UCF storms back to top Oklahoma State, 17-14, on Senior Knight
After being shut out for the entire first half, UCF flipped the script on Senior Knight, rallying from a 14-point deficit to stun Oklahoma State, 17-14, in Saturday night’s regular season home finale at the Bounce House.
The win snapped a three-game losing skid for the Knights (5-6, 2-7 Big 12) and keeps bowl eligibility alive heading into next week’s season finale at No. 11 BYU. It also marked the 40th career victory for head coach Scott Frost.
Saturday’s comeback featured a breakout performance from junior tight end Dylan Wade, who finished with a career-high 145 receiving yards on just four receptions—all after halftime. He caught touchdown passes of 83 and two yards from quarterback Tayven Jackson, outgaining the Cowboys’ entire passing attack by more than 20 yards.
25 seniors honored
UCF honored 25 seniors before the game. Five of them – Paul Rubelt, Myles Montgomery, Jaden Nixon, Malachi Lawrence, and Nyjalik Kelly – served as game captains for the coin toss alongside junior RJ Jackson Jr. Both Rubelt and Lawrence have been with the program for the entirety of their college careers.
The group’s legacy will include one of the most memorable comebacks in Bounce House history.
First half struggles
Oklahoma State (1-10, 0-8 Big 12) entered the game on a nine-game losing streak, but came out firing. The Cowboys opened the game with a 75-yard scoring drive, capped by a 5-yard pass from Zane Flores to Gavin Freeman. It marked the third time in four games UCF has allowed a touchdown on the opening possession.
Late in the second quarter, Flores extended the lead to 14-0 with a 6-yard touchdown run. Meanwhile, UCF’s offense sputtered with two turnovers, both interceptions from Jackson, and several costly pre-snap penalties.
UCF was shut out in the first half for the first time since the season opener at Jacksonville State on Aug. 28.
Wade sparks second-half surge
The Knights wasted no time responding after the break. On the first play of the third quarter, Jackson found Wade streaking down the sideline for an 83-yard touchdown, the longest play of both players’ careers and tied for the sixth-longest reception in program history.
After a series of defensive stops, UCF mounted a clutch 45-yard drive early in the fourth quarter. On 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line, Jackson once again found Wade in the end zone to tie the game at 14-all with 9:12 to go.
Wade’s two touchdown performance was the first multi-score game of his career.
Jackson, despite the early miscues, finished 16-of-25 for 271 yards and two touchdowns, plus two interceptions. His top throws came in the second half, including a 50-yard strike to Wade that helped set up the game-winner.
Ruelas delivers game-winner
With 57 seconds left, senior kicker Noe Ruelas capped his own Senior Knight with his game-winning field goal, nailing a 34-yarder to put the Knights up 17-14.
Ruelas, who entered the game as a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, improved to 15-for-17 on the season. He also handled all kickoff and PAT duties.
Defense dominates down the stretch
UCF’s defense, which allowed 207 yards and 14 points in the first half, completely clamped down in the second. The Knights gave up just 27 total yards, one first down, and forced four three-and-outs on Oklahoma State’s six second-half possessions.
Sophomore safety Braeden Marshall came away with the game-sealing interception following the go-ahead field goal.
The Shirts Off movement hits Orlando
A social media-fueled fan movement made its way into the Bounce House on Saturday. During the second quarter, a group of shirtless fans began congregating in an end zone section, waving their shirts overhead, a trend that began with Oklahoma State fans earlier this season and has since gone viral.
The crowd rallied behind them as the shirtless wave grew in size and volume throughout the game. Whether coincidence or magic, UCF’s rally began shortly thereafter.
UCF travels to Provo, Utah, to take on No. 11 BYU in next Saturday’s regular season finale. A win would secure bowl eligibility for the first time since 2023.
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