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UCF Knights Early Signing Day Tracker: Every Player Coming to the Program in 2026

Follow along as the UCF Knights build their 2026 recruiting class during the Early Signing Period. This real-time tracker features every official signee, individual breakdowns, position group insights, and how the class stacks up nationally.
Bryson Turner|
Oct 18, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Central Florida Knights head coach Scott Frost prior to a game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Central Florida Knights head coach Scott Frost prior to a game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images | Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

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The road to assembling the 2026 UCF Knights football team began Wednesday with high school recruits officially signing with the program for the first time during the Early Signing Day period.

Explore below this one-stop shop for all information about the Knights' Early Signees:

Table of Contents

  1. Full List of 2026 Early Signees
  2. Position-by-Position Breakdown
  3. Top Commitments in the Class
  4. Amahn Williams, Offensive Lineman
  5. Arthur Lewis IV, Running Back
  6. Matthew Occhipinti, Linebacker
  7. Kasiyah Charlton, Offensive Lineman
  8. Dante Carr, Quarterback
  9. Kaj Baker, Running Back
  10. Amerion Queen, Cornerback
  11. Alhassan Iddrissu, EDGE
  12. Rocco Marriott, Quarterback
  13. Preston Hall, Linebacker
  14. Brooks Hall, Tight End
  15. Noah Mercer, Defensive Lineman
  16. Elijah Keys, Defensive Back
  17. Recruiting Surprises, Flips & Misses
  18. Historical Context & Class Ranking
  19. Full Scott Frost Early Signing Day Press Conference

Full List of 2026 Early Signees

Name

Position

Height/Weight

Previous School

Hometown

247Sports Rating

Rivals/On3 Ranking

ESPN Ranking

Amahn Williams

OL

6-6/260

Tabor Academy

Randolph, MA

85

85.80

76

Arthur Lewis IV

RB

5-9/190

Bartram Trail HS

Palatka, FL

86

85.47

76

Matthew Occhipinti

LB

6-3/225

Don Bosco Prep

Ramsey, NJ

86

85.80

75

Kasiyah Charlton

OL

6-6/295

Brunswick HS

Brunswick, GA

86

85.80

76

Dante Carr

QB

6-3/200

Minersville HS

Minersville, PA

88

87.77

77

Kaj Baker

RB

5-7/158

Somerset Academy Charter School

Miami, FL

87

87.07

78

Amarion Queen

CB

6-1.5/185

Martin County HS

Martin County, FL

84

84.87

74

Alhassan Iddrissu

EDGE

6-6/240

St. Thomas More School

Oakdale, CT

87

88.67

80

Rocco Marriott

QB

6-3.5/203

Platte County HS

Kansas City, MO

89

89.59

79

Preston Hall

LB

6-2/215

Ridge Point HS

Missouri City, TX

86

86.43

77

Brooks Hall

TE

6-5/225

Platte County HS

Platte City, MO

85

N/A

NR

Noah Mercer

DL

6-4/235

Key West HS

Key West, FL

85

85.20

74

Elijah Keys

DB

6-2/175

Duncan U. Fletcher HS

Jacksonville, FL

86

86.13

76

Position-by-Position Breakdown

Offense

  • Quarterback: Coach Scott Frost's search for a long-term quarterback continues with Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr ranking as the Knights' highest-ranked signings of this recruiting class. Of the two, Marriott looks the most start-worthy as a freshman, but he may very well have to contend with a returning Davi Belfort, a transfer portal addition or even Cam Fancher if he qualifies for an NCAA hardship waiver.
  • Running Back: With the group's seniors, Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon, having graduated, Arthur Lewis IV and Kaj Baker enter into what is a very young backfield group. Coach Scott Frost likes using multiple running backs, so should one of this class' pair of rushers impresses in camp, then they could see playing time. Unknown factors that go into such a decision are who UCF could get from the transfer portal, plus the recoveries of Stacy Gage and Taevion Swint.
  • Wide Receiver: The Knights went wide receiver heavy in the last recruiting class, so it is not emphasized this time around.
  • Tight End: The Knights gained a tight end as a "plus-one" with their star quarterback of the class. While likely to redshirt his freshman season since Dylan Wade and Kylan Fox both have eligibility remaining, he might be able to see the field a little bit if Rocco Marriott can earn the starting job right away.
  • Offensive Line: Frost said on a radio interview on Nov. 19 that offensive line is one of the positions he loves to develop "in-house." He described bringing in players with potential and building them up for a year or two before they are ready to play. Based on this, Kasiyah Charlton and Amahn Williams look unlikely to see the field very much right away.

