UCF‘s quarterback situation remains uncertain as coach Scott Frost has not named a starter for the upcoming game against North Carolina A&T.
“We’re not 100% sure,” Frost said on Monday. “It’s kind of TBD.”
UCF (1-0) enters this week with momentum from a tough 17-10 victory against Jacksonville State on Thursday. The game included a weather delay lasting over two hours and saw the Knights lose starting quarterback Cam Fancher.
Tayven Jackson stepped in after the delay and put on an impressive performance, completing 17 of 24 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Notably, he threw the game-winning 33-yard pass to DJ Black with just 1:03 left on the clock.
His performance showcased his ability to step up in a challenging situation, but the original plan was always to play Fancher.
“We were going with Cam and if the game presented an opportunity to get somebody else some snaps, we would do it,” said Frost. “But it’s hard to predict how something like that’s going to go. So that wasn’t in the cards until everything that happened Thursday night happened.”
Fancher’s status, meanwhile, remains uncertain.
UCF Knights: 5 takeaways from win over Jacksonville State
“Cam didn’t have a concussion; he had an issue with his back and pain down his leg,” Frost explained. “Last I heard, he’s still feeling a little tender. I’ll get a better idea tonight when I see him and talk to the trainer about where he’s at.”
Fancher secured the starting position in a competitive three-man race during summer camp, edging out both Jackson and Jacurri Brown. In the game against Jacksonville State, Fancher completed 5 of 9 passes for 32 yards and also contributed 39 rushing yards.
The game was scoreless at the start of the second quarter when JSU cornerback Tre’Quon Fegans blindsided Fancher, forcing a fumble that was recovered by defensive end Emmanuel Oyebadejo, who rumbled into the end zone for a touchdown.
After an official review, the touchdown was overturned due to Fegans receiving a targeting penalty, which led to his ejection from the game. UCF regained possession of the ball. However, before the Knights could make their next move, officials interrupted the game due to lightning in the vicinity. Following the delay, Jackson stepped onto the field while Fancher watched from the sidelines in street clothes.
Frost indicated that he’s not opposed to using multiple quarterbacks against the Aggies in the first meeting between the programs.
“I feel good about multiple people, and I think multiple people deserve a chance to play. You just can’t play more than one at that spot. Therefore, we will make the decisions that are best for the team. If that means playing two at times, we might, but we’ve got a lot to talk about this week, to figure out what we’re going to do this week and then we’ve got a bye week.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what it’s going to be after that, but we’ll keep doing what we think is best for the team.”
North Carolina A&T (0-1) lost its opener to Tennessee State 24-21 for an 11th consecutive defeat after the Aggies failed on a game-tying 38-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds.
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
Up next
UCF vs. North Carolina A&T
When: Saturday, 7 p.m., Acrisure Bounce House Stadium
TV: ESPN+
