The UCF football team suffered its first loss of the 2026 season Saturday, falling 12-7 to Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium on September 12. Storms delayed kickoff by one hour and five minutes, and rain continued through the second half. Pittsburgh led 12-0 at halftime before UCF’s defense helped keep the game within reach.
UCF held Pittsburgh to 69 total yards in the second half and forced a three-and-out with 2:24 remaining. The defensive effort gave the Knights another opportunity after Alonza Barnett III threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Waden Charles with 2:51 left. Charles scored the first touchdown of his career on the play.
UCF rallies late but cannot complete drive
Barnett’s touchdown pass was the 75th career touchdown of his career, including 51 passing touchdowns and 24 rushing touchdowns. He also rushed for 10 yards and 14 yards during UCF’s fourth-quarter scoring drive. Caleb Rollerson caught a 12-yard pass from Barnett during the possession.
UCF could not advance past the first down marker on its final possession and turned the ball over on downs with 1:28 remaining. Lewis Carter led the UCF defense with 10 tackles and reached 108 career tackles through 13 games with UCF. Tackett Curtis recorded a career-high nine tackles.
The loss dropped UCF to 12-10 all time in games played in stadiums that also serve as NFL venues. UCF will host Georgia State on Saturday, September 19, at 7 p.m. on ESPN+ in the inaugural meeting between the teams.
Source: Original report