# UCF Knights 2026 football season preparations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ucf-knights-2026-football-season-preparations > Updated: 2026-09-04T03:03:21.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3. The UCF Knights began their 2026 season with a record-setting 73-6 victory over the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at the Acrisure Bounce House. The 73 points scored tied a program record from 2017, while the 67-point margin established a new school standard. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III, one of 58 new players introduced during the offseason, contributed 158 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and a 5-yard rushing score. The ground attack was led by Duke Watson, who recorded 110 rushing yards and a touchdown, including a 64-yard run, while Landen Chambers added two rushing touchdowns. Bethune-Cookman was significantly outgained 560-181. Their lone score occurred on the final play of the game via an 8-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Jefferson to Kobe Stewart. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: UCF defeats Bethune-Cookman 73-6 in record-setting victory UCF defeated Bethune-Cookman 73-6 in their season opener, setting a new program record for margin of victory with a 67-point lead. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ucf-defeats-bethune-cookman-73-6-in-record-setting-victory ### 2026-09-02: UCF prepares for 2026 season opener against Bethune-Cookman UCF kicks off its 2026 football season against Bethune-Cookman at the Acrisure Bounce House, featuring a reshaped roster under coach Scott Frost and various new stadium upgrades. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ucf-prepares-for-2026-season-opener-against-bethune-cookman ### 2026-08-31: UCF prepares for season opener against Bethune-Cookman UCF prepares to open its 2026 college football season against FCS opponent Bethune-Cookman in Orlando, with coach Scott Frost seeking improved intensity and roster execution. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ucf-to-host-bethune-cookman-in-college-football-season-opener --- Cite as: UCF Knights 2026 football season preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ucf-knights-2026-football-season-preparations