far as Alonza Barnett III takes them. They have the playmakers, and he is a proven winner eager to prove he can compete in a Power Four conference. The best way to prove it is by having a tremendous season where he throws for over 3,000 passing yards, a feat he's yet to accomplish in his college career. There are signs UCF will be utilizing the pass a lot this season, especially in short-passing situations. (Photo: Nate Hill/Staff , 247Sports)   Barnett reached 2,806 passing yards last season while throwing for 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions at James Madison. He also added 589 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns while leading the Dukes to a Sun Belt championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. With a stronger core around him at UCF, those expectations rise even higher. Barnett has already shown he can make plays with his arm and his legs, and now he has an opportunity to take another step as the Knights' starting quarterback. If UCF is going to accomplish its championship aspirations, Barnett will be one of the biggest factors in determining how far this team can go. Tyren Hornes Starts a Game: It feels like no one had a more impressive camp than freshman wide receiver Tyren Hornes, who really impressed with his ability to fit in with the seniors as a freshman and make an immediate impact. His ability to create space, go up for jump balls and use his breakaway speed is only going to get better as the season progresses. Throughout the season, Hornes could find his way to the top of the depth chart if the cards continue to fall his way and he continues to earn his reps. UCF Will Finish Top Six in Turnovers UCF's defense really impressed last season when there weren't many expectations surrounding the unit. With the improved play, the Knights were able to keep UCF in many games despite underwhelming offensive performances. Now, they turn the page and look to get even better, and that starts with creating more turnovers. With returning talent in the secondary, Lewis Carter anchoring the middle of the field and an experienced defensive line in the trenches, UCF's main emphasis this offseason was improving its ability to create turnovers by putting a larger emphasis on awareness of the ball. That was displayed against Bethune-Cookman when Aymeric Koumba couldn't get past the tackle for the sack. Instead of giving up on the play, he continued fighting around the outside and reached his hand around to knock the ball loose. Despite not recovering the fumble himself, it was impressive to see Koumba make a play even after he initially couldn't get to the quarterback. (Photo: Nate Hill/Staff , 247Sports)   That type of effort is exactly what UCF will need throughout the season. The Knights have emphasized creating turnovers, and with the talent they have returning across all three levels of the defense, there's a chance that emphasis translates into more takeaways. I'm predicting the Knights to finish in the top six nationally in turnovers this season. Lewis Carter Leads the Big 12 in Tackles: Outside of the addition of Alonza Barnett III, Lewis Carter is arguably the next most important player on this team and is critical to UCF's success. The true anchor of the defense, Carter has established himself as a leader throughout the locker room and coaching staff, while also possessing true game-changing ability. That starts with his ability to lead the defense in tackles, but with a tremendous season, which he is capable of having, Carter could potentially lead the Big 12 in tackles by the end of the season. Coach Scott Frost agrees that Carter could be a truly special player.   (Photo: Nate Hill/Staff , 247Sports) "Yeah, I think Lew, you know, if he stays healthy and does what I've seen him do for a long time, he's going to be one of the most productive players in our league and beyond this year," Frost said. "It was really exciting to see him and [Jayden Williams] both show up because they've been showing up all through camp and I think those are going to be two guys that make a ton of game-changing plays for us this year." UCF Finishes With a Winning Conference Record and Wins a Bowl Game: UCF hasn't participated in a bowl game since its first season in the Big 12 and has yet to win a bowl game since joining the conference. This could be the season that changes. With a predicted 7-5 record, UCF finishes the conference season strong and goes on to play in and win a bowl game, cementing this season as a turning point for the Knights as they look to develop into a stronger roster for years to come. This prediction really lies on the stars of this team remaining healthy, most importantly Alonza Barnett III. If Barnett and the rest of UCF's key players can stay healthy throughout the season, the Knights have an opportunity to finish strong and build momentum heading into the future. 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