UCF fans were worried about storms in the Central Florida area before Thursday’s season opener against Bethune-Cookman, but it turns out all the electricity was on the football field.
Running back Duke Watson introduced himself to Knight Nation in a big way when he took a handoff from quarterback Alonza Barnett III on the Knights’ second play on offense and raced 64 yards for the first touchdown of the game.
It was the first of nine touchdowns scored by UCF on the evening as the Knights tied a program record for most points in a game in their 73-6 win over B-CU in front of 43,127 home fans at a rocking Acrisure Bounce House.
The last time UCF scored that many points was against Austin Peay on Oct. 28, 2017 — coach Scott Frost‘s second season with the Knights. It was also the largest margin of victory, eclipsing the 64-point advantage UCF had against Grand Valley State in a 67-3 win on Oct. 31, 1987.
“I told the team after the game we can’t go patting ourselves on the back for this,” said Frost. “This is just what they were supposed to do and we got a really big test next week. I asked them to be fast and really focused. For the most part, I was satisfied with the focus.”
Watson, a 5-foot-11 junior transfer from Louisville, finished with a team-high 110 rushing yards on seven carries and Barnett scored a pair of touchdowns: one passing and one rushing in their UCF debuts, as the Knights (1-0) won their 11th consecutive season opener and their ninth consecutive game against Bethune-Cookman (0-1).
He was one of several transfers making their UCF debuts who contributed to the rout.
“I saw that hole, I already knew it was a touchdown,” Watson said of his ninth career touchdown.
The victory was also the 25th for Frost as the coach at UCF going back to the 2016-17 season.
The Knights got on the scoreboard again as safety Jayden Williams stepped in front of B-CU receiver Rickie Shaw II, intercepting a pass from quarterback Tyler Jefferson and returning it 47 yards for a defensive touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
It was a bit of redemption for Williams, who broke his thumb twice and missed most of last season.
“Every time I get my hands on a ball, I try to score, no matter the situation, no matter what it is,” said Williams. “We really don’t get those opportunities a lot.”
It was Williams’ first career interception for a touchdown and the first interception for a touchdown by UCF since Phil Dunnam against Houston on Nov. 7, 2025.
Barnett got in on the scoring, scampering 5 yards into the end zone for a touchdown, capping off an 85-yard drive and pushing the Knights’ lead to 21-0 with 3:07 left in the first quarter.
UCF added another touchdown on its third possession as Barnett fired a laser to receiver Jonathan Bibbs for a 27-yard touchdown. It was the senior quarterback’s first touchdown pass as a Knight and his 50th career touchdown pass.
“I felt comfortable and it was it was great getting those live reps,” said Barnett, who joined the program after four seasons at James Madison. “(Offensive coordinator) Coach (Steve) Cooper and Coach Frost, they did a great job with the game plan.”
Barnett led the Knights on eight offensive drives before being pulled in the third quarter. He finished 11-of-18 with 158 yards and a touchdown and an interception while rushing for 9 yards on five carries.
Will Stone connected on a 34-yard field goal midway through the second quarter to extend the lead to 31-0. It was Stone’s first as a Knight — and first collegiate field goal — after spending four seasons at Texas as a kickoff specialist.
The Knights continued their offensive assault as Landen Chambers, another transfer running back, crashed into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown run after the two-minute timeout, extending the advantage to 38-0.
UCF running back Taevion Swint opened the second half with a 57-yard kickoff return and capped it off with a 27-yard touchdown run. It was the first career rushing touchdown for the Osceola High product and pushed the lead to 45-0.
UCF defensive back Jayden Williams screams in celebration after an interception return for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF running back Duke Watson breaks through the line to run for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF fans cheer during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF offensive lineman Owen Spell (61) lifts wide receiver Jonathan Bibbs (3) into the air to celebrate a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF running back Kaj Baker (20) is upended by BC cornerback Samuel McCall (15) during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF receiver Josh Derry (5) celebrates after a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF fans cheer during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Alonza Barnett III throws during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF head coach Scott Frost leads his players onto the field for the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF cheerleaders cheer during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF fans cheer during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF fans cheer during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF defensive back Jayden Williams (2) puts a hard hit on BC wide receiver Rickie Shaw II (6) during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
The UCF band runs onto the field before the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Alonza Barnett III throws during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF running back Taevion Swint (4) runs for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF running back Taevion Swint (4) dances away from defenders to run for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF cheerleaders cheer during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF mascot Knightro interacts with fans before the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF running back Landen Chambers (11) runs for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF running back Landen Chambers (11) celebrates with teammates during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF wide receiver Chase Hinshaw (86) runs past BC linebacker Stephen Sparrow Jr. (1) during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) runs for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Kaleb Annett (10) scrambles during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF fans cheer during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF running back Duke Watson runs for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Keyone Jenkins (12) throws during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF coach Scott Frost leads players onto the field for the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF running back Duke Watson high steps into the endzone for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando City Soccer star Antoine Griezmann watches from the sidelines during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF defensive back Jayden Williams leaps into the endzone for a touchdown after an interception during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF defensive back Jayden Williams screams in celebration after an interception return for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
The stadium is pictured during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF head coach Scott Frost (right) smiles as he chats with game official Stuart Schake (left) before the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) throws a pass during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF tight end Caden Piening (18) celebrates a first-down catch during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF wide receiver Jonathan Bibbs (3) runs a catch into the endzone for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF fans cheer during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF wide receiver Andrea Parisi (39) and others cheer before the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. UCF won the game 73-6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
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UCF defensive back Jayden Williams screams in celebration after an interception return for a touchdown during the Bethune-Cookman at University of Central Florida football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando on Thursday, September 3, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
The Knights leaned on their backups throughout most of the second half after many of the starters were pulled early in the third quarter.
Quarterbacks Keyone Jenkins, Kaleb Annett and Rocco Marriott took snaps in the second half with Jenkins throwing a 9-yard touchdown pass to receiver Caleb Rollerson and Marriott scoring on a 1-yard run at the start of the fourth.
Bethune-Cookman scored on the final play of the game as Joel Morris found receiver Kobe Stewart for an 8-yard touchdown as the clock ran out.
UCF finished with 560 yard of offense, the third time the Knights amassed more than 500 yards in a game since Frost’s return last season. The team also rushed for 360 yards, which was the most since totaling 384 yards in a 45-14 win over Sam Houston State on Sept. 7, 2024.
Bethune-Cookman had 181 yards of total offense.
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram at @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.