Tayven Jackson continues to build confidence in UCF's 34-9 win over UNC
It’s starting to click for Tayven Jackson.
UCF’s starting quarterback delivered his most complete performance yet in Saturday’s 34-9 win over North Carolina — a game he called a “complete team effort” and one that carried a little extra meaning given who was on the opposing sideline.
“I feel like I’m getting the hang of it a little bit,” Jackson said. “There’s a lot of things to improve on, but a win is a win, and especially against that coach and what he’s done. We have all the respect for Coach (Bill) Belichick and his staff and that team, and they came out there and fought and fought hard.”
Jackson, now in his second straight week as the known starter, completed 25-of-32 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown while also leading UCF on the ground with 66 rushing yards and another score. He connected with nine different receivers, didn’t take a sack, and guided an offense that scored on six of eight possessions, including a perfect 6-for-6 mark in the red zone.
UCF head coach Scott Frost said Jackson’s growth isn’t just showing up in the stat sheet.
“Tayven made some plays a lot of people might not notice,” Frost said. “There were blitzes coming off the edge, and he hung in there and got the ball out. He saw things that maybe weren’t even first in his progression. He made some really good quarterback plays.”
Among the night’s highlights was a two-minute touchdown drive to close the first half — an 83-yard march capped by a 17-yard strike to sophomore tight end Kylan Fox.
“It was exciting,” Jackson said. “Our receivers came up big, made big plays, ran crisp routes, O-line blocked — that was a team drive right there. And our coaches called phenomenal plays. That’s exciting to see, because that’s hard to do.”
Jackson credited the offensive line for a strong performance, noting the zero sacks allowed, and said his chemistry with the team’s versatile tight end group continues to grow both on and off the field.
“Yeah, those are my guys, they’re like receivers. They’re fast, they can catch,” he said. “My relationship with the tight ends is great. We actually played spades the other night — just as boys. That off-the-field stuff translates.”
Frost said that beyond Jackson’s accuracy, his willingness to become more of a threat with his legs has added a new dimension to the offense.
“Tayven can run,” Frost said. “It’s funny — Jacurri (Brown) is such a good runner that sometimes he wants to prove he can throw it. Tayven’s the opposite. He throws it really well, and now he’s realizing he can run too. I just want those guys to be themselves.”
“We’ve got to keep finding the right formula every week,” Frost added. “But I’m really impressed and happy with the progress Tayven’s made. He can be a great player if he stays on that path.”
Jackson said the designed quarterback runs weren’t necessarily a focus in practice, he just felt more comfortable when the play broke down.
“I never thought that I was a runner, but that’s what Coach Frost needs me to do,” Jackson said. “And I’m gonna do it for him and try to do it as best as I can.”
While UCF didn’t hit many deep shots downfield, Jackson said the game plan was to stay efficient and take what the defense gave them. The result was steady, deliberate drives all night long.
“They didn’t allow deep shots,” Jackson said. “But that’s what we emphasize, just taking what the defense gives us and keep attacking, yards after yards after yards, until you get to the end zone. I feel like we did a good job of that today.”
Now 3-0, UCF will enter Big 12 play with its toughest challenge yet: a road trip to Kansas State.
“I heard Kansas State’s stadium is loud,” Jackson said. “We just gotta be on the same page as an offense, as a team. If we can do that, then we have a shot. It’s just about preparing to win the game and coming out there and doing our job.”
As for seeing the defense turn in another dominant outing, Jackson said it was no surprise based on what he faced in spring and fall camp.
“That’s what I expect,” he said. “It was tough some days. It’s a great scheme, and we’ve got great players. So I expect them to play like that every game.”
Jackson closed the postgame session with a few extra shoutouts: to the training staff and equipment team for their behind-the-scenes work — and to his family, including his dad, who outfitted everyone in custom stitched No. 2 jerseys for the tailgate.
“That felt great,” Jackson said. “They come down here and support me, and it means the world. That’s who I want to run up to after the game. Because that’s all that matters — family.”
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