The 10th in a position-by-position preview of the UCF football team heading into fall camp:
Read more UF position preview: Veteran Bryce Thornton, versatile additions anchor back end of Gators’ defense
TODAY: SAFETIES/NICKELS
What to expect
UCF’s secondary will most likely be one of its strongest position groups on defense. The Knights ranked third in the Big 12 in passing defense last season, which was a testament to a unit that opened the season with three newcomers.
Safety Phillip Dunnam quickly asserted himself as one of the top defensive backs in the league, finishing with 60 tackles and three interceptions. Demari Henderson’s return from injury to claim the other safety spot helped solidify the position, as did the return of nickelback Braeden Marshall.
Dunnam’s departure to the NFL means the Knights will once again need to rely on a few new faces heading into the 2026-27 season.
One of those faces is Ty Bartrum, a redshirt senior transfer from Harvard. Bartrum was a three-year starter who amassed 244 tackles and five interceptions, while leading the Crimson to three consecutive Ivy League championships. An impressive spring performance has the Ohio native a lock for the second safety spot next to Henderson.
Caleb Flagg, a redshirt senior transfer from Missouri, should step into the rotation along with Jayden Williams. Williams fractured his thumb twice early in the season and received a medical hardship waiver that allowed him to return this season.
Kahmel Johnson, Matt Irwin and TJ Branch joined the roster as offseason transfers, each helping to provide the Knights with experience and depth at the spot.
Read more Miss Manners: Out of the blue, she made an alarming comment about my house
What they’re saying
“He can play the game; that’s why he’s here. In terms of production, he played a lot of football. He’s a guy that we have high expectations of and we think will be a quality member of the defense.” — UCF defensive coordinator and safeties coach Alex Grinch on newcomer Ty Bartrum.
Returnees
Demari Henderson
Braeden Marshall
Jayden Williams
Nicholas Antoine
Arrivals
Ty Bartrum (Harvard), redshirt senior
Caleb Flagg (Missouri), redshirt senior
Kahmel Johnson (Wayne State), redshirt sophomore
Matt Irwin (Idaho), junior
TJ Branch (Colorado), redshirt freshman
Donnell Johnson III (Monroe), redshirt junior
Tyce Porcher (King’s Academy), freshman
Otis Hardy (Evans High), freshman
Jayden Burnett (Cardinal Mooney), freshman
Departures
Phillip Dunnam (eligibility): 60 tackles, 3 TFL, 3 INT, 2 BRUP
Jaeden Gould (transfer to Temple): 5 tackles, 1 BRUP, 1 BLK
Tony Williams (transfer to Kennesaw State): 2 tackles
Christian Peterson (transfer to East Carolina)
Hudson Gibbs (retired)
Projected depth chart
SS1 — Demari Henderson
SS1 — Jayden Williams
NB1 — Braeden Marshall
SS2 — Ty Bartrum
SS2 — Kahmel Johnson
NB2 — Caleb Flagg
Previous
Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line
Interior defensive line
Edge
Linebacker
Cornerbacks
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: [email protected]. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.