UCF could welcome back a familiar face soon, as linebacker Cole Kozlowski is expected to return following a groundbreaking court ruling last week, according to a source.
Read more Pictures: Orlando City vs. C.F. Monterrey
Kozlowski was on campus on Wednesday to take in the Knights’ third preseason practice.
The New Jersey native was working through the process of rejoining the team per the source, although his status could change depending on future court rulings.
His return was predicated on a ruling by Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado, who issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA on Saturday, granting a fifth year of eligibility to all Class of 2022 athletes.
Sweeney clarified her decision on Sunday, emphasizing that athletes who receive a fifth year do not bypass existing transfer regulations, roster limits or revenue-sharing amounts. The ruling also does not permit players who signed pro contracts over the summer to return to college.
The NCAA is appealing the decision.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Kozlowski was the second-leading tackler on the team with 82 tackles after starting 12 games as a senior at middle linebacker last season for the Knights. He went undrafted and failed to sign a deal with a professional team.
Coach Scott Frost indicated on Monday that while there were still hurdles to overcome, he would welcome back Kozlowski.
“We’ll always look for ways to upgrade our roster, but it’s way too early to know what that means at this point. We’re certainly exploring some options,” Frost said.
Read more After weather delay, Orlando City kick off Leagues Cup by topping Monterrey
Frost went on to add that the Knights wouldn’t just bring in anybody to join the team.
“It’s got to be the right guy. We have such a good culture. We’ve got such a good thing in the building. It’s got to be the right guy,” Frost added. “We’re trying to figure all that out, just like everybody else right now.”
Upon his return, Kozlowski would most likely start at the bottom of the linebacker room.
UCF already returns middle linebacker Lewis Carter, who led the team with 92 tackles last season. The team also signed three transfers: Tacket Curtis, Jahleel Culbreath and Rashad Henry and added a pair of high school recruits in Preston Hall and Matthew Occhipinti.
The challenge for Kozlowski would be getting back in playing shape before the season-opener against Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 3.
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.
Read more Daily Horoscope for August 06, 2026