UF to play UCF starting in 2024

GAINESVILLE — Florida and UCF have agreed to play a two-for-one series that begins in 2024 and concludes nearly a decade later, settling on the kind of arrangement the Gators wanted for years.

Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin got the deal he requested but only after former UCF AD Danny White left Orlando to take the same position at Tennessee. White