UCF defensive back Jayden Bellamy speaks with the media following the Knights' win in their Big 12 opener over TCU, 21-13.

With one day to go until the 2026 UCF football season kicks off, learn more about the player wearing the Knights' No. 1 jersey: defensive back Jayden Bellamy.

After anchoring the Big 12’s elite pass defense with game-sealing plays, the shutdown cornerback is surging up draft boards as a physical force with high-round potential.

After leading the nation in forced incompletions, the lockdown Syracuse transfer aims to anchor the Knights' secondary and solidify his status as a premier NFL prospect.

Fueled by thirty transfer additions and an NFL-influenced defensive approach, the Knights are leveraging veteran leadership and newfound chemistry to chase their first Big 12 championship.