Cole Kozlowski’s face popping up at UCF football practice this week had senior defensive back Braeden Marshall grinning ear to ear for a reason, and it is a massive one for the Knights. Marshall, who calls Kozlowski “my guy,” said it was “like a long time, no see,” and honestly, it felt like forever for everyone watching what went down with his eligibility. This isn’t just a feel-good story; it could be the biggest defensive boost UCF sees all year.
The Court Ruling That Just Blew Up the NCAA’s Plan
This whole situation was a rollercoaster, man. After the 2025 season, everyone, including Kozlowski himself, figured his college career was done. The dude had used up his four years of eligibility, plain and simple. He asked for a fifth year, and the NCAA, in typical NCAA fashion, denied his request back in January. Can you believe it? But then, July 31 rolled around, and the U.S. District Court of Colorado threw a massive lifeline to Kozlowski and other Class of 2022 high school graduates, granting an injunction that allows that extra year of eligibility. Suddenly, the impossible looked possible. On3 is already reporting that Kozlowski and UCF have mutual interest in a reunion, and the Knights definitely have the roster space for him. He showed up to practice on August 5 in street clothes, and everyone is waiting on pins and needles for the formal announcement. Linebackers coach Mark D’Onofrio sums it up best: “He deserves it, just like anybody in that ’22 class. If everybody else is getting five years of college football right now, I don’t see why those guys wouldn’t deserve one as well.”
“He’s a Dog on the Field”: What Kozlowski Brings
This guy isn’t just a locker room presence, though Marshall calls him a “great teammate” and a “great guy.” Marshall also describes him as “a dog on the field, field general, and he’s fun to play with.” Kozlowski came to UCF before last season after three years at Colgate, and it wasn’t an instant switch. D’Onofrio admitted it “wasn’t just easy.” Moving from dominating at Colgate to a Power Four opportunity was a huge step up. Kozlowski himself said going through individual drills with D’Onofrio was “the hardest thing that he had ever done.” But once he settled in, forget about it. He thrived. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker cracked the All-Big 12 third team, starting nine of the Knights’ 12 games, including the final eight. He was second on the squad with 82 tackles, added two sacks, and forced a fumble. He was a perfect partner for Oklahoma transfer Lewis Carter, who led the team with 92 tackles and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention last year and is back for this season. With most of the other linebackers new to UCF, Kozlowski’s experience, production, and leadership are exactly what this defense needs.
So, what’s next? D’Onofrio hopes Kozlowski officially becomes one of those guys again this month. You just know everyone in Orlando is holding their breath for the official word.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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