Keegan Smith ready to take on starting role at UCF

Keegan Smith didn’t come to UCF to sit on the bench.

The redshirt senior offensive lineman, now in his second year with the Knights, looks poised to play a major role in 2025 as the likely starter at right guard. It’s a well-earned opportunity for the Jackson, Michigan native, who stayed the course through a coaching change and is now thriving in Scott Frost’s high-tempo system.

“It feels so great to be back out there with the guys,” Smith said following a recent practice. “The brotherhood’s building every day. I’m expecting to have a greater load this year. I’m really excited.”

A new chapter

Smith transferred to UCF from Central Michigan ahead of the 2024 season. He started his college career strong, playing in 12 games with four starts as a true freshman in 2021, before redshirting in 2022 due to injury. He returned as a full-time starter in 2023 before making the move south to Orlando.

At UCF, Smith found himself primarily in a reserve role last fall under former head coach Gus Malzahn. But while others opted to enter the portal following the coaching change, Smith chose to stick around.

“I talked to Coach Frost, and everything else was fine. I was trying to be loyal,” Smith said. “I love it here. This is a really, really great place, and people here are phenomenal. This is home.”

Smith said it didn’t take long to notice a different energy with the new staff.

“I’m really grateful. I’m really appreciative for Coach Frost coming in here,” Smith said. “It seems like a lot of people are on a different kind of vibe and everyone’s really happy. There’s positivity around the building. We’re on a whole different track.”

Building confidence and chemistry

Smith credited offensive line coach Shawn Clark, the former Appalachian State head coach, for instilling confidence and a clear vision for the unit.

“When we had a new staff and new coaches come in, it was really awesome to see new opportunities for me,” Smith said. “Coach Clark sat everyone down and said it was going to be an open competition. That meant a lot.”

Smith said Clark’s approach and offensive scheme fit him well.

“Back to running off the ball, I think that’s something that really benefits me,” he said. “We’re trying to maul people’s faces and really get after people. We’re a lot more fast – ‘UCF fast’ – that’s kind of our motto.”

Clark’s presence has made a huge impact on the room, Smith added.

“I’m beyond blessed to have him. He’s a phenomenal coach. He’s a dad, he gives life advice… “It’s really cool because he was a head coach for a while, and now he’s coming back as a position coach. It’s really awesome. He knows his stuff. I’m really appreciative of him.”

Smith will likely line up next to center Carter Miller and right tackle Preston Cushman, a first-time starter himself. Their connection has grown throughout the offseason.

“Carter and I are super close… Cushman, yeah, he’s my guy. We were just out to dinner the other day talking ball,” Smith said. “We’re communicating on a different level now. He’s been playing outstanding and his confidence is going up. We’re both really excited.”

Veteran presence

As one of the older players on the team, Smith has naturally stepped into more of a leadership role, something that didn’t come easily at first after transferring in.

“Coming in as a transfer, it’s tough to get the trust and love from everyone,” Smith said. “But I feel like that role is being put on me now. I want to be these guys’ older brother. I just hope everyone succeeds, even when I’m gone.”

He’s seen growth across the roster as UCF transitions into game prep mode for Jacksonville State.

“This year, I think everyone has a chip on their shoulder,” Smith said. “A lot of us are coming from different places. But we’re all coming together as a brotherhood and attacking every day.”

He’s especially proud of the energy the offensive line has brought to camp.

“Coach Clark and Coach (Alex) Bear (Farah) are trying to get that attitude back in the offensive line,” Smith said. “We need to be more aggressive, more mean. We’ve got to be the baddest dudes in the room.”

Iron sharpens iron

Practicing under the Florida heat, Smith wanted to make sure he gave a shout out to UCF’s Director of Sports Nutrition.

“I’d like to thank Miss Aneta (Miksovska), she gives me the right resources to stay hydrated and get ready for this heat,” Smith said. “Every day is a blessing.”

He’s also appreciative of the competition he faces daily at practice.

“John Walker, I go against him every day. I’m super blessed because going against him is only making me better,” Smith said. “RJ (Jackson), Horace (Lockett), they do a great job too. The young guys are coming along as well.”

Ready for kickoff

With the season opener now just days away, Smith said he’s “itching” to finally hit someone else.

“I’m sick of hitting my own guys,” he said with a laugh. “I’m excited to play in front of the Bounce House and get our fans in there. It’s going to be fun.”

He knows not many on the outside are predicting big things for UCF this season, but that’s fine with him.

“We’ve got to believe inside. Block out the noise,” Smith said. “We’re ready. We’ve got a chip on our shoulder. We’re happy to be out there. We’re happy to be here. It’s a blessing.”

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