College football’s Week 1 kicks off with several high-energy matchups, and among them is an intriguing clash between the Jacksonville State Gamecocks and the UCF Knights on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. Held at the FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida, this 🏈 Jacksonville State at UCF showdown sets the stage for two programs eager to make their mark early in the season.
As Jacksonville State continues to transition and prove itself in FBS football, UCF is now firmly planted in the Big 12 Conference and seeks to assert dominance in its new home. With storylines, star power, and high stakes all present, this game has the potential to surprise national audiences.
📅 Game Details: 🏈 Jacksonville State at UCF
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL
- TV Broadcast: ESPN or ESPN+ (TBD)
- Streaming Options: ESPN App, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
As Thursday night lights come on, this is a game that could set the tone for both programs heading into the 2025 college football season.
🏟️ Venue Overview: FBC Mortgage Stadium
Nicknamed “The Bounce House” for its vibrating stands during intense moments, FBC Mortgage Stadium is one of the most electric environments in the Big 12. With a capacity of just over 44,000, it delivers a loud, rowdy experience—especially under the lights in early season matchups.
Jacksonville State will be playing here for the first time, and the challenge of facing UCF on their home turf will be significant, especially as the Gamecocks look to make a name for themselves on the FBS stage.
🔍 Team Previews: 🏈 Jacksonville State at UCF
UCF Knights: Big 12 Momentum Building
Led by head coach Gus Malzahn, the UCF Knights are coming off their second season in the Big 12 Conference, where they showed flashes of excellence but lacked consistency in key moments. The 2025 season is expected to be a step forward, and the home opener is a critical confidence booster.
- Quarterback Spotlight: KJ Jefferson, the dynamic Arkansas transfer who joined UCF in 2024, returns for his final season with elite dual-threat ability.
- Running Game: RJ Harvey, coming off a 1,200-yard season, is a beast in the backfield and a key part of UCF’s up-tempo attack.
- Receiving Corps: Explosive wideouts like Javon Baker and Xzavier Henderson stretch the field and force defenses into single coverage.
- Defense: UCF’s defensive front is anchored by Tremon Morris-Brash, with speed and pressure being key traits of the unit.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Hungry to Prove Themselves
In their second full year in the FBS ranks, Jacksonville State continues its rapid growth under head coach Rich Rodriguez. Known for his innovative offenses and fast-paced philosophy, Rodriguez is building a team that plays with purpose and isn’t intimidated by bigger programs.
- Quarterback Play: Dual-threat QB Zion Webb leads the charge again. He brings poise, speed, and leadership after guiding the team to a strong first FBS season in 2024.
- Skill Positions: WR Perry Carter Jr. and RB Anwar Lewis are reliable playmakers who can break open games with one touch.
- Defense: LB Markail Benton, a former Alabama transfer, leads a tough and gritty defensive unit looking to contain UCF’s high-octane offense.
⚔️ Key Matchups to Watch
KJ Jefferson vs. Gamecocks’ Secondary
Jefferson is not just big and fast—he’s smart. If Jacksonville State’s safeties can’t keep up or bite on play-action, Jefferson will find his weapons deep.
Zion Webb vs. UCF Linebackers
Webb’s mobility will be crucial. If he can escape pressure and extend plays, Jacksonville State could frustrate the Knights with long, sustained drives.
RJ Harvey vs. Front Seven
Harvey’s downhill running style could expose gaps in the Gamecocks’ interior line. He thrives when given 20+ carries, and UCF may lean on him to dominate time of possession.
Special Teams Showdown
Early season games often swing on special teams. UCF has a history of big returns, while Jacksonville State will need to be nearly perfect in this phase to stay close.
📈 Odds, Betting Trends & Prediction
Projected Spread: UCF -20.5
Over/Under: 56.5
ATS Pick: Jacksonville State +20.5
Though UCF is clearly the better team on paper, Rich Rodriguez’s squads play tough and often exceed expectations. This could be closer than Vegas anticipates.
