Gus Malzahn coached at Auburn during former NFL QB Cam Newton’s career. Sonny Dykes said he “ushered the era of a dual-threat quarterback.” Dykes compared Jefferson to Newton. “He’s 235 pounds, maybe more,” Dykes said. “He’s big, he’s strong, he’s powerful, and does a nice job executing their offense and could be a big threat running the football.”

UCF and TCU kick off Big 12, aiming for the top of the reshaped conference. UCF’s strength lies in its talented backfield, one of the nation’s best, but questions remain about their passing game, especially with transfer QB KJ Jefferson’s underwhelming 2024 performance.

KJ Jefferson threw a 20-yard touchdown to Kobe Hudson with 36 seconds left as UCF overcame three blocked kicks and a three-TD deficit after halftime to beat TCU 35-34 on Saturday night in the first game this season to count in the Big 12 standings.

When he was a high school football star at North Panola High School in Sardis, Miss., KJ Jefferson dreamed of continuing his football career at TCU. On Saturday, Jefferson finally got the opportunity to play at Amon G. Carter. But, it wasn’t for the Horned Frogs.

The Knights overcome three blocked kicks and a three-TD deficit after halftime to win their first game this season to count in the Big 12 standings.