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The UCF Knights are being cautious with transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett. Assistant coach McKenzie Milton spoke on his outlook ahead of the 2026 season.
The signal caller was extremely limited in spring practice. Money was cited in the program’s reasoning for his absence.
It highlights an interesting dynamic in today’s era of NIL. The Knights want a full return on their investment.
Who is Alonza Barnett?
The passer was an absolute stud at James Madison, where he’s spent the last four seasons. The Greensboro, North Carolina native was considered a three-star recruit in the 2022 cycle.
He received offers from Georgia State, Old Dominion, Army, Charlotte, and Miami (OH), but ultimately chose the Dukes.
Barnett redshirted as a true freshman after appearing in two games. He played in two more in Year 2.
As a RS Sophomore, he was given the keys to the offense. Barnett competed in 12 games, throwing for nearly 2,600 and 26 scores. The success continued into his junior year.
The quarterback was named the Sun Belt Player of the Year last season. He threw 23 touchdowns and found the endzone 15 times as a rusher. James Madison went 12-2 to receive a College Football Playoff bid.
In a first round loss to Oregon, he racked up over 300 yards of offense and three scores. That came a year after a 487-yard performance in which the Dukes hung 70 points on UNC.
He can spin it!
Barnett buoyed that production into a P4 offer. He will suit up for the Knights after hitting the transfer portal. UCF offered a notable NIL package to secure his commitment.
They intend to cash in on their investment. His NIL deal is playing a role in his availability.
The QB was held out of spring practice.
Alonza Barnett did not receive live reps in any of the Knights’ 15 offseason sessions. McKenzie Milton explained why this weekend.
#UCF QB Coach McKenzie Milton on the decision to limit Alonza Barnett:
“ This is a new day in college football with a lot of external factors including monetary things… We Gotta Protect Our Investment.”@SonsofUCF @Knights247 pic.twitter.com/S6np9AcHDk
— Andrew Cherico (@Andrew_Cherico) May 3, 2026
Milton referenced his health, which may not be at 100%. It was an issue made known before UCF accepted his transfer.
Milton, a former superstar for the Knights, is fully aware of how injuries can impact college football careers. He does not intend to rush his prized recruit back onto the field.
He compared the situation to that of Carson Beck, who did not practice in the spring with Miami after signing a $4 million NIL deal. Beck then went on to lead the Hurricanes to the national title game.
Miami protected its investment as he recovered from an arm injury. Milton wouldn’t get into the specifics of Barnett’s injury status, but he is not worried about the future.
“He’s really close to being full-go,” Milton said. “I’m not concerned at all about him not taking live snaps…
“It’s a new day and age in college football with a lot of external factors with monetary things, just being real. We’ve got to protect our investment… He’s going to be our dude going into the season.”
Alonza Barnett is QB1 despite not practicing in the spring. The Knights are paying him as such following the transfer. They do not plan on risking his future with live action.
Money is keeping Barnett off the field. UCF believes it is the smartest and safest choice.