UCF could be the most exciting team in the Big 12, but where will the Knights finish?

The UCF Knights might be the most exciting team in the Big 12 Conference.

Before we explain, let’s take a minute to acknowledge how far and how fast the Knights have come since starting out as a Division III program in 1979. Just two decades ago, in 2004, the Knights went 0-11.

But the Knights turned it around and earned national respect in 2017 when they went 13-0, starting a three-year run in which UCF won 35 of 39 games.

Last year, the Knights made their debut in the Big 12, going 6-7 overall and 3-6 in the league.

Now, the Knights have added former Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson, who has the strongest arm in the Big 12, according to Lindy’s Magazine.

Jefferson certainly brings excitement, and he has a 1,000-yard running back (RJ Harvey) and a wide receiver (Kobe Hudson) who is the most dangerous deep threat in the league, according to Lindy’s.

In addition, head coach Gus Malzahn — who won a national title as offensive coordinator with Auburn in 2010 — is taking the play-calling duties back this year.

But it all starts with Jefferson, who is one of more than 40 newcomers on the roster this season.

“This is a fresh start,” said Jefferson, who set numerous career passing records at Arkansas. “I believe my experience in the SEC will help me in the Big 12.”

Jefferson spent five years at Arkansas, making 36 starts over his last three. During those last three years at Arkansas, Jefferson threw 64 touchdown passes with just 17 interceptions. He also completed better than 64 percent in each of those three seasons.

In addition, Jefferson is a dual-threat player with impressive career rushing totals: 1,876 yards and 21 TDs.

“After spending the spring with us,” Malzahn said of Jefferson, “you can tell he’s much more comfortable this fall.”

It’s easy to be comfortable when Jefferson has a runner such as Harvey, who last year rushed for 1,416 yards, a 6.3 average and 16 TDs.

Hudson last year caught 44 passes for 900 yards, a 20.5 average and eight TDs.

The UCF offensive line returns three starters, and the Knights also added ex-Western Kentucky standout Wes Dorsey. The only opening on the O-line is at center.

Defensively, the Knights have a new coordinator in Ted Roof. He was the coordinator on that Auburn 2010 championship team.

“He’s a real aggressive guy, which I like,” Malzahn said of Roof. “He’s an experienced guy, and he gets close to his players.”

The strength of Roof’s defense this year could be up front with players such as 240-pound defensive end Malachi Lawrence and 320-pound nose guard Lee Hunter.

Lawrence, who had 7½ sacks last year in part-time duty, has been named the Big 12’s top pass rusher, according to Lindy’s. Hunter was second on the team with 11 tackles for losses.

At linebacker, UCF brought in three transfers: Zavier Carter (14 tackles at UNLV); Ethan Barr (55 tackles at Vanderbilt); and Xe’ree Alexander (75 tackles as an Idaho freshman).

Safety Demari Henderson leads the secondary after earning honorable mention All-Big 12. Cincinnati transfer Bryon Threats is the other safety. At cornerback, returner Brandon Adams and Cincinnati transfer Deshawn Pace are atop the depth chart.

However, despite all the excitement on campus regarding this team, Lindy’s Magazine has UCF ranked just ninth in the Big 12’s newly expanded 16-team league, which now includes Arizona State, Arizona, Colorado and Utah.

“I could give a crap,” Malzahn said when asked about the prediction. “Our motto is T and T — we want to play tough and together.”