MVPs? Breakout players? We issue midseason UCF football superlatives

Oct 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; UCF Knights wide receiver Josh Derry (5) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The UCF Knights are 3-3 at the midway point, following back-to-back road losses to Houston and Oklahoma State.

ORLANDO — Grades were issued earlier this week. Now, it's time to dole out some superlatives for UCF football's first half.

The Knights are 3-3, including a 1-2 mark in the Big 12 with a win over TCU and losses to Houston and Oklahoma State. Bowl eligibility remains on the table for the Knights after back-to-back misses, though preseason dreams of contending for a conference championship are all but shattered.

UCF gets another huge test out of its bye as BYU arrives for homecoming. The Cougars, who host Notre Dame in one of the sport's biggest matchups this weekend, are unbeaten and ranked No. 8 in both the AP and Coaches polls.

Let's take one final look back at the last six games before pressing onto the stretch run. The News-Journal's duo of Chris Boyle and Chris Vinel make their picks for most valuable players on offense and defense, breakout players, biggest moments and the most important remaining contest on the schedule.