Early Days (1979-2004):

✦ It began as a Division III program, gradually climbing the ranks to Division I-AA.

✦ They won six National Championships within their Division, cementing a legacy of winning even before reaching the big leagues.

✦ Key figurehead: Coach Gene McDowell led them to four of their I-AA titles.

Transition to FBS and Finding Footing (2004-2016):

✦ UCF joined Conference USA, facing tougher competition and a bigger stage.

✦ They experienced growing pains but achieved notable wins, like upsetting Auburn in 2007.

✦ Hired coach George O'Leary, who laid the foundation for future success.

The Era of Blake Bortles and National Attention (2016-2018):

✦ Head coach Scott Frost arrived, unlocking the offense with quarterback Blake Bortles.

✦ Stunning victories over Baylor and Georgia catapulted them to national rankings.

✦ Won the Peach Bowl in 2016 and finished #9 in the final AP Poll, their highest rank ever.

Josh Heupel and Continued Dominance (2018-Present):

✦ UCF continued to have success under coaches Josh Heupel and Gus Malzahn.

✦ Won six American Athletic Conference (The American) championships in eight years.

✦ Defeated Auburn again in 2019, showing their consistency against Power Five programs.

✦ Recently joined the Big 12 Conference in 2023, entering the most prestigious level of college football starting in 2024.