Analyst: UCF is ABOVE BYU, Cincinnati, Houston with Scott Frost via NIL, Transfer Portal, Recruiting

Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

UCF Under Scott Frost: Setting the Standard for BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston

UCF’s brief but brilliant tenure under Scott Frost remains a benchmark that BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston aspire to surpass as new Big 12 members. During his two years as head coach (2016–2017), Frost led the Knights to an extraordinary 19-7 record, capped by an undefeated season in 2017 and a self-declared national championship that garnered national attention. UCF’s rapid rise to prominence established the program as a trailblazer among Group of Five teams and set the standard for programs transitioning to Power Five status.

BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston face unique challenges in matching Frost's success at UCF. Frost inherited a struggling program but quickly instilled a winning culture rooted in innovation, fast-paced offense, and a relentless belief in success. His work attracted top-tier talent and established UCF as a perennial contender in the American Athletic Conference, proving that a strong foundation and visionary leadership can lead to rapid results.

As members of the Big 12, these programs now operate on an elevated stage, where consistency and adaptability are crucial. BYU brings a rich tradition and an independent legacy, but it must adjust to the weekly grind of a Power Five schedule. Cincinnati, fresh off a CFP appearance, has to maintain its upward trajectory under heightened scrutiny. Houston, with its fertile recruiting grounds in Texas, must find a way to translate potential into sustained success.

UCF’s Frost-era dominance remains the gold standard for emerging programs aiming to assert themselves in the Big 12. While the landscape is different now, the blueprint Frost provided—bold strategies, player development, and fearless execution—offers a roadmap for these programs to achieve new heights and continue the legacy of upstart success.

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