Kansas football vs. UCF: Five things to know about Jayhawks’ next Big 12 game
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas enters as a 3.5-point favorite in its second-ever meeting with UCF.
- UCF ranks 21st nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 15 points per game.
- QB Jalon Daniels leads KU offense with 1,262 passing yards, 17 total touchdowns.
After a last-minute loss to Cincinnati on Saturday, the Jayhawks (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) will look to bounce back vs. UCF on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Knights (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) lost to K-State over the weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s game:
KU football vs. UCF: Game details
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4
Where: FBC Mortgage Stadium (Orlando)
TV: ESPN2
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City
Early betting line: Kansas is a 3.5-point favorite.
Five things to know about KU-UCF
1. This game will be the second meeting between the two sides. KU won the lone matchup 51-22 in the 2023 season. The Jayhawks finished with 399 team rushing yards, led by former star running back Devin Neal, who had 155 of them.
2. UCF’s defense is excellent. The Knights rank No. 21 in the country in points allowed per game (15). Opponents are averaging just 129 passing yards a game against them. Last Saturday, UCF limited K-State quarterback Avery Johnson to 168 passing yards.
3. UCF quarterback Tayven Jackson has had an up-and-down season. So far, Jackson has 809 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He’s added 75 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Jackson was injured last week vs. K-State. According to coach Scott Frost, his status is to be determined.
4. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is off to the best start of his collegiate career. This season, Daniels has 1,262 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He’s added 214 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground. In fact, his passing touchdowns through five games (16) have surpassed his total from last season (14). He’s tied for second in the nation in passing touchdowns.
5. Linebacker Lewis Carter is the player to watch on the UCF defense. He leads the team in total tackles (25) and is tied for first in solo tackles (15). He also has one sack and one forced fumble. The Oklahoma transfer has been a key addition for the Knights’ defense.
This story was originally published September 29, 2025 at 12:18 PM.
