Even though UCF quarterback Alonza Barnett III has appeared in 30 games during his college career and countless others in high school, the 23-year-old senior still occasionally gets butterflies when he steps onto the football field.
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“I wouldn’t say it’s anxiousness or nervousness, but more of a feeling of getting ready to go,” said Barnett. “This is the same game I’ve played since I was a kid, so even then I had some butterflies, so I still get those now, but I’m ready.”
It’s understandable that the 5-foot-11, 210-pound Barnett may have some nerves when he emerges from the tunnel at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium on Thursday night before facing Bethune-Cookman, considering it’s his debut with the Knights.
Barnett signed with the program in December after four seasons at James Madison, where he led the Dukes to a Sun Belt Conference title and a spot in the College Football Playoff last season. He finished with more than 3,300 yards of total offense and 38 touchdowns in 2025, earning him Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year honors.
That’s why Barnett’s debut has brought a different level of excitement to the team and the fanbase as a whole. Even his new coach can’t wait to see what his new quarterback can do this season.
“I’m excited to watch him,” said Scott Frost. “One of the reasons we recruited him is he’s a real competitor and I’m a competitor, so I vibe well with guys that care and are going to fight with everything they have to try to get it done and that’s what he is.
“I’m not going to judge him based on one game or one play. I’m glad he’s on our team and he brings a level of competitiveness and toughness to our team that I think was needed.”
Meanwhile, Barnett is trying to keep things in check, but that’s not to say that he isn’t just as excited to get back on the field with his new teammates.
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“We’re super-hyped to get out there in front of this great fan base, this great community and show what we’ve been practicing in fall camp and go out there and execute,” he said.
Barnett has been aptly compared to a basketball point guard, a role where the offense revolves around him and he ensures his teammates get the ball in scoring positions. He wholeheartedly embraces this comparison, especially since his favorite point guard is the legendary Philadelphia Sixers guard Allen Iverson.
“It’s being able to dish the ball to multiple people,” he explained. “Not only that, but being the buffer between the coaches and the play on the field. Get us on the right checks, the right calls, but the most important thing of a point guard is being able to distribute to the scorers, whether it’s (Taevion) Swint or handing the ball off to Day Day (Farmer) or Dylan Wade.”
While everyone is hoping for a strong start to the season, Barnett is cautious about putting too much stock in one game, especially with UCF being 42.5-point favorites over the Wildcats.
“It’s important to go out there and set a nice example, but I don’t think one game, whether it’s at the beginning of the season or the end of the season, defines a team,” said Barnett. “It’s about the best team, week in and week out. It’s about us and our execution.
“We know the preparation we’ve put in, the amount of work we put in during the week. So, at the end of the week, it’s just about going out there and showing that.”
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram at @osmattmurschel. Email: [email protected]. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
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Up next
What: Bethune-Cookman (0-0) at UCF (0-0)
When: 7 p.m., Thursday
Where: Acrisure Bounce House Stadium, Orlando
TV: ESPN+
Favorite: UCF by 42.5 points