Kansas Jayhawks vs. UCF Knights football: Game prediction, betting odds, TV info

For the first time in a while, the Kansas Jayhawks football team will play a road game.

The Jayhawks will be in Orlando on Saturday to face UCF. KU leads 1-0 in the all-time series against the Knights.

Here’s a closer look at Saturday’s showdown in Orlando:

KU football vs. UCF game details

Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4

Where: FBC Mortgage Stadium (Orlando)

TV: ESPN2

Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City, Wichita 92.3

Betting line: Kansas is a 4.5-point favorite.

Kansas-UCF game prediction

This should be a bounce-back game for the Jayhawks.

Following an abysmal defensive performance against Cincinnati, KU’s defense will face a UCF offense that struggles to pass the ball. The Knights are averaging just one passing touchdown per game. On top of that, starting quarterback Tayven Jackson has had an up-and-down season. Jackson has 809 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception. UCF has played three different quarterbacks, so there’s no guarantee that Jackson even starts this weekend.

The biggest challenge for the Jayhawks’ defense this season has been dual-threat quarterbacks who are accurate passers. Luckily for KU, Jackson isn’t that. Look for UCF to run the ball primarily, but Kansas has fared much better against the run. So the Jayhawks’ defense shouldn’t struggle.

On the other hand, UCF’s defense will present some challenges for KU. The Knights rank No. 21 in the country in points allowed per game (15). In fact, opponents are averaging just 129 passing yards a game against them.

This will be a good test QB Jalon Daniels, who’s off to a terrific start this season. He has 1,262 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions in this season. He’s added 214 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground. He’s tied for second in the nation in passing touchdowns.

I don’t see him slowing down Saturday. It might be a little more difficult than usual, but his dual-threat ability has helped open up KU’s passing attack.

For that reason, I believe the Jayhawks will win and cover the spread.

Prediction: Kansas 31, UCF 17

Shreyas’ pick to cover: Kansas (-4.5)

Season record: 4-1

Season record (ATS): 3-2.

This story was originally published October 3, 2025 at 9:55 AM.

Shreyas Laddha

The Kansas City Star

Shreyas Laddha covers KU hoops and football for The Star. He’s a Georgia native and graduated from the University of Georgia.