Despite tumultuous finishes, UCF, USF and FAU land solid recruits

It’s been a turbulent football year for UCF, FAU and USF.

UCF lost seven of its final nine games, finishing 5-7 for its third straight losing season.

FAU lost five of its final six games, finishing 4-8 for its fifth straight losing season.

Meanwhile, South Florida has had a successful season at 9-3, but the Bulls just lost coach Alex Golesh to Auburn.

Given those issues, here’s how recruiting is going around the state:

UCF

Coach Scott Frost, a former college quarterback Stanford and at Nebraska, announced on Wednesday a signing class of 13 players.

By position, the recruits include two QBs; zero wide receivers; two running backs; one tight end; two offensive linemen; one defensive tackle; one edge rusher; two linebackers; and two defensive backs.

There is one Dade/Broward player in the class – running back/kick returner Kaj Baker, a 5-8, 160-pounder from Somerset Academy. Baker rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2025.

UCF is hoping to find gold in at least one of its two quarterback recruits – Dante Carr from Pennsylvania and/or Rocco Marriott from Missouri.

SOUTH FLORIDA

The Bulls on Wednesday announced 15 signees and a new coach – Brian Hartline, a former NFL wide receiver and the current Ohio State offensive coordinator.

Hartline, who played for the Dolphins from 2009 to 2014, signed one running back; two wide receivers; one offensive linemen; four defensive linemen; two linebackers; two cornerbacks; two safeties; and one kicker. USF did not sign a quarterback or a tight end.

The Bulls signed two players from South Florida: defensive end Demetrius Geathers Jr. (West Boca); and cornerback Derrick Nichols III (American Heritage);

FLORIDA ATLANTIC

The Owls signed 14 players including Miami Northwestern wide receiver Nicsaint Joseph Jr.; and West Broward offensive lineman Alejandro Schmitt.

FAU coach Zach Kittley raved about both of his Dade/Broward signees.

“Nicsaint shows elite body control and ball skills,” Kittley said. “Alejandro is strong (6-6, 305 pounds) and athletic, and he was a four-year starter in high school.”

FAU anticipates one more signee before the early signing period ends on Friday.

ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY

The Bobcats, who are coming off a 7-4 record under coach Bill Rychel, have produced six consecutive winning seasons. They will announce their signees in February.

BETHUNE COOKMAN

The Wildcats, who just went 6-6 and capped the season with a win over rival Florida A&M, signed two Miami Northwestern athletes in offensive lineman Odonis Pierre and linebacker Citrus Baker.

FLORIDA A&M

The Rattlers, who went 5-7, signed at least one local standout in Miami Southridge offensive lineman Shermari Bowens.

FLORIDA MEMORIAL

The Lions, who are coming off a 4-6 season under coach Michael Jones, did not announce any signees.