As the 2025–26 college basketball season approaches, teams are expected to have a stable lineup. However, an unprecedented roster collapse has shaken the program led by Coach Johnny Dawkins and the University of Central Florida (UCF).
A mass exodus of players, due to a combination of NCAA transfer portal entries and graduation, has left the team with a significant void to fill.
The UCF Exodus
The roster turnover at UCF has been alarming. Reports indicate that the team has lost 13 players from its 2024–25 roster. Four players left after graduating, and the remainder entered the transfer portal. Although the loss to graduation is natural in college basketball, the scale of the departures is highly unusual and impactful.
The NCAA transfer portal has become a popular avenue for student-athletes seeking new opportunities, and many UCF players are buying into the idea. Among the most notable players who have exited the team is Keyshawn Hall, who transferred to Auburn after a standout season.
Mikey Williams and Dior Johnson also entered the portal, and others, including JJ Taylor, Moustapha Thiam, Nils Machowski, Tyler Hendricks, Rokas Jocius, and Jaylin Sellers, who has reportedly transferred to Providence. Each player contributed meaningfully to the Knights’ last season, and the program will miss them all.
The departure of such a large group of players poses a serious challenge to UCF’s competitiveness in the coming season. The program has lost its identity, and it will take time to rebuild.
With no returning production, the coaching staff must act swiftly and strategically to rebuild the team. The pressure is now on Coach Dawkins to assemble a new roster and establish a new team identity.
Building a New Team: Challenges and Opportunities
Rebuilding will require creativity, resilience, and smart recruiting. Given the team’s recent struggles and the uncertainty surrounding the coaching situation, attracting high-potential talent may be difficult.
Despite these challenges, UCF has been active in the transfer portal. One promising addition is Themus Fulks, a skilled playmaker whose experience could stabilize the backcourt.
The road ahead is daunting, but with focused recruitment and a strong development plan, the Knights can lay the groundwork for a fresh and competitive era in UCF basketball. Players across multiple positions will be needed to fill the gaps.
It is crucial for UCF to rebuild its roster and establish a new team foundation.
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