College Spotlight: University of Central Florida (UCF)
I spoke with the UCF coaching staff this past week annd here's what you need to know: they're actively scouting 2026 grads finishing strong this summer, and closely evaluating promising 2027 players.
The Knights are off to an impressive 15-4 start this season, fresh off a big conference series win against BYU and recent statement victories over in-state rivals Florida and Miami.
Current UCF High School Baseball Commits
UCF's recruiting remains open for both the 2026 and 2027 classes—making this an ideal time to make your move.
2026 High School Commits:
Dillon Knight - OF
Elijah Beekley - C
Jonathan Colon - C
Corey Hutter - LHP
Joseph Raimonda - LHP
Frankie Russo - RHP
Coleton Brady - RHP
Pablo Figueroa - RHP
Calvin Moreau - SS
Yavier Rosendo - SS
Tyler Lomas - SS
2027 High School Commits:
No commitments yet, leaving opportunities for future talent to join the Knights.
* Disclaimer: Premier Athletes cannot 100% guarantee the accuracy of the verbal college commitments listed. Commitments only include those that Premier is aware of.
UCF Knights Program Overview
Team Name: UCF Knights
Conference: Big 12 Conference (joined in 2024)
Head Coach: Rich Wallace (appointed in 2024)
2024 Season Record: 37 wins – 21 losses
Conference Record: 14 wins – 15 losses
Postseason: Advanced to the NCAA Tournament, reaching the finals of the Tallahassee Regional
UCF’s 2024 Season: A Strong First Year in the Big 12
In their first season in the Big 12, UCF Baseball made an immediate impact, finishing with a 37-21 overall record and a 14-15 conference record. Under first-year head coach Rich Wallace, the Knights proved they could compete with some of the nation’s best, securing big wins over ranked opponents, including Miami and Texas.
Their postseason run was another milestone, as they earned their first NCAA Tournament bid since 2017 and reached the Tallahassee Regional Final, picking up a key victory over Alabama along the way. With a strong foundation in place, UCF has quickly established itself as a program to watch in the Big 12 and beyond.
UCF's 2025 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Rich Wallace (2nd year)
2024 Record: 37-21 overall; 14-15 Big 12 Conference
2025 Opening Series: February 14-16 vs. Siena at John Euliano Park
Coach Wallace expressed optimism about the upcoming season, highlighting a productive fall and a record-setting team GPA. He emphasized the seamless integration of newcomers, facilitated by the guidance of returning players. This cohesive blend of talent and experience sets a strong foundation for the Knights' 2025 aspirations.
Head Coach: Rich Wallace
A UCF alumnus and Orlando native, Rich Wallace returned in 2024 to lead the Knights, bringing two decades of Division I coaching experience and a deep passion for the program.
In his first season, Wallace guided UCF to a 37-21 record in their Big 12 debut and led them to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017, proving the Knights can compete at the highest level.
With a focus on player development, winning culture, and national competitiveness, Wallace is shaping UCF into a program on the rise.
John Euliano Park
UCF's home games are held at John Euliano Park, located on the university's main campus in Orlando. With the following features:
Modern amenities enhancing both player and fan experiences.
Seating capacity accommodating a vibrant Knights fanbase.
2025 Key Returners and Newcomers
Pitching Staff: Senior right-hander Dom Stagliano leads a diverse group of 26 pitchers. In 2024, Stagliano recorded a 4.10 ERA with 66 strikeouts over 16 appearances. Coach Wallace emphasized the increased variety in the pitching lineup, particularly with the addition of multiple left-handed pitchers, enhancing strategic flexibility.
Infield: Senior Lex Boedicker returns after starting all 58 games in 2024, leading the team with 44 runs scored and contributing 43 RBIs. His leadership and consistent performance are expected to anchor the infield.
Outfield: The outfield unit combines speed, power, and experience, featuring players adept at both offensive production and defensive reliability. This group is poised to make significant contributions on both sides of the ball.
2025 Schedule Highlights
The Knights' 2025 schedule features 32 home games at John Euliano Park and includes matchups against six teams that participated in the 2024 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship. Notable games include hosting in-state rivals Florida and Miami, as well as Big 12 opponents such as West Virginia and Oklahoma State. The team will also face challenging road series against Kansas State and Texas Tech, providing ample opportunities to showcase their competitiveness on a national stage.
Player Development Facilities
UCF is committed to the holistic development of its student-athletes:
State-of-the-art indoor batting cages and pitching tunnels.
Comprehensive strength and conditioning centers.
On-site sports medicine and rehabilitation facilities.
Notable MLB Alumni
UCF has a rich history of producing MLB talent, including:
Drew Butera: Veteran catcher with a World Series title.
Matt Fox: Former MLB pitcher.
Chasen Bradford: Right-handed pitcher with multiple MLB seasons.
Academic Excellence
Balancing athletics with academics, UCF offers:
Student Support:
Dedicated academic advisors for student-athletes.
Tutoring programs tailored to individual needs.
Achievements:
Consistently high graduation rates among athletes.
A commitment to preparing students for success beyond the field.
To your son's success.
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About Alex
Meet your college baseball recruiting specialist: Alex Swenson.
As a high school baseball player, I navigated the college recruiting process all on my own. Despite average statistics, I landed a spot on a Division-1 baseball team Jacksonville University, where I became a 3-time team captain. Post-college, I became a D1 coach, scout, and recruiter at Georgetown University and Ole Miss, where we won an SEC championship.
After experiencing the process as both recruit and recruiter, I’ve successfully dissected the best strategies to connect with college coaches and draw offers from them.
Receive professional direction from Alex himself until your son commits to his desired school. A step-by-step action plan will be provided with strategic small-group coaching meetings every 2 weeks to ensure we are making progress. Included is a baseball networking platform that connects him to coaches, optimizes his exposure to scouts, alerts him to college camps and showcases, and MUCH MORE.