UCF quarterback dilemma: Gus Malzahn makes decision between KJ Jefferson, Jacurri Brown

Gus Malzahn is making it clear who will be starting for UCF during this weekend’s clash with Iowa State, and Jacurri Brown is getting the nod over KJ Jefferson.

Malzahn originally stated that the starter was undetermined, but during an appearance on Mike Bianchi’s Open Mike, the Knights leader revealed Brown will be the one to watch moving forward, and there won’t be much of a role for Jefferson.

“Not only did Coach Malzahn say Jacurri Brown would be starting in our radio interview this morning, he also made it sound like KJ Jefferson is not really a part of the game plan,” Mike Bianchi posted on X, accompanying his interview with Malzahn.

UCF originally brought in Jefferson as a transfer from Arkansas this offseason. He has plenty of experience, having played in 44 games while with the Razorbacks and finding plenty of success there. However, it’s been a struggle at UCF, and in five games this season he’s completing 59.3 percent of his passes for 1,012 passes and seven touchdowns to four interceptions. He’s also rushed for 193 yards and two touchdowns.

Amid a difficult stretch for UCF and with the offense struggling to score or consistently pass the ball, Malzahn chose to start freshman EJ Colson. However, after he struggled early, he was benched for Brown during action against Cincinnati.

Brown played fairly well in relief of Colson, completing 13 of 20 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 84 yards. However, that was in a losing effort with the Knights falling after a difficult week that had been impacted by Hurricane Milton.

UCF has now lost three games in a row and has fallen to 3-3 overall on the season. In their last two games, they’ve failed to score more than 13 points and are averaging just 15.6 points per game during that stretch.

Brown, like Jefferson, is a transfer into the UCF program. He came from Miami, where he spent two seasons, using one year of eligibility. Coming out of high school, he was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2022 according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was the 18th-ranked quarterback in that cycle. 

Now, Jacurri Brown will have his best opportunity yet, starting for the Knights this weekend, as they travel to Ames for a game against Iowa State.

On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this article.