Three games into the 2024 season and after their first Big 12 Conference contest, the UCF Knights defense has emerged as one of the Top Ten run defenses in the nation and Top 20 in passes intercepted.  

Through Week 3, UCF currently ranks in the Top 25 in 3 other categories, and in the Top 50 in 4 more.

Although the Knights are not yet ranked in the AP Top 25, they have received recognition at #18 in the ESPN FPI TOP 25 

For all of Knight Nation however, the most important stat of all is that they are currently defeated with a 3-0 record.

UCF will have a bye week in Week 4 and host Colorado on Saturday, September 28 at FBC Mortgage Stadium.  Kick off is TBD.

Here are the categories that the Knights defense rank in the Top 50 nationally and how they compare to notable ranked teams and other in-state programs:

1st(tied) in 4th Down Conversion Percentage Defense – 0/1 0.0%. 

1st(tied) in Winning Percentage.  43 teams are undefeated

3rd(tied) in Blocked Punts – In 20 punt attempts, UCF has 1 block

9th in Rushing Defense – 76/192 yds, 2.53 yds/rush, 64.0 yds/game.  Ole Miss 1st – 33.3yds/game, Ohio State 2nd 37.5yds/game, Tennessee 4th 55.7/yds/game, Miami 12th 65.7 yds/game, Texas 45th 109.3 yds/game

16th(tied) in Passes Intercepted – 4 INT 95yds 0 TDs:  Cal #1 9 INT 0 TDs,, Miami #3 6 INT 9 TDs, FAU & FIU 7th(tied) 5 INT

32nd in Fewest Penalties Per Game – 14 penalties 4.70 penalties/game.  Miami(OH) 1st  12.5/game, FSU 19th 34.33/game, Texas 36th 43.0/game

35th(tied) in Fewest Penalties – 14 penalties for 125 yards.  Miami(OH) 1st 5/25yds, Ohio State 29th(tied) 13/103yds, FSU 35th(tied) 14/103yds

38th in Fewest Penalty Yards – 14 penalties 125yds.  Miami(OH) 5/25yds, FSU 27th(tied) 14/103yds, Texas 42nd(tied) 17/129yds, USF 31st(tied) 3 INT

48th(tied) in Scoring Defense – UCF has allowed 6 TD 3 field goals totaling 51 points 17 ppg/avg. Ohio State& Ole Miss 1st(tied) 3ppg/avg, Miami 15th(tied) 8.67 ppg/avg, Texas A&M 50th 17.67 ppg/avg