The sixth in a position-by-position preview of the UCF football team heading into fall camp:

TODAY: INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE

What to expect

Quarterback Alonza Barnett III is the foundation piece for UCF’s 2026 transfer class, but retaining nose tackle Horace Lockett Jr. could arguably go down as one of the best offseason moves made by the Knights.

The 6-foot-6, 355-pound Lockett was graded as the top defender on the team by Pro Football Focus despite appearing in only four games last season. A torn pectoral muscle suffered against Kansas State on Sept. 27 cut Lockett’s season short, but in his brief time on the field, he made quite the impression with 13 tackles, including 3 for loss, a sack and two pass breakups.

His return could key big things for a defensive line that is undergoing some massive changes.

RJ Jackson Jr. started eight games at tackle, alongside John Walker, finishing with 33 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks. His return, coupled with Lockett, gives the Knights a solid starting unit.

Jeffson Lafontant is also back after appearing in nine games, primarily in a reserve role.

The departures of Walker, Derrick LeBlanc and Rodney Lora left the Knights seeking help in the transfer market.

The addition of Brad Gurley, Thomas Collins, Artavius Jones and Josh Schell gives the unit some much-needed depth and experience. Gurley and Collins combined for more than 1,000 snaps on the defensive front last season, while Jones and Schell can provide additional depth for a six- to eight-man rotation.

What they’re saying

“It’s kind of like Christmas. You get all these new toys and you want to see what they can all do, whether it’s good or bad. I’m thrilled with the group that I’ve got. They came here and they worked. ” — UCF defensive tackles coach Kenny Martin.

Returnees

Horace Lockett Jr.
RJ Jackson Jr.
Jeffson Lafontant
Trenton Turner

Arrivals

Thomas Collins (Oregon State), redshirt junior
Artavius Jones (Miami), redshirt sophomore
Josh Schell (Tennessee), redshirt senior
Brad Gurley (Eastern Kentucky), redshirt senior
Isaiah McNish (Wekiva High), freshman
Noah Mercer (Key West High), freshman

Departures

John Walker (transfer to Ohio State): 40 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 4 QBH, 1 FF
Derrick LeBlanc (transfer to Maryland): 13 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 FR
Rodney Lora (transfer to Purdue): 22 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 QBH, 1 FR
Tyreek’e Robinson (transfer to East Tennessee State): 1 tackle
Keshaun Hudson (transfer to Jackson State)
Andrew Rumph (transfer to Jackson State)

Projected depth chart

DT1 — Horace Lockett Jr.
DT1 — RJ Jackson Jr.
DT2 — Brad Gurley
DT2 — Thomas Collins
DT3 — Jefferson Lafontant
DT3 — Josh Schell

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Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line

Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.