Knights Edge Horned Frogs 21-13 in Orlando Showdown

Knights Take the Lead in Late Surge

The UCF Knights defeated the TCU Horned Frogs 21-13 on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in front of a crowd of 43,212 at Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando. The home team improved to a 3-1 record, while the visiting Horned Frogs dropped to 2-2. The game featured a back-and-forth first half before UCF pulled away in the final period to claim the victory.

Early Ties and Mid-Game Swings

Both teams struck quickly in the opening quarter. Taevion Swint ran 13 yards for a touchdown for TCU, giving the visitors a 7-0 lead. Jeremy Payne responded for UCF with a one-yard rush, tying the game at 7-7.

In the second quarter, Nate McCashland kicked a 29-yard field goal to put TCU ahead 10-7. However, UCF regained the lead late in the half when Keyone Jenkins found Caden Piening for a 19-yard touchdown pass, making the score 14-10 in favor of the Knights.

TCU Fights Back Before Final Push

The third quarter saw TCU narrow the gap. McCashland connected on a 45-yard field goal, reducing the deficit to 14-13. The teams entered the fourth quarter with UCF holding a slim one-point advantage.

The momentum shifted decisively in the final period when Landen Chambers broke through for a one-yard rushing touchdown for UCF. The subsequent kick by Will Stone extended the Knights' lead to 21-13, proving to be the decisive margin of victory.

Statistical Standouts

Keyone Jenkins led the UCF offense, completing 19 of 20 passes for 160 yards and one touchdown. On the ground, Duke Watson carried the ball 13 times for 57 yards, while Josh Derry caught three passes for 41 yards. For TCU, Jaden Craig threw for 310 yards on 25 of 40 attempts but was intercepted twice.

Jeremy Payne rushed for 48 yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown, and Jordan Dwyer led the receiving corps with five catches for 100 yards. The Knights' efficient passing game and late scoring drive were the key factors in their win.

Sources

ESPN