The UCF Knights certainly did not have the best season in the first year back under head coach Scott Frost. A strong start to the season was overshadowed by a losing streak in Big 12 play, filled with close losses after big early leads that were wasted. However, there is something bright to come out of this season, and it is Malachi Lawrence.
Lawrence was the best NFL Draft prospect to come out of UCF this season, and clearly the hype was real as the star defensive lineman was drafted No. 23 overall by the Dallas Cowboys.
UCF ➡️ Dallas at No. 23 overall
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) April 24, 2026
Malachi Lawrence is headed to the Lone Star State‼️@Mzlzchi | #NFLDraft | @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/qSws3mu5F9
Malachi Lawrence becomes the next UCF Knight drafted early in the NFL Draft
UCF has had some great drafts in recent season, but this is the first time the Knights have had a first round draft pick since 2018 when Mike Hughes was taken by the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 30 overall pick.
Lawrence was listed as a top defensive lineman in this draft, but with a draft class saturated with pass rushers, he often found himself lost in the mix. However, Dallas desperately needed help in its pass rush after trading away star EDGE rusher Micah Parsons. Dallas could have gotten Lawrence at the No. 20 pick, but after a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, they got him at No. 23.
The star Knights EDGE rusher finished the season with 28 total tackles, 18 solo tackles, led the team with seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and pass deflections. The Cowboys are getting an absolute monster on the line, and it is a huge win for the Knights.
Lawrence follows the trend of high draft picks for UCF after last season. Running back RJ Harvey was selected early in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Best of luck to Lawrence in his career in the NFL, and Knights fans will happily be watching where he goes.
Add us as a preferred source on Google