UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost looks to the scoreboard before a play against BYU during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret NewsJackson PayneSun, November 30, 2025 at 12:13 AM UTC·20 min readThere will be no bowl game for UCF in Scott Frost’s first year back with the program.
The Knights have ended the season at 5-7 after losing to BYU Saturday in Provo, despite having led 14-0 in the first quarter but promptly disappearing in what became a 41-21 Cougars win.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I thought the fight today was good against a really good team,” Frost told reporters after the game. “My hat’s off to them. They’re a class act, like coach (Kalani) Sitake, he’s one of the good guys in the business.
“He’s been here for a while and built it the way he wants it to look. Early on we gave them a run for their money and I was proud of how the players responded this week.”
After falling behind by two touchdowns, BYU put up 31 unanswered points to leave UCF in the dust.
“They made plays when they needed to,” Frost said of BYU. “Their quarterback (Bear Bachmeier) made some great throws on third and fourth down. Their receivers got open on crossing routes. They made a punt return (touchdown). They got a stop or two when they needed it.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“We need to start doing those things ... We need to start making those plays, and that’s just going to be a product of continuing to bring the right guys into the program, developing the guys in the program.”
Capping the regular season portion of his tremendous true freshman campaign, Bachmeier completed 21 of 25 passes for 289 yards and a touchdown against UCF, while LJ Martin ran for three touchdowns and Parker Kingston posted 181 all-purpose yards and two scores.
“Bear has a chance to be a special player,” Frost said. “There’s not very many guys that come in as 18 year olds and play with the maturity that he does, so I wish him all the best.”
Frost also had plenty of kind words to say about Sitake and BYU as a whole, sharing that he had visited Provo in the early 1990s as LaVell Edwards tried recruiting him out of high school.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“He’s just a guy that’s real,” Frost said of Sitake. “You know, I like genuine people, and he’s a genuine guy. I think he stands for the right things and I’m happy for him getting to the (Big 12) championship game.
“... (LaVell Edwards Stadium is) the prettiest backdrop in football, obviously. I love the mountains. People here are really nice to us and I appreciate that.”
Though the Knights’ season has come to an anticlimactic end, Frost is still grateful for how his team handled things in 2025 and hopes it will be an opportunity to build moving forward.
During his first stint in Orlando, Frost led UCF to a 13-0 finish in 2017 with a Peach Bowl victory. Perhaps he can lift the program back to similar heights in the future.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I’m really proud of this group. It’s been a interesting year with a lot of new players and some some things that have happened in the program that were unfortunate, some other things that happened that were inevitable,” Frost said.
“To the seniors, we love them and we’ll do anything for them. I hope they’re the springboard and building blocks of a program that’s going to only get better and hopefully do some good things down the road.”
BYU defensive back Evan Johnson (0) breaks up a pass intended for UCF Knights wide receiver DJ Black (9) during the second half of the game LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU defensive end Viliami Po'Uha (45) is blocked by UCF Knights defensive back Jakob Gude (18) as he rushes the passer during the second half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU defensive back Evan Johnson (0) reacts after breaking up a pass during the second half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) breaks away for a receiving touchdown during the second half if the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU safety Raider Damuni (3) knocks the ball out of the hands of UCF Knights quarterback Tayven Jackson (2) to force a fumble during the second half of the game LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Cheerleaders dance during a break in play during the second half of the game between BYU and the UCF Knights LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
UCF Knights running back Agyeman Addae (35) catches a pass during the second half of the game against BYU LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost, left, and BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, right shake hands after the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. BYU won 41-21. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU offensive lineman Isaiah Jatta (71) smiles during the senior walk after BYU defeated UCF 41-21 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) and wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier (19) smile as they walk off the field after the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU players huddle as they honor the graduating seniors after the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Cornerbacks graduate assistant Wesley Johnson and BYU cornerback Mory Bamba (4) share a moment during senior day celebrations after the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU senior defensive lineman Kaufusi Pakofe (72) receives a tie leaf lei after the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Cosmo the Cougar (00) bangs on a drum during the third quarter break of the game between BYU and the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU defensive lineman Kaufusi Pakofe (72) reacts after the play during the second half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) looks back as he scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Fans watch as Cosmo the Cougar performs a stunt during a break in play during the game between BYU and the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Seniors line up at the north end zone before the senior walk after the game between BYU and the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU offensive lineman Austin Leausa (55) and safety Tanner Wall (28) talk as them and other seniors link arms as they walk across the field after the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU defensive back Evan Johnson (0) runs with the ball after intercepting it from the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) gets up after being downed by the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU tight end Carsen Ryan (20) stiff-arms UCF Knights defensive back Demari Henderson (8) as he runs the ball up the field during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost looks to the scoreboard before a play against BYU during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) celebrates after the UCF Knights were downed during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU tight end Carsen Ryan (20) is stopped by UCF Knights defensive back Antione Jackson (7) just short of the end zone during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU students cheer during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake talks with a referee during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU tight end Carsen Ryan (20) celebrates after a play