Big 12 football power rankings post-spring: How will UCF fair in year 2 in the Big 12

UCF heads into their second season in the Big 12 and it just might be their best shot at a conference title.

Nov 11, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey (7) avoids a tackle by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Trey Rucker (9) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

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UCF comes in as the top second-year team on this list and a lot of that is thanks to the transfers that head coach Gus Malzahn has brought in. The Knights were the only newcomer last season to be bowl-eligible, but the Knights wants more than that.

The addition of quarterback KJ Jefferson is huge for the Knights after the loss of John Rhys Plumlee, but what is even bigger is that running back RJ Harvey and wide receiver Kobe Hudson chose to return for one last season.

The biggest problem for UCF last season and the possible reason for their downfall this season is their defense. The defense is the biggest question for this team and if that doesn't get fixed this season, they are probably going to have another barely bowl-eligible season ending in disappointment.

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