Jacksonville State Falls Short in Season Opener Against UCF, 17–10

In a hard-fought battle under the lights at the newly renamed Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks opened their 2025 season with a narrow 17–10 loss to the UCF Knights. Despite entering the game as 20.5-point underdogs, the Gamecocks showed grit and resilience, keeping the contest close until the final minute.

The game was marked by defensive intensity, a weather delay in the second quarter, and a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns that ultimately lifted UCF to victory. For Jacksonville State, the loss stings-but the performance offers plenty of promise for a team looking to build on last year's 9–5 campaign.

A Defensive Standoff Early

The first half was a defensive showcase. Both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively, with neither side scoring in the opening two quarters. Jacksonville State's defense, led by linebacker Erick Hunter and safety Malik Johnson, kept UCF's high-powered offense in check, forcing punts and limiting explosive plays.

UCF quarterback Timmy Jackson, making his first start since transferring from Texas Tech, was bottled up early. Jacksonville State's defensive front pressured him consistently, forcing errant throws and limiting his mobility. The Knights managed just 154 total yards in the first half, while the Gamecocks posted 142.

A weather delay midway through the second quarter halted momentum for both teams. Lightning in the area forced a 45-minute stoppage, and when play resumed, the game remained a scoreless stalemate heading into halftime.

Second-Half Sparks

The third quarter saw the offenses begin to stir. UCF struck first with a 24-yard field goal from kicker Alex Venneri, capping a 78-yard drive that showcased Jackson's growing confidence in the pocket. Jacksonville State responded with a 42-yard field goal from Gavin Rippa, tying the game at 3–3 and energizing the visiting sideline.

The fourth quarter delivered the fireworks. Jacksonville State took its first lead of the game with a 10-yard touchdown run by running back Anwar Paul, who finished with 25 rushing yards and a score. The drive covered 94 yards over 11 plays and showcased quarterback Gavin Wimsatt's poise and versatility.

Wimsatt, a transfer from Kentucky, completed 15 of 29 passes for 139 yards and added 28 rushing yards. While he didn't throw a touchdown, he avoided major mistakes and kept the offense moving. Running back Caleb Cook led the ground game with 75 rushing yards and added 43 receiving yards on four catches.

But UCF wasn't done. Jackson responded with a pair of touchdown passes-first a 39-yard strike to wide receiver Darius Wade, then a 33-yard dagger to Demetrius Black with just over a minute remaining. Jackson finished the night with 277 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, completing 17 of 24 attempts.

Key Stats and Takeaways

• Total Yards: UCF outgained Jacksonville State 422 to 322, with a decisive edge in passing yards (309 to 157).

• Third-Down Efficiency: Jacksonville State converted just 3 of 15 third downs, while UCF went 7 for 15.

• Turnovers: Each team committed one turnover, but Jacksonville State's interception in the fourth quarter proved costly.

• Time of Possession: UCF held the ball for 31:56, compared to Jacksonville State's 28:04.

Despite the loss, Jacksonville State's defense showed promise, especially in the secondary. Cornerback Preston Baldwin broke up two passes, and defensive end Sean Payton Hodges recorded a sack and two tackles for loss.

Offensively, the Gamecocks will need to improve their third-down execution and red-zone efficiency. While the rushing attack showed flashes-especially from Cook and Paul-the passing game lacked vertical threats, and Wimsatt often settled for checkdowns.

This was Head coach Charles Kelly's first game leading the Gamecocks after previous Head Coach Rich Rodriguez left to return to West Virginia.

"When you come in here and play a team of their quality, you can't give up explosive plays. You can't have penalties and you have to take care of the football," said Kelly. "We just didn't do the things it took to win, so our focus is improving on those things so we can get better as a football team."

Kelly praised Wimsatt's composure and the defense's effort, noting that the team's preparation paid off despite the final score. "We've got a lot of new faces, and tonight was about seeing who's ready to step up. I saw a lot of fight out there."

Looking Ahead

Jacksonville State returns home next week to face Liberty on September 6, a matchup that could define the early trajectory of their season. Liberty, known for its explosive offense and aggressive defense, will test the Gamecocks' ability to rebound quickly.

For UCF, the win marks a successful debut for head coach Scott Frost's second stint with the Knights. After a disappointing 4–8 season in 2024, UCF fans are hopeful that Frost can recapture the magic of his 2017 undefeated run.

Final Thoughts

While Jacksonville State didn't leave Orlando with a win, they left with a sense of identity. The defense is fast and physical, the offense has potential, and the team showed it can hang with Power Five competition. If the Gamecocks can tighten up execution and build on this performance, they'll be a force in Conference USA this fall.