during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU offensive lineman Bruce Mitchell (63) calls out before the snap against the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) runs with the ball as he’s downed by UCF Knights cornerback Jayden Bellamy (29) and defensive tackle John Walker (55) during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (4) is brought down by UCF Knights defensive back Phillip Dunnam (2) and linebacker Cole Kozlowski (43) during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) celebrates after completing his catch and running out of bounds during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU defensive back Evan Johnson (0) celebrates after intercepting the ball from the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier (19) runs with the ball as he tries to spin around UCF Knights defensive back DJ Bell (5) during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) has his helmet patted by wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) after a play against the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU players make their entrance just before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brock Wignall, 11, and Jordan Smith watch the scoreboard between plays during an NCAA football game between BYU and the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) evades UCF Knights as he returns a punt for a touchdown during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU kicker Will Ferrin (44) kicks a field goal while the ball was held by punter Sam Vander Haar (35) during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU defensive back Evan Johnson (0) celebrates after a play during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) celebrates his touchdown he scored on a punt return during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) runs the ball during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Cosmo the Cougar pumps up the crowd before the start of the fourth quarter during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake looks to the field between plays during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, walks with BYU President C. Shane Reese during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, greets BYU students during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (4) runs the ball as he tries to evade UCF Knights defensive back Braeden Marshall (4) during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
UCF Knights tight end Dallan "Deebo" Coleman (83) cheers to the crowd as he and his teammates run into the end zone after a kickoff to the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake pats UCF Knights quarterback Tayven Jackson (2) as he gets up after a play during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU kicker Will Ferrin (44) huddles with his teammates before kicking the ball off to the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU kicker Will Ferrin (44) walks with other graduating seniors after an NCAA football game where the Cougars defeated the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) signs items for fans after defeating the UCF Knights in an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Graduating senior link arms and walk after an NCAA football game where the Cougars defeated the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) celebrates after a tackle during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
UCF Knights tight end Dylan Wade (0) is tackled by BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17), left, and BYU safety Tanner Wall (28), right, during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost argues with side judge Mark Graves during the first half of the game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs against the UCF Knights during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU defensive back Evan Johnson (0) tackles UCF Knights running back Jaden Nixon (5) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
UCF Knights quarterback Tayven Jackson (2) passes during the first half of the game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
UCF Knights wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr. (7) runs past BYU cornerback Mory Bamba (4) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (4) rushes for a touchdown during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU offensive lineman Austin Leausa (55) is helped up by trainers after sustaining an injury during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (4) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
UCF Knights running back Agyeman Addae (35) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of the game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
UCF Knights wide receiver Waden Charles (19) celebrates after scoring a first down during the first half of the game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
UCF Knights tight end Dylan Wade (0) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake talks with a referee during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU tight end Carsen Ryan (20) is stopped by UCF Knights defensive back Antione Jackson (7) just short of the end zone during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU students cheer during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (4) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost looks to the scoreboard before a play against BYU during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) celebrates after the UCF Knights were downed during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU tight end Carsen Ryan (20) stiff-arms UCF Knights defensive back Demari Henderson (8) as he runs the ball up the field during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) gets up after being downed by the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU defensive back Evan Johnson (0) runs with the ball after intercepting it from the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) prepares to throw the ball during warm ups before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU safety Raider Damuni (3) readies himself during warm ups before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) prepares to throw the ball during warm ups before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost talks with BYU head coach Kalani Sitake before the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Fans walk around after the Cougar Walk and before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
The BYU Cougar Marching Band performs as they lead players during the Cougar Walk before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
The Moore family from Layton, from left, Stephen, Marcus, 9, Britney, and Andrew, 12, wait to high-five players as they make their entrance during the Cougar Walk before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Tei Nacua (0) greets fans as he and the rest of the Cougars make their entrance during the Cougar Walk before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) high-fives fans as the Cougars make their entrance during the Cougar Walk before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans as the Cougars make their entrance during the Cougar Walk before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans walk around after the Cougar Walk and before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret NewsAdvertisementAdvertisement
