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osmattmurschel
@mmurschel.bsky.social
UCF and college football writer @orlandosentinel.bsky.social. Instagram: @osmattmurschel Email: [email protected]

https://linktr.ee/mattmurschel
My wife and I had an excellent lunch at OverRice in Orlando today. Amazing food! Glad they opened a brick-and-mortar store around the corner from us.
December 10, 2025 at 7:45 PM
BREAKING: #UCF defensive tackle John Walker intends to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2.

The former Osceola High product was the highest-rated HS recruit to sign with the program in 2023.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/09/u...
UCF tackle John Walker plans to enter transfer portal
The redshirt sophomore completed his third season with the Knights, finishing with 40 tackles, one sack, four quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:21 PM
A year into the job at #UCF and HC Scott Frost has a better handle on what to expect from a changing college football landscape.

Now he turns the focus to the future, building a roster through recruiting and the transfer portal.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/09/u...
UCF’s focus is the future with an emphasis on recruiting, player retention
Knights coach Scott Frost has a better understanding of what he’s dealing with in terms of the program now than he did a year ago.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:15 PM
We caught up with Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan, who said Notre Dame wasn’t among the teams in a pool to select for the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

He also wondered if ND players might grow to regret not playing in a postseason game.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/07/n...
FCS CEO: Notre Dame wasn’t in our pool of teams to select
Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan said Notre Dame wasn’t in its pool of teams to select for the Pop-Tarts Bowl. He hopes players don’t regret their decision.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:26 PM
It's been nearly 3 months since the death of #UCF OL Shawn Clark and the Knights are still working to process the loss.

HC Scott Frost said he's begun the process of finding the team's next offensive line coach.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/05/u...
UCF still processing loss of Shawn Clark, seeks to fill offensive line position
It’s been several months since Shawn Clark’s passing and while the Knights are still grieving, coach Scott Frost said he hopes to fill the offensive line spot soon.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Quarterback Jacurri Brown is the latest #UCF player who intends to end the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2.

Follow our transfer tracker with all the latest on who is coming & going for the Knights.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/05/u...
UCF football transfer tracker: 6 Knights set to enter portal
Several players have made it know their plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2, 2026.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:58 PM
As #UCF heads into the offseason, the Knights face another rebuild at quarterback.

How a pair of incoming freshmen could help and is there a possibility of a veteran returning in '26?

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/04/u...
UCF faces another rebuild at quarterback heading into 2026 season
The Knights could lose three quarterbacks from this season, but have added pair of talented freshmen to a unit that will look different next season.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:15 PM
#UCF celebrates a 'no-drama day' with its 2026 class, signing 13 high school recruits.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/03/u...
Knights celebrate a ‘no-drama day’ with its 2026 class, signing 13
The Knights signed 13 players as part of their 2026 class, led by 4-star quarterback Rocco Marriott.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:15 PM
#UCF quarterback Tayven Jackson is reportedly entering the transfer portal. Jackson started 10 games this season for the Knights.

The QB room will undergo another remake this offseason.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/03/u...
UCF’ starting QB Tayven Jackson reportedly will enter transfer portal
The redshirt junior started 10 games for the Knights in his only season with the program, finishing with a record of 4-6.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Now that the season is over, #UCF football has turned its attention to the future.

