5 Reasons Why UCF Baseball's Big 12 Debut And Florida Win Set The Stage For A Blockbuster 2025 Season

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights baseball program is currently riding a wave of unprecedented momentum, fueled by a historic 2024 season that saw them make a powerful statement in their new conference. As of late 2025, the buzz around John Euliano Park is palpable, with Head Coach Rich Wallace entering his second year and a talented roster ready to build on a season that included a dominant victory over the Florida Gators and a deep run in the Big 12 Championship. The foundation has been laid for a potential blockbuster 2025 campaign, proving the Knights are ready to be a national contender in the college baseball landscape. The 2024 season was a landmark year, marking UCF's inaugural season in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. The team finished with a strong 37-21 overall record and a respectable 14-15 conference record, culminating in a berth in the NCAA Regionals. This success, especially the 13-3 blowout win against the then-No. 7 Florida Gators, has positioned the Knights as one of the most exciting teams to watch in Florida baseball and the entire Big 12.

UCF Baseball: The 2024 Season Review and 2025 Roster Snapshot

The 2024 campaign, the first under Head Coach Rich Wallace, was defined by resilience and high-stakes victories. The Knights’ 37-21 overall finish and 14-15 Big 12 record secured them a spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they notably defeated Alabama 8-7 in the Tallahassee Regional before falling to Florida State.

Key 2024 Season Achievements:

• Big 12 Championship Run: As the eighth seed, UCF went 2-1 in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship, advancing to the semifinals and proving they could compete with the conference's elite.
• Dominant Florida Victory: A signature moment was the 13-3 thrashing of the No. 7 Florida Gators at home, marking the Knights' largest margin of victory ever against their in-state rival.
• NCAA Tournament Appearance: The season concluded with a trip to the NCAA Regionals, a significant accomplishment in their first year in the new league.

Projected 2025 Roster Entities and Key Names

The 2025 roster is poised for success, with a mix of returning talent and key transfers. Coach Wallace and his staff, including assistants Norberto Lopez, Drew Thomas, and Ted Tom, have focused on depth, especially on the mound.

Top Returning Position Players (2024 Stats):

• Braden Calise: A top hitter, finishing the 2024 season with a .312 batting average.
• Andrew Brait: An experienced infielder who posted a .275 average.
• Danny Neri: Catcher who earned Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team honors and finished with a .273 average.
• Lex Boedicker: Another key infielder looking to build on his .266 average.
• Kendrey Maduro: A key player from Pos Chiquito, Aruba, ready to make an impact.

Key Pitchers and Returnees:

The pitching staff is looking to rebound from injuries that plagued the 2024 season, which saw key arms like Alex Galvan and Wiley Hartley miss significant time.

• Isaac Williams: A redshirt sophomore expected to be a key reliever out of the bullpen.
• Kevin Schoneboom: A junior who will also be a critical component of the relief corps.

The Rivalry Renewed: UCF vs. Florida Gators Baseball

The rivalry between the UCF Knights and the Florida Gators has always been a marquee matchup in Florida college baseball, and the 2024 season delivered one of the most memorable results in its history. The Knights' 13-3 rout of the Gators in Orlando was a definitive statement game, demonstrating UCF's ability to not only compete with but overpower one of the nation's perennial top-10 programs. This rivalry is more than just a single game; it represents the shifting power dynamics in the state. While the Gators hold a historical edge, UCF's move to the Big 12 and its recent successes against Florida, Florida State (FSU), Florida Atlantic (FAU), and South Florida (USF) are positioning the program as a major force in the region. The excitement for future matchups against the Gators is immense, with both teams now consistently competing for national recognition.

5 Key Factors Driving UCF Baseball's Massive 2025 Outlook

The upcoming 2025 season is widely anticipated to be one of the program's most successful, driven by several critical factors that have positioned the Knights for a deep postseason run. The momentum from the 2024 NCAA appearance, combined with a strong recruiting class and a challenging schedule, sets the stage for a dramatic year.

1. The Rich Wallace Effect and Coaching Stability

Rich Wallace, in his first season, immediately guided the Knights to the NCAA Tournament. His staff's ability to navigate the demanding Big 12 schedule and secure major wins (like the one over Florida) has instilled confidence and a winning culture. The continuity of the coaching staff is a major asset as the team aims for back-to-back postseason appearances, a feat not accomplished since 2012.

2. Navigating the Elite Big 12 Conference Schedule

UCF's move to the Big 12 has elevated its strength of schedule, which is crucial for RPI and NCAA Tournament seeding. The 2025 Big 12 schedule is brutal, featuring home series against powerhouses like Houston and challenging road trips. The Knights will host their first home league series against Houston in March. Facing this level of competition weekly ensures the team is battle-tested by the time the postseason arrives.

3. The Return of Key Injured Pitchers

The 2024 staff was hampered by the season-ending injuries to Alex Galvan and Wiley Hartley. Their anticipated return, alongside the development of bullpen arms like Isaac Williams and Kevin Schoneboom, could transform the pitching rotation into one of the deepest in the Big 12. A healthy and deep pitching staff is often the difference-maker in postseason baseball.

4. A Challenging and Exciting Non-Conference Slate

The 2025 campaign kicks off at home at John Euliano Park against Siena (Feb. 14-16) and immediately ramps up with a series against Missouri. Midweek matchups against in-state rivals like Florida Atlantic (FAU) and South Florida (USF) will keep the team sharp and provide ample opportunities to boost their resume. The schedule is designed to prepare them for the rigors of conference play.

5. The "Built By UCF" MLB Pipeline

The program's credibility is continually reinforced by its success in developing Major League Baseball talent, a key recruiting tool. Several former Knights were on MLB rosters to start the 2024 season, including pitchers Ben Lively (Cleveland Guardians) and Dylan Moore (Seattle Mariners). Other notable alumni who have played in the majors include Cody Allen and Drew Butera, demonstrating a proven path for aspiring professional players. This track record attracts top talent and raises the program's national profile. The 2025 UCF baseball season promises high-stakes action and a chance for the Knights to solidify their status as a Big 12 power. With a strong coach, a talented roster, and a schedule packed with rivalry games and conference battles, the Knights are poised to deliver a memorable performance.

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