It seemed like Tayven Jackson's day was done after taking a big hit and going right into the medical tent with what looked like a shoulder injury. Jackson even went back to the locker room and came out in warm-up clothes and a sling on his left arm.
However, he is confusing everyone at home after appearing on the sideline in pads and a uniform, warming up, and throwing. Now Jackson has returned to the field in the second drive of the second half after the Knights went three and out on their first drive.
Jacurri Brown came in for the injured Jackson and, on his first drive, threw an interception, but then was responsible for an 82-yard touchdown for the Knights on the next drive.
Unreal. #UCF QB Tayven Jackson is getting suited up on the sidelines. He just put his pads and jersey on. Not sure what that means.
— Matt Murschel (@osmattmurschel) September 27, 2025
It almost seems like a miracle that Jackson has returned to the game because it truly seemed like his day was done. However, maybe he was seeing how bad it was going with Brown in the game and decided he wanted to go back in.
Frost and his coaching staff might want to be careful with Jackson, however, as one bad hit to really knock him out. Jackson really is the best option for the Knights in this game as he has been the spark for this UCF offense all season long.
Quarterbacks coach McKenzie Milton could have been the one behind getting Jackson back out onto the field. Milton is familiar with tough injuries, as his back in 2018 against USF made national headlines when he almost lost his leg because of the injury.
UCF will have an uphill climb for the rest of this game as the Knights are down 24-7 currently, and the Knights really have struggled to get past this tough K-State defense that seems to be playing with more of a purpose than it has all season long.