College Sports Established
1975
Location
Orlando, Florida
College Name
University of Central Florida
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
Conference History
2013 - Present / American Athletic Conference
2005 - 2013 / Conference USA
1992 - 2005 / Trans America Athletic Conference/Atlantic Sun Conference
1990 - 1991 - American South Conference
Nickname
Knights - The University of Central Florida Knights have long been known for their athletic prowess, but few people know the origins of their nickname. The UCF Knights were officially adopted in 1991 when the school's first football team was formed. While there are various theories as to how they got their name, one popular belief is that it stems from a legendary medieval knight who once lived in central Florida.
According to local folklore, a brave knight named Sir William deVere fought off an invading army during the 13th century near what is now Orlando. His courage inspired his fellow citizens so much that he became known as “the Knight” and eventually gave rise to UCF’s mascot: Knightro!
Another theory suggests that the university chose its name because it wanted something solid and powerful - just like knights on horseback - which would reflect its academic and athletic commitment to excellence. Whatever its origin, today, "Knight" stands for strength, honor, and integrity – values that all students at UCF strive for each day!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2005
- 2012
- 2013
- 2017
- 2018
-
Proud UCF Knights – Brandon Marshall
Marshall attended the University of Central Florida, where he played a total of 44 games (21 starts) at wide receiver for the UCF Knights football team. He collected 112 receptions, 1,674 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns in his collegiate career. As a freshman, he had a limited role and had two receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown. As a ... -
UCF basketball team wins its first C-USA title
In 2012: UCF basketball team wins its first C-USA title and reaches the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship for the second time. -
UCF football team wins its first AAC title
In 2013: UCF football team wins its first AAC title and reaches its fourth bowl game, defeating Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl. -
UCF football team won its third AAC title
In 2017: the UCF football team finished with a perfect 13-0 record, won its third AAC title, and reached its sixth bowl game, defeating Auburn in the Peach Bowl. The team claims a national championship despite not being selected for the College Football Playoff. -
UCF football team wins its fourth AAC title
In 2018: the UCF football team extends its winning streak to 25 games, wins its fourth AAC title and reaches its seventh bowl game, losing to LSU in the Fiesta Bowl.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Knights
UCF first became an NCAA Division I program in 1979 when it joined the Sun Belt Conference for football only (they would join all other sports later). The Knights quickly made their mark with multiple bowl appearances over the 1980s before joining Conference USA in 2005. Since then, they've won seven conference titles across four different divisions while appearing regularly at postseason tournaments such as March Madness or College Football Playoff games - something no other school from Florida can claim!
Off-the-field accomplishments are just as impressive: UCF has been named "America’s Most Affordable University" by Forbes Magazine three times since 2012; produced dozens of All-Americans, including Heisman Trophy finalists Blake Bortles (2013) & McKenzie Milton (2018); earned numerous academic accolades like being ranked #1 among public universities for graduating African American students according to Diverse Issues In Higher Education magazine; plus much more!
Ultimately though, what sets UCF apart from most schools is its passionate fan base which continues to grow each year despite not having any professional teams nearby – proving that Knight Nation does bleed black & gold pride! So if you're looking for a great university with plenty of athletic achievements, look no further than Central Florida…Go, Knights!!
Sports Fan Products
