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CFB·INJURY·October 20, 2026 02:07 PM ET

Barnett Out Again as Jenkins Starts for UCF Against No. 2 BYU

Hamstring sidelines transfer five straight games

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read
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What happened: UCF will start Keyone Jenkins against No. 2 BYU on Saturday, per ESPN's Pete Thamel. Alonza Barnett III remains sidelined by a lingering hamstring injury that has kept him out five straight games. Coach Scott Frost said the James Madison transfer is making progress while working through mental reps on the sideline.

Why it matters: The homecoming game brings the highest-ranked opponent ever to visit Orlando, with undefeated BYU elevated after upsetting Notre Dame. Jenkins has developed from fill-in to record setter after Frost and Steve Cooper reshaped the passing plan around short and intermediate throws. The matchup tests UCF against a top-two team for the first time since a 35-3 loss to Texas in 2009.

By the numbers: Jenkins: 19-for-20 (95%) vs TCU, breaking McKenzie Milton's 92.5% program record; 200-plus passing yards in back-to-back games vs No. 20 Houston and No. 18 Oklahoma State; Barnett: five consecutive games missed. Bear Bachmeier vs Notre Dame: 224 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception plus 45 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.

What to watch: UCF hosts BYU on Saturday at Acrisure Bounce House. Barnett's return timeline hinges on continued progress in practice beyond homecoming.

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CFBInjuryUCFBYUAlonza Barnett IIIKeyone Jenkins
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