UCF football to explore adding the 'right' fifth-year guys, Scott Frost says

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ORLANDO — UCF football opened preseason training camp on a humid morning Aug. 3, precisely one month before welcoming Bethune-Cookman to the Acrisure Bounce House. The Knights listed 107 players on their roster, but that might not be the final number, considering a recent ruling in the U.S. District Court of Colorado.

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Judge Charlotte Sweeney issued an injunction against the NCAA on July 31 to allow all athletes that graduated high school in the class of 2022 a fifth year of eligibility. While the primary benefactors have been men's basketball veterans to this point, such as recent Texas Tech transfer Jamichael Stillwell, football players who thought their eligibility clock had expired are quickly exploring avenues to return to school.

"Feel free to call us if you get any rules figured out," Knights head coach Scott Frost said.

"I think you have to be light on your feet in this day and age. … We're trying to get it figured out. We'll always look for ways to upgrade our roster, but it's way too early to know what that means at this point. We're certainly exploring some options. If we figure anything out and get anything decided, you guys will know real quick."

The NCAA, which recently adopted the age-based "five-for five" eligibility model, is expected to appeal the injunction. Sweeney clarified Aug. 2 that athletes granted a fifth year of eligibility do not override current transfer rules, roster limits or revenue-sharing totals, according to court documents.

If a college football roster is full, a player taking advantage of the injunction cannot join the team, regardless of the court ruling. It also means a program cannot go over its revenue-sharing total to pay one of the class of 2022 players granted a fifth year.

According to Bryson Turner of UCF Knights on SI, linebacker Cole Kozlowski, safety Phillip Dunnam and defensive end Nyjalik Kelly would fall under this provision with regards to UCF's 2025 squad. Kelly, however, signed a pro contract with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent and is with the team in training camp.

Dunnam attended a rookie minicamp with the Tennessee Titans but did not receive a contract. Kozlowski, an All-Big 12 third team selection, is a free agent. Both players acknowledged the ruling on social media, though neither has stated publicly an intention to pursue a return to UCF.

Senior linebacker Lewis Carter, expected to be named one of UCF's captains this fall, said he would welcome additions to the team — provided they are ready to hit the ground running.

"We're a tight-knit group," Carter said. "We'll welcome anybody in as long as they're willing to work and (uphold) the standard we have here."

Frost said UCF has room, if needed and able, to make extra signings for 2026. UCF valued proven production in comprising this year's roster. It seeks to improve upon a 5-7 record, including an 0-5 mark away from home.

The Knights left few stones unturned when seeking developmental prospects as well, making the summertime signings of English-born linebacker Arthur Kingdom from the European League of Football's Prague Lions and 6-foot-11, 275-pound offensive tackle Daniel Marcellinus from Campbell University's basketball team.

"It's got to be the right guy," Frost said. "We have such a good culture and such a good thing in the building. It looks like, even if anybody is able to come back, it's got to be a guy that was on our team or is in the portal. But, again, we're trying to figure all that out like everybody else right now.

"The only thing you can be sure of is if you hold your breath long enough then the rules will change before you breathe again."

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: UCF football to explore adding the 'right' fifth-year guys, Scott Frost says

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