Big 12 Program Makes Stunning Decision to Bench QB for 17-Year-Old Playmaker

The UCF Knights are moving on from KJ Jefferson as the team named a new starting quarterback versus the Cincinnati Bearcats. Jefferson struggled through the first five games, particularly during the team's losses to the Florida Gators and Colorado Buffaloes.

Heading into the Big 12 clash versus Cincy, UCF ranked No. 88 in the country averaging just 206.8 passing yards per game with Jefferson as the team's starter. Jefferson's QBR of 41.8 puts the signal-caller at 99th in the nation . The quarterback passed for less than 170 yards in three of his first five outings with UCF.

UCF made a surprise decision to turn to freshman EJ Colson over Miami Hurricanes transfer Jacurri Brown. ESPN rated Colson as a four-star recruit out of Cedar Grove High School in Georgia, and the No. 11 ranked quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class.

Colson represents a much different player than Jefferson and is known for his playmaking ability. The quarterback is a much shiftier runner than Jefferson.

Originally slated to be part of the 2025 recruiting class, Colson reclassified to enroll at UCF in 2024. The freshman made his first career start at just 17 years old. Colson is one of several highly touted recruits head coach Gus Malzahn and his staff have landed in the greater Atlanta area.

Related: Calls Mount for College Football Program to Bench Projected $436,000 Quarterback