The University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights are set to kickoff their 2025 football season with a highly anticipated game against Jacksonville State. The season opener is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET at the Acrisure Bounce House, UCF's home stadium in Orlando, Florida. This Thursday-night game marks a continuation of UCF’s success on prime-time Thursdays, as the Knights enter the season riding the third-longest active win streak in Thursday games nationally, a streak that currently stands at 10 consecutive wins. UCF’s strong tradition in Thursday night openers is a notable highlight as the program returns to the spotlight under the renewed leadership of coach Scott Frost .

The 2025 season holds special significance for UCF as Scott Frost returns to Orlando, bringing back the spirit and tactical expertise he demonstrated during his legendary 2017 undefeated run with the Knights. Frost was rehired in December 2024 on a five-year contract and takes over a team featuring nearly 70 new players. The season opener against Jacksonville State offers fans a first look at Frost’s rebuilt squad, including the promising new quarterback Cam Fancher. The game is expected to be highly competitive, reflecting the challenges that lie ahead in UCF’s first full season in the Big 12 Conference .

UCF’s football program enters the 2025 season with substantial momentum after securing a ten-game winning streak on opening nights, a streak that began with Frost’s leadership in 2016. Over the past two decades, UCF has historically performed well in season openers, winning 20 of their last 30 since joining the FBS level in 1996. Additionally, the Knights have established dominance at their home stadium, winning 15 of 18 home openers, with a current streak of four consecutive wins at the Acrisure Bounce House. As such, the Jacksonville State matchup is critical for setting the tone for what promises to be an eventful season .

The 2025 UCF Knights squad also features key players who began the season on prestigious award watchlists. Among them is Jaden Nixon, who earned recognition on four watchlists including the Maxwell and Doak Walker awards. Alongside him, Nyjalik Kelly and Paul Rubelt have garnered preseason honors highlighting their importance to the team’s success in Frost’s system. Special teams and defense will also be crucial factors in the opener against Jacksonville State, with UCF aiming to leverage its strengths and continue their tradition of strong Thursday night performances under the fluorescent lights of the Bounce House .