Here are 5 positions that the Knights need to focus on in the offseason.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/01/u...
5 positions that UCF football must address in offseason
With the season finished, the Knights already have begun focusing on the 2026 season and that includes shoring up several spots on the roster.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 2, 2025 at 12:58 PM
#UCF may host the Cheez-It Bowl and the Pop-Tarts Bowl, along with the Florida Classic, at Bounce House Stadium in 2026.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/01/u...
UCF may host Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts bowls and Florida Classic at Bounce House Stadium
UCF’s Board of Trustees are scheduled to discuss and possibly vote on hosting the Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts bowls along with the Florida Classic game in 2026.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:28 PM
First time I’ve received Heisman Trophy promotions in quite some time. This one is for Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love.
December 1, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Recap: Fast start not enough as #UCF’s season ends with blowout loss at No. 11 BYU.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/29/u...
Fast start not enough as UCF’s season ends with blowout loss at No. 11 BYU
The Knights held a 14-0 lead before the Cougars scored 31 unanswered points to take charge sending Scott Frost’s team to their ninth straight road loss.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 29, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Plate No. 1: Stone crab, cornbread, deviled eggs and potato salad. Don’t expect to hear from me for quite some time.
November 27, 2025 at 7:35 PM
As the Early Signing Period approaches next week, #UCF has secured another potential addition to its 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of 3-star tight end Brooks Hall.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/25/u...
UCF lands 2026 commitment from 3-star tight end Brooks Hall
Hall initially committed to South Dakota before deciding to join UCF on Tuesday. He joins teammate quarterback Rocco Marriott, who committed on Saturday.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:54 PM
When #UCF travels to BYU on Saturday, the Knights are likely to face cold temps and possibly snow.

“It’s supposed to be a high of 40. That’s not cold. I played in Green Bay one year and I don’t think I saw 20 [degrees] for six weeks," said HC Scott Frost.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/25/u...
UCF Q&A: How do Knights plan to handle cold weather, snow at BYU?
Coach Scott Frost said the Knights aren’t worried about the weather or the earlier start. He also spoke about Year 1 and early signing period next week.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
About this time last year, #UCF was preparing for a meaningless game against Utah.

A lot has changed in a year.

This time around, the Knights have something to play for with bowl eligibility on the line when they travel to No. 11 BYU this weekend.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/24/u...
UCF in must-win situation at No. 11 BYU with postseason hopes on the line
Despite an up-and-down first season under coach Scott Frost, the Knights find themselves with something to play for this weekend.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:17 PM
RECAP: #UCF needs second-half heroics to push past Oklahoma State in home finale.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/22/u...
UCF needs second-half heroics to push past Oklahoma State in home finale
The Knights fell behind 14-0 in the first half before scoring 17 unanswered points to pull off the win.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:32 AM
When #UCF tackle Paul Rubelt takes the field on Saturday for Senior Day, he'll reunite with his family, many of whom have made the trip from his home in Germany.

I caught up with Paul and his father, Andreas, to discuss his journey as a Knight.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/19/u...
UCF offensive tackle Paul Rubelt set to wind down college career with Senior Day
The Knights offensive tackle has spent the past five seasons with the program, going from scout-team player to starting lineman during that time.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:37 PM
I caught up with Eric Bailey of the Tulsa World to get an insider look at Oklahoma State leading into Saturday's #UCF game.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/18/u...
Scouting the opponent: Five questions about Oklahoma State ahead of UCF matchup
A scouting report on the Cowboys ahead of the Knights’ home finale on Saturday.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Jamichael Stillwell's first double-double of the season propels #UCF past a pesky Oakland.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/17/u...
Jamichael Stillwell’s big night propels UCF past Oakland
The junior forward had 20 points and 13 rebounds to help the Knights slip past the pesky Golden Grizzlies.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:27 PM
#UCF Q&A: What are Knights' plans with slew of injuries at QB and RB?

That and more in my weekly burning questions.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/18/u...
UCF Q&A: What are Knights’ plans with slew of injuries at QB and RB?
The Knights are down to two scholarship quarterbacks in Tayven Jackson and Davi Belfort for the final two games.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:26 PM
There are 2 games left in the regular season, and although several of UCF’s season goals may be off the table, that doesn’t mean the Knights are any closer to throwing in the towel.

www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/17/u...
UCF coach Scott Frost sees Oklahoma State as a big game for Knights
Saturday’s showdown with the Cowboys is huge because it’s the home finale for the Knights and its also Senior Day for almost two dozen players on the roster.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:28 PM