Defense

  • Defensive Line: While Alhassan Iddrissu is one of the higher-rated signings of this class, the Knights' flip of Noah Mercer adds some depth to their defensive line ranks Depending on how the former recovers from a patellar tendon injury and develops overall, which scouts have said he needs since he's only been playing football for a short time, he might be one of this class's most likely players to get playing time right away due to his size.
  • Linebacker: Most of the Knights' main linebackers this season came from the transfer portal, but given the pair that signed with this signing class, it does not look like the program wants to completely rely on that for the long term. One of them, Preston Hall, is one of the top five highest-rated recruits of this class, making him the most likely one to get playing time right away. However, whether he gets it or not depends both on camp performance and the Knights' transfer portal class.
  • Defensive Back: The Knights bring in a pair of new defensive backs, both listed as cornerbacks. With several key players in the secondary, such as Braeden Marshall, Demari Henderson, and Antoine Jackson, entering their senior seasons in 2026, this group of defensive backs marks the beginning of defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and defensive backs coach Brandon Harris' push to assemble the next generation of UCF defensive backs.

Top Commitments in the Class

  • Quarterbacks Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr: The quarterbacks of this recruiting class rank 1-2 not only of this season's recruiting class, but also all-time UCF quarterback recruits. Both exhibit the ability to run, something typical of a Frost quarterback. Marriott was a late flip in November, while Carr has been committed since early June.
  • EDGE Alhassan Iddrissu: Originally from Ghana, Iddrissu initially left his home nation in 2020 to pursue basketball, but ended up showcasing talent on the gridiron when he played football for the first time in 2023. This past year has been a difficult one, with his father passing away in January and missing his senior season with a patellar tendon injury. Still, Gary Biggins, National Recruiting Analyst for 247Sports, called him an intriguing young prospect.
  • Running back Kaj Baker: Nicknamed "Nitro," Baker was marked as an athlete on recruiting sites like 247Sports and On3. He had two UCF coaches recruiting him, running back coach Jimmy Beal and defensive backs coach Brandon Harris. Baker joining the team as a running back showcases the Knights' desire to utilise his speed out of the backfield. With such a young running back group, he could earn playing time if he impresses in camp.

Amahn Williams, Offensive Lineman

Previous School: Tabor Acadmey

Hometown: Marion, Massachusetts

Height/Weight: 6-6 / 260 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 137

Notable Offers: Boston College, Buffalo, UConn

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Physical on the block
  • Comparison: He's as tall as Patrick Barnett, who appeared in all 12 games last season off the bench, though he'll need to bulk up more to get to his weight.

Arthur Lewis IV, Running Back

Previous School: Bartram Trail High School

Hometown: Palatka, Florida

Height/Weight: 5-9, 190 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 73

Notable Offers: Liberty, Appalachian State, Iowa State

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Versatility and Speed (ran track in high school with a 11.60s personal best in 100m)
  • Comparison: His speed and ability to run, catch and return is comparable to that of Jaden Nixon
"Arthur is, you know, we think flew under the radar a little bit, and just as an all around back with a tremendous amount of potential and upside, really excited about him, too."
Scott Frost, Coach

Matthew Occhipinti, Linebacker

Previous School: Don Bosco Preperatory High School

Hometown: Ramsey, New Jersey

Height/Weight: 6-3 / 225 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 125

Notable Offers: West Virginia, Cincinnati, UConn

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Hanging on to a tackle and ball-tracking
  • Comparison: Height and build is similar to Cole Kozlowski.

Kasiyah Charlton, Offensive Lineman

Previous School: Brunswick High School

Hometown: Brunswick, Georgia

Height/Weight: 6-6 / 295 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 108

Notable Offers: Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Physicality and downfield blocking
  • Comparison: Height and build is similar to Patrick Barnett, who played in all 12 game soff the bench last season.
"I'm excited about Kasiyah as a player. You know, he's been on board with us for a long time."

Dante Carr, Quarterback

Previous School: Minersville High School

Hometown: Minersville, Pennsylvania

Height/Weight: 6-3 / 200 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 38

Notable Offers: Army, Rutgers, Coastal Carolina

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: A powerful arm, speed and elusiveness
  • Comparison: If he does not get the starting job, his running ability could translate into a Jacurri Brown-type role. Frost said he reminds him "a little bit" of himself from that age.
"He's just a great all around athlete. He's a great kid. We have some work to do with him on his stroke, and I think he knows that, but he's a fantastic athlete and fantastic kid."
Scott Frost, Coach

Kaj Baker, Running Back

Previous School: Somerset Academy Charter School

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Height/Weight: 5-7 / 158 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 69

Notable Offers: Miami (FL), Duke, Florida State

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Speed and versatility (He was recruited by both running back coach Jimmy Beal and defensive backs coach Brandon Harris)
  • Comparison: His size and build are more remisicent of a wide receiver, but he is playing as a running back. Wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr. played out of the backfield several times this season. Frost compared him to former UCF running back Adrian Killins.
"Kaj has an elite trade, and that's his speed."
Scott Frost, Coach

Amerion Queen, Cornerback

Previous School: Martin County High School

Hometown: Martin County, Florida

Height/Weight: 6-1.5 / 185 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 173

Notable Offers: Purdue, Arkansas, Florida

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Ball-tracking
  • Comparison: Has a similar height and build as Antione Jackson.

