Tayven Jackson connects with fans in Oviedo, prepares for first Space Game start

OVIEDO, Fla. — Before leading UCF into Friday night’s Space Game, quarterback Tayven Jackson took a detour from football this week to reconnect with the community. On Tuesday night, Jackson was the special guest at the grand reopening of the newly remodeled Planet Fitness in Oviedo, where he did a meet & greet with fans, posing for pictures and signing autographs.

“It was great to see,” Jackson said. “I’m so thankful for all these fans coming out and just wanting to say hi. It makes me feel good and makes me feel like I’m doing something right.”

Jackson said he was a regular at his hometown Planet Fitness growing up in Greenwood, Indiana.

“I used to go with my mom and dad. So it’s bringing back a little bit of memories,” he said. “This place has cryo, red lights… might even be a good spot for some rehab.”

That mention of rehab wasn’t casual. Jackson’s dealt with a shoulder issue throughout the season, but says he’s feeling as close to 100% as he has all year.

“I feel healthy, feel ready to go,” Jackson said. “The athletic staff has done an unbelievable job of getting me right.”

All eyes on the Space Game

Next up for Jackson and the Knights (4-4, 1-4 Big 12) is a high-stakes primetime matchup against Houston (7-2, 4-2), who just fell out of the Top 25 after a 45-35 home loss to West Virginia. It’s not just any game, it’s the annual Space Game, a tradition that honors UCF’s deep roots in the U.S. space program and has become one of the most unique spectacles in college football.

UCF is 8-0 all-time in Space Games, averaging over 50 points per game while holding opponents under 20, something Jackson, a newcomer, has got a crash course on.

“Just another game,” Jackson said with a grin. “But yeah, it’s going to be fun. A cool experience. The uniforms, the crowd, the whole Space U vibe. It’s my first one, so I’m excited.”

Jackson’s already soaking in the tradition. He loves the Canaveral Blue gear, space-themed graphics, and learning the lore of the Citronaut.

“When I first got here, people told me, just wait for the Space U game,” he said. “Now I get it. I love the idea. Honestly, I wish our main colors were this color blue.”

Owning it, and bouncing back

Jackson was candid when reflecting on last week’s 30-3 loss at Baylor, UCF’s lowest-scoring game in a decade.

“We let that one slip away,” Jackson said. “I take full responsibility for that. It was my fault. We weren’t ready to go.”

That loss dropped UCF to 4-4 overall, but the team still has bowl eligibility in reach, provided they can knock off Houston this Friday.

“We’ve been locked in every week. But we’ll be ready to go this time,” Jackson said. “This week at practice, we’ve been focused on doing the things we do well, playing fast and playing physical.”

Facing Houston

Jackson has spent the week breaking down Houston film and sees plenty to respect.

“They’ve got a really good D-line, good corners, good safeties, and they fly to the ball,” he said. “They’re physical. They’re fast. They tackle well. It’s going to be a test for us.”

He added that he was excitement about the remainder of the November schedule, which include road trips to top 10 Texas Tech and BYU, and a senior night showdown with Oklahoma State.

“We’re just trying to win,” he said flatly. “It’s 0-0 right now. We’ve got to take care of business this week.”

The Frost Effect

Jackson praised head coach Scott Frost, who has been a calming influence the entire season, including after the emotional toll of losing offensive line coach Shawn Clark earlier this season.

“Coach Frost has been amazing,” Jackson said. “He supports us, tells us he loves us, and he’s always cool and calm. You don’t get a reaction out of him, and that really helps us as players. That calmness keeps us focused.”

Growing into the QB1 role

Now more than halfway through his first season as UCF’s starter, Jackson says the game is starting to slow down for him.

“I feel more comfortable with my eyes, with progressions in the passing game,” he said. “The more games you play, the more looks you see. It really helps calm you down.”

Even through a stretch of QB injuries, Jackson says the tight-knit nature of the quarterback room, led by coach McKenzie Milton, has been a source of strength.

“It’s all love in the quarterback room,” Jackson said. “We’re kind of best friends. Whoever’s in, the rest of us give 100% to support him. That’s what Coach KZ has built, and it means a lot.”