Josh Pate Names College Football's Biggest Sleeper Program In 2024

There were some growing pains in UCF's first season at the Power Five level in 2023. The Knights finished below .500 for the first time since 2016 and only won three conference games.

Head coach Gus Malzahn remains confident that the program can emerge as a contender in the revamped Big 12. Malzahn's staff has started to make waves on the recruiting trail, signing the No. 2 recruiting class in the conference this offseason.

On the latest episode of " Late Kick with Josh Pate ," Pate had strong praise for the Knights, calling the program the biggest sleeper in college football entering next season.

"I think it's UCF," Pate said. "UCF has been hiding in plain sight to me. They did not get added to the Big 12 and then rest on the laurels of being a Power Five team, which they could have. You know, when you get granted that access, you could just throw your hands up and kick your feet up and say, 'Alright, we're here now.'"

Ahead of the 2024 season, the Knights added former Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson. Jefferson started 39 games over his career with the Razorbacks, recording 7,911 passing yards, 67 passing touchdowns, 1,876 rushing yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns.

Pate also noted UCF's investment in the program while also touting the talent-rich recruiting base that the Knights can tap into that other teams will not be able to.

"They invested big time," Pate continued. "They're continuing to invest. They're the only Big 12 school in this part of the country, so think about the talent acquisition standpoint here.

"First off, just from a recruiting standpoint, to have a program in the middle of Orlando to get to recruit as the lone conference member within like a thousand miles of Orlando and of Florida. That's one benefit, but the other benefit, as we've already seen, is they're a massive portal destination."

The Knights added one of the best transfer classes in the nation, headlined by Jefferson, UT Martin's Daylan Dotson, Idaho's Xe'ree Alexander, Ohio State's Cedric Hawkins, USC's Tre'quon Fegans, and Louisville's Peny Boone.

UCF will open the 2024 season against New Hampshire at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

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