UCF Knights Face No. 17 Kansas in Big 12 Season Opener
The UCF Knights are set to take on the No. 17 Kansas Jayhawks in their Big 12 opener on January 3, 2024, at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. This matchup marks a significant moment for the Knights as they aim to extend their impressive record to 11 consecutive wins. The game is scheduled to tip off at 2:00 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network and streamed on Peacock.
Kansas enters the game as a 4.5-point favorite, according to Odds Shark, and leads the all-time series against UCF with a record of 3-1. The Knights, under the leadership of head coach Johnny Dawkins, are riding high on a historic start to the season, currently holding an 11-1 record. A victory against the Jayhawks would not only elevate their winning streak but also tie for the third-longest winning streak in the arena’s history.
Key Player Updates and Implications
One of the highlights for Kansas is the anticipated return of freshman guard Darryn Peterson, who was previously absent but is expected to play. Peterson is a notable talent, having been unanimously selected to the Big 12’s All-Conference Preseason Team. Dawkins praised Peterson’s abilities, calling him “very, very talented.”
The Jayhawks, however, will be missing guard Will Thengvall, who has played only seven minutes this season and has not participated since December 22. For UCF, freshman guard Tanner Jones will not be available due to ongoing issues, but center Elijah Hulsewe is considered questionable. His status will be clarified at 12:30 p.m. on game day, just 90 minutes before the tip-off.
The Knights’ recent success has generated excitement among fans, with this game marking the first time a UCF basketball game will be streamed on Peacock, following a deal struck by NBCUniversal with the Big 12 Conference. This agreement offers 20 games exclusively throughout the season, with UCF participating in two of them, including an upcoming road game against Kansas State on January 14.
Historic Context and Expectations
A win against Kansas would not only extend the Knights’ current winning streak to 11 games but would also match their longest winning streak in the Division I era, achieved during the 2003-04 season. Additionally, it would mark the eighth straight victory at Addition Financial Arena, equaling the second-longest home winning streak of Dawkins’ coaching tenure, a record that was interrupted by the No. 7 Kansas team back in January 2025.
As the UCF Knights prepare for this crucial Big 12 opener, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and the potential for history. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if UCF can overcome the challenges posed by a ranked opponent and continue their remarkable start to the season.
