UCF football will not participate in a bowl game this year, the school’s athletic department confirmed to the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
That had been the thought since the Knights lost to BYU in the regular-season finale on Nov. 29, dropping to 5-7 and falling one win short of bowl eligibility. But the door reopened Sunday, Dec. 7.
Advertisement
Due to opt-outs by eligible teams Notre Dame, Kansas State and Iowa State, there weren’t enough six-win squads to play all 41 bowl games. Officials from three bowls were forced to turn to programs with 5-7 records.
How does that work? The programs are ranked by Academic Progress Rate, and the ones with the highest APRs are invited to fill the gaps.
UCF sat third in line behind Rice and Auburn, according to On3 Sports’ Brett McMurphy. The Owls accepted a spot in the Armed Forces Bowl while Tigers declined their opportunity.
Since its defeat at BYU more than a week ago, UCF has not practiced. Many of its players already scattered for winter break, and several others declared intentions to enter the transfer portal when it opens next month.
Advertisement
Player availability would have been limited at a number of position groups, a UCF spokesman said.
Multiple teams behind the Knights in the APR standings, including Florida State and Big 12 foes Baylor and Kansas, also dismissed their invites, according to McMurphy’s report.
The Big 12 fined Kansas State and Iowa State $500,000 apiece for rejecting their automatic bids. Both programs underwent coaching transitions last week, with Chris Klieman retiring from the Wildcats and Matt Campbell leaving the Cyclones for Penn State. Those schools hired Collin Klein and Jimmy Rogers, respectively.
“While the Conference acknowledges the difficult timing around coaching changes, the Big 12 is responsible for fulfilling its contractual obligations to its bowl partners,” the league said in a statement about the punishments. “The Big 12 considers the matter resolved and will have no further comment.”
Advertisement
This will be UCF’s second straight year without a bowl appearance. It has not had a two-season drought since making its first FBS bowl game in 2005.
— Chris Boyle contributed to this report
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: UCF Knights football will not play in 2025 bowl game despite opt-outs
