UCF revved up for 2024 season opener on Thursday: 'Football is back'

Countdown to kickoff: Previewing UCF vs. New Hampshire

Independent reporter Sean Green joined FOX 35 News+ to talk about what he'll be watching for when UCF kicks off its season against New Hampshire next Thursday.

ORLANDO, Fla. - It's about that time, Orlando!

UCF is gearing up for its first game of the 2024 football season against New Hampshire at 7 p.m. Thursday.

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ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey (7) runs the ball for a touchdown and celebrates during the football game between the UCF Knights and the Villanova Wildcats on September 16, 2023 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Ahead of the Knights' sophomore season in the Big 12 Conference, head coach Gus Malzahn spoke with reporters on Monday to discuss the team's preparations thus far.

"Week one is finally here. An opponent, New Hampshire, we're looking forward to playing these guys here at home in front of our home crowd," Malzahn said. "We got a lot of new players. I'm real excited to watch our team play. I think this first game will tell us a lot about where we're at. But the big thing is just finally getting to play a week one opponent here at home. I'm looking forward to it."

UCF coach Gus Malzahn 'real excited' for Week 1

UCF football head coach Gus Malzahn spoke with reporters on Monday ahead of the Knights' season opener against New Hampshire on Thursday.

Quarterback KJ Jefferson was also on hand Monday. The Arkansas transfer will make his official debut for the Knights on Thursday.

"I'm extremely excited. I know it's gonna be an elite atmosphere in the Bounce House, so I'm looking forward to that. And also just looking forward to just being out there and getting hit again," he said with a laugh. "Off-season, not getting hit. Spring, not getting hit. Fall camp, not getting hit. … Football is back."

UCF QB KJ Jefferson amped for Week 1

UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson spoke with reporters ahead of Thursday's season opener against New Hampshire. Thursday marks the Arkansas transfer's official debut for the Knights.

Tickets for Thursday night's game are sold out, UCF Athletics announced Monday. Only resale tickets are available at this time, and the get-in price is about $13 for a single ticket on Ticketmaster.

The Knights finished the 2023 regular season – their first in the Big 12 – 6-6 overall. In the postseason, UCF faced Georgia Tech in the Gasparilla Bowl, but lost 30-17.

UCF's $88M football stadium expansion project gets final approval from state

UCF vs. New Hampshire: How to watch

When: Thursday, August 29, 2024
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Where: FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando
Channel/livestream: ESPN+
Radio: 96.9 The Game
Tickets: Sold out, resale available on Ticketmaster

What games are UCF players most excited for?

FOX 35's Dani Medina spoke with several UCF football players at Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 1. They picked what game they're most looking forward to in the Knights' second season in the Big 12 Conference.