Tayven Jackson to enter Transfer Portal, making QB priority No. 1 for UCF
UCF quarterback Tayven Jackson will enter the transfer portal, per On3’s Pete Nakos, officially triggering what will be the Knights’ most consequential roster pursuit of the offseason.
Jackson, who transferred from Indiana last winter, became the primary starter after Cam Fancher went down with an injury in the season opener. He finishes his lone season in Orlando with 10 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 2,151 passing yards and a 63.5% completion rate, battling through a separated non-throwing shoulder and a hamstring issue while appearing in 11 games.
His exit was widely anticipated given the modern quarterback landscape. Programs across the country now use the portal to reset and upgrade the position, and UCF is expected to be aggressive in its search for a clear QB1 in 2026. That hasn’t been a secret inside the building, and Jackson seemed to acknowledge as much after the BYU game, speaking with a tone that reflected both uncertainty and realism about the weeks ahead.
The 15-day transfer window opens Jan. 2, though back-channel conversations between representatives and schools are already expected to be underway. Quarterback will be the top roster priority for head coach Scott Frost and general manager Trent Mossbrucker as they look to solidify the foundation for Year 2 of the rebuild.
As of today, the projected 2026 quarterback room consists of redshirt sophomore Davi Belfort and true freshmen signees Dante Carr and Rocco Marriott. Both Carr and Marriott are high-upside developmental pieces, and Marriott — a four-star prospect — arrives as the highest-rated quarterback signee in program history. Still, UCF will look to the portal for an experienced arm to bridge the gap.
There is also a chance of another returning option. Opening-day starter Cam Fancher could potentially come back if granted a medical redshirt after suffering a back injury in Week 1 and later breaking multiple ribs at Cincinnati. He appeared in just three games this season.
Regardless, UCF’s quarterback pursuit will be aggressive. Stay tuned to UCFSports.com and On3 for the latest developments.
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