The UCF Knights ended a seven-year NCAA Tournament drought last month, but head coach Johnny Dawkins knows the real challenge is just beginning. Staying competitive in the rugged Big 12 Conference means navigating the annual chaos of the transfer portal—and this offseason was no exception. With the portal now closed, it's time to assess what the Knights gained, lost, and how they're shaping up for the 2025-26 season.

Last spring, Dawkins worked his magic in the portal, assembling a squad that went 21-12 and knocked off three ranked opponents. That résumé earned UCF just its second at-large NCAA Tournament bid in school history, earning a 10th seed in the East region before falling to UCLA in Philadelphia. But with the portal season wrapped up, here are five key takeaways from the Knights' roster moves.

1. A Complete Roster Overhaul—Again
In 2025-26, UCF was one of just five power-conference teams that didn't return a single player who scored a basket the previous season. Key contributors like Keyshawn Hall (Auburn) and Moustapha Thiam (Cincinnati) landed lucrative deals elsewhere, forcing Dawkins to rebuild from scratch. Fortunately, his evaluations paid off—Riley Kugel, Themus Fulks, Jamichael Stillwell, and Jordan Burks all played crucial roles in the Knights' tournament run.

2. Stability at Last: Key Retentions
This year, Dawkins won't need to overhaul the entire team. UCF retained several key pieces, including starting center John Bol, a 7-foot-2 former McDonald's All-American who became a fan favorite after posting 14 points and 10 rebounds in a home upset of Texas Tech. Also staying put are reserve shooting guard Carmelo Pacheco, quick-handed point guard Arturo Dean, and backup big man Elijah Hulsewe. That continuity could be a game-changer in the Big 12.

3. A Major Blow: Jordan Burks Enters the Portal
Just when it looked like the Knights had their core intact, they lost 6-foot-9 forward Jordan Burks. On3's Pete Nakos reported that Burks entered the portal just two days after it closed, dealing a significant blow to UCF's frontcourt. Burks had streaky shooting stretches but still knocked down 37.3% of his 3-point attempts and averaged 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds. Replacing his versatility will be a top priority.

4. Depth in the Backcourt
With Arturo Dean returning to run the point and Carmelo Pacheco providing scoring off the bench, UCF's guard rotation looks solid. Dean's quick hands and defensive tenacity were a spark last season, while Pacheco's ability to stretch the floor gives the Knights a reliable option from deep. Expect Dawkins to lean on this duo early in the season.

5. The Big 12 Grind Awaits
UCF proved last season it could hang with the nation's best, but sustaining that success requires reloading every year. The Knights have the pieces to compete again, but replacing Burks' production and integrating new transfers will be critical. If Dawkins can find another gem or two in the late portal window, UCF could be dancing again come March.

For Knights fans, the offseason drama is part of the journey. But with a mix of returning talent and fresh faces, this team has the potential to build on last season's breakthrough—and maybe even make a deeper run when it matters most.