On September 10th, 2021, UCF accepted an invitation from the Big 12 to join the conference. On July 1st, 2023, UCF, alongside BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston, officially became members of the Big 12. With their transition into the Big 12, UCF becomes the youngest member of a Power 5 conference.

UCF was founded in 1963 and, in just 27 years, became a Division 1 program in 1996. Since then, the Knights have experienced rapid growth and success, which UCF Director of Athletics, Terry Mohajir, says opened the door for their move into a Power 5 conference. 

Mohajir stated, “Without question that level of success played a major role in our opportunity to join the Big 12 Conference.”

Knights fans have already shown their excitement as the program heads into the inaugural season in the Big 12, selling out 2023 football season tickets, their Big 12 home opener, against Baylor on September 30th, their first Big 12 homecoming game, against West Virginia on October 28th, and their home matchup against Oklahoma State, on November 11th. 

2023 UCF Football schedule: https://ucfknights.com/sports/football/schedule

Photo credits: (cover)Sean Russell/FAAZ Sports, (gallery)Sean Russell & Cameron Robertson/FAAZ Sports