First, defensive back and return specialist Mike Hughes was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 30 pick in 2018.
Hughes delivered a game-saving 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown for the Knights against rival USF, preserving UCF’s perfect record. UCF went on to finish 13-0 with a Peach Bowl win over Auburn, prompting school leaders to declare the Knights national champions. The Colley Matrix later ranked UCF No. 1, earning the program a spot among champions in the NCAA record book.
A year later, UCF defensive tackle Trysten Hill was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft with the No.