Total Points Pick: Over 56.5
Expect points on both sides. Jacksonville State has speed, while UCF wants to run 80+ plays. This should be a fun one for fans of offense.
⭐ Players to Watch
KJ Jefferson – QB, UCF
One of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the country. He combines Cam Newton-like strength with top-tier football IQ.
Zion Webb – QB, Jacksonville State
Veteran leadership and ability to create on the move make him the X-factor. If he gets hot early, it changes the game script.
RJ Harvey – RB, UCF
A potential All-American, Harvey’s vision and burst are unmatched. Watch for him to break multiple 20+ yard runs.
Markail Benton – LB, Jacksonville State
The defensive centerpiece, Benton’s SEC pedigree gives the Gamecocks a fighter’s chance at slowing UCF’s tempo.
Javon Baker – WR, UCF
NFL scouts will be tuned in to see Baker’s route running and hands. A big performance could cement his draft status early.
🧠 Coaching Battle: Gus Malzahn vs. Rich Rodriguez
- Gus Malzahn: Known for revolutionizing spread offenses at Auburn, Malzahn has brought that same innovation to Orlando. His leadership and recruiting have made UCF a rising national brand.
- Rich Rodriguez: A spread offense pioneer himself, Rodriguez has revitalized Jacksonville State and instilled belief. His experience and tempo-based game plan could give UCF fits.
Two offensive-minded coaches who love to push the pace—it’s a chess match fans won’t want to miss.
📊 Team Stats and 2024 Recaps
UCF Knights (2024 Season)
- Record: 8–5
- Conference: Big 12
- PPG: 32.8
- Yards/Game: 445.2
- Turnover Margin: +4
- Bowl: Won the First Responder Bowl
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (2024 Season)
- Record: 7–5
- Conference: C-USA
- PPG: 27.4
- Yards/Game: 382.9
- Turnover Margin: +2
- First Year FBS Bowl Eligibility Achieved: Yes
🔢 Series History & First Meeting Notes
- All-Time Series: This is the first-ever meeting between Jacksonville State and UCF.
- Historic Context: UCF was once the underdog program Jacksonville State now is. This matchup carries a “passing of the torch” feeling, with UCF now the Goliath.
This game could be a statement win for UCF or a program-defining upset for Jacksonville State.
❓ FAQs: 🏈 Jacksonville State at UCF
When is the game?
Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET.
Where is it being played?
FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, Florida.
Is this a conference game?
No. UCF is in the Big 12; Jacksonville State is in Conference USA.
What’s the streaming option?
ESPN App, FuboTV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV (check local listings).
Who are the starting QBs?
UCF: KJ Jefferson
Jacksonville State: Zion Webb
What’s the expected outcome?
UCF is heavily favored, but Jacksonville State is expected to compete.
Has Jacksonville State played FBS teams before?
Yes, and they’ve upset some—most famously Florida State in 2021.
🏁 Final Score Prediction: UCF 41, Jacksonville State 24
While Jacksonville State will compete and possibly even lead early, UCF’s depth, tempo, and star power should ultimately take over in the second half. Look for a big night from KJ Jefferson and RJ Harvey, with Gus Malzahn’s playbook opening up late to seal the win.
Bold Prediction: Zion Webb accounts for 3 total touchdowns and keeps Jacksonville State in striking distance into the 4th quarter.
📌 Why You Should Watch 🏈 Jacksonville State at UCF
- Thursday Night Lights: It’s one of the first games of the 2025 season
- Elite Quarterbacks: KJ Jefferson and Zion Webb can put on a show
- Malzahn vs. Rodriguez: Two brilliant minds collide
- Potential Upset?: Jacksonville State has history in surprising big opponents
- Big 12 Preview: UCF aims to send a message to its new rivals
Whether you’re tuning in for scouting, betting, or pure entertainment, 🏈 Jacksonville State at UCF has all the ingredients for a high-energy, offensive-packed college football opener.