After a disappointing season with an offense that didn’t do enough last season, UCF needs to get everything up to speed in a hurry with a nasty schedule coming up, starting with a trip the week after to Pitt.
That’s why you have Bethune-Cookman on the schedule. This is the lone game against an FBS team for the Wildcats before their home opener against Stetson.
- UCF destroys FCS teams, winning its last nine by a combined score of 503-81 (average of 56-9)
- The last meeting with Bethune-Cookman was 63-14 in Week 2 of the 2021 season
- Bethune-Cookman lost to FIU and Miami to start last season by a combined score of 87-12
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
TV: ESPN+
Location: Acrisure Bounce House, Orlando, FL
– CFN Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
The Wildcats have a few playmakers to worry about, starting with leading running back Khamani Robinson. He’s got home-run-hitting speed, averaging close to six yards per carry last season.
This might not be an efficient attack, but it will have the pop and explosion to come up with plenty of big plays against a defense that lost a few star pass rushers on the defensive front.
The UCF offense needs to stretch its legs, with former James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett getting a game to get the timing down, especially on third downs.
UCF was awful last season at moving the chains, but the skill parts are better, and a few pieces are coming in to beef up a mediocre line. There shouldn’t be much to worry about from the Bethune-Cookman front.
Again, UCF destroys FCS teams. This is a game to show off the big-play ability, but there will be a good balance and enough early scoring drives to let everyone in the Bounce House enjoy the day.
Bethune-Cookman has the offense to get on the board, but be shocked if this isn’t over before halftime.
UCF 55, Bethune-Cookman 6
Latest Consensus Line: UCF -42.5, o/u: 59.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 1
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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