Alhassan Iddrissu, EDGE

Previous School: St. Thomas More School

Hometown: Oakdale, Connecticut

Height/Weight: 6-6 / 240 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 78

Notable Offers: Maryland, Minnesota, Florida State, Michigan, Texas A&M, USC, Washington

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Fast learner, speed and a long wingspan
  • Comparison: He is slightly taller than Nyjalik Kelly, but is sized more like Isaiah Nixon.
"It was a battle to get him here, but when he came down, he really loved the place and loved the coaches. He got hurt this year and we stuck with him. I think that meant a lot to him, but we believe in him, and he's going to have some rehabbing to do when he gets here, but I'm excited about him, his upside and what he can bring to UCF."
Scott Frost, Coach

Rocco Marriott, Quarterback

Previous School: Platte County High School

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

Height/Weight: 6-3.5 / 203 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 27

Notable Offers: James Madison, Missouri, West Virginia

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Versatility and football IQ
  • Comparison: A 247Sports Analyst wrote Marriott reminded him of former Duke and Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard.
"He's big, he's fast, he can really throw it. He's a competitor. He's played multiple sports. I think he's hungry. I think he has a lot of potential."
Scott Frost, Coach

Preston Hall, Linebacker

Previous School: Ridgepoint High School

Hometown: Missouri City, Texas

Height/Weight: 6-2 /215 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 101

Notable Offers: San Diego State, Colorado State, Arkansas State

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Ball-tracking
  • Comparison: Built similarly to Kam Moore and TJ Bullard

Brooks Hall, Tight End

Previous School: Platte County High School

Hometown: Platte County, Missouri

Height/Weight: 6-5 / 225 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 92

Notable Offers: South Dakota, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, UTSA, Missouri State

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Connection with Rocco Marriott.
  • Comparison: Built most similarly to Kylan Fox.

Noah Mercer, Defensive Lineman

Previous School: Key West High School

Hometown: Key West, Florida

Height/Weight: 6-4 / 235 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 170

Notable Offers: South Florida and Maryland

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Speed and Physicality (Threw shot put and discus and ran 200m in high school)
  • Comparison: Built most similarly to Isaiah Nixon

Elijah Keys, Defensive Back

Previous School: Duncan U. Fletcher High School

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Height/Weight: 6-2 / 175 lbs.

Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 112

Notable Offers: South Carolina, Pittsburgh, Memphis

Scouting Report:

  • Strengths: Ball-tracking
  • Comparison: Similar build to Jyaire Brown with the size of DJ Bell.

Recruiting Surprises, Flips & Misses

Notable Flips

  • Noah Mercer: Was committed to South Florida until Bulls coach Alex Golesh took the Auburn job. His other offers were UCF and Maryland.

Recent Decommitments

The Knights had a handful of recruits that decommitted from the program during the past couple of months:

  • Quarterback Kane Archer announced his decommitment following UCF's flipping of Rocco Marriott. He is now committed to Auburn.
  • Defensive lineman Isaiah McNish, an Apopka native, announced his decommitment on Oct. 6.
  • Tight end Charlie Jilek initially committed to the Knights back in April, but decommitted on Oct. 1. He then committed to Minnesota, but ended up decommitting from there a month later before signing with Texas.

Historical Context & Class Ranking

Year

No. of Commits

Recruiting Class Ranking (Overall)

Recruiting Class Ranking (Big 12)

Average Player Rating

2026

13

90th

14th

86.92

2025

15

83rd

16th

87.55

2024

17

39th

3rd

88.12

2023

15

50th

9th

87.78

Full Scott Frost Early Signing Day Press Conference

Catch up on more UCF news below:

The Top Three Players UCF Can't Let Hit The Transfer Portal

UCF Defensive Back First To Declare For 2026 NFL Draft

UCF Quarterback Reflects On The End Of The 2025 Season

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Bryson Turner
BRYSON TURNER

Bryson Turner is a sports journalist who covers UCF Athletics. Turner has contributed to the Black and Gold Banneret, the home for UCF Athletics on SB Nation. He has called the Orlando area home since the age of 8 and received his bachelor's and master's degrees from UCF.

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