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UCF QB Keyone Jenkins Earns Two National Honors Following Historic Win
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- UCF QB Keyone Jenkins Earns Two National Honors Following Historic Win
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
Following UCF's historic victory over then-ranked No. 2 BYU , senior quarterback Keyone "Lights Out" Jenkins was named the starter going forward.
In Monday's press conference, head coach Scott Frost said he would be rolling with the "hot hand" by leaving Jenkins in his starting role.
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Jenkins has been recognized by multiple conference and national outlets, being named the Maxwell Award Player of the Week and Davey O'Brien National Quarterback of the Week on Tuesday morning.
Against the Cougars, Jenkins accounted for four total touchdowns, passing for 293 yards and running for an additional 35 with his legs.
Jenkins' ability to extend plays with his legs is a big asset, using his lefty cannon to fire balls into tight windows.
After BYU struck first in first overtime, Jenkins escaped from the pocket on the first play of UCF's offensive possession, getting free and finding the Knights' top receiver Josh Derry near the front left pylon.
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UCF started with the ball first in second overtime, with Jenkins finding third-string tight end Grayson Brousseau on a flat route for the eventual game-winning score.
True freshman wide receiver Tyren Hornes was by-far Jenkins' top pass-catcher, recording six catches for 137 yards.
Coming into the game, Hornes had just 111 total receiving yards on the season, but found his groove at the best time possible.
Throughout the games prior, Hornes had shown flashes of his big-play ability and speed, converting on multiple opportunities against the Houston Cougars.
Jenkins leaned on the Bradenton, FL, native on late downs, showing the increasing trust Hornes is earning.
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Following the win, Jenkins was extremely humble and grateful for the opportunity, giving the praise to God.
"I had a vision of us winning," Jenkins added.
After starting his career at Florida International (FIU), Jenkins was not highly-touted coming out of the portal, opting for a backup role behind James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III.
Even following the win, Jenkins initially talked about understanding that the starting quarterback position was still Barnett's to lose, but Frost's decision shows the trust he has earned with his play.
During his last three games against Oklahoma State , Houston, and BYU, who are all ranked Big 12 opponents, Jenkins totaled 811 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, showing he belongs at the Power 4 level.
As UCF looks to carry over this historic win into the rest of the season, Jenkins has an opportunity to be one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 season.
