Can Grinch’s Defense Steal The Show

UCF for the first time in a while has a roster with the defense constructed to lead the program and new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch is at the forefront of a schematic overhaul.

ORLANDO, FL - UCF returns three full-time starters from the 2024 season and will look to build off their momentum from the end of last season on the defensive end of the field. The Knights made a change back to Addison Williams as defensive coordinator for the final four games last year, allowing just 26.5 points per game compared to 35.2 points per game in the previous games against Big 12 opponents. Williams was not retained by the program following Gus Malzahn and UCF reaching a mutual termination of his contact, and Scott Frost announced the hiring of Alex Grinch who spent the 2024 season with Wisconsin as safety coach and co-defensive coordinator. Grinch has previously served as defensive coordinator at Washington State, Oklahoma, and USC, becoming a household name with the Cougars before his reputation took a hit during his time with the Sooners and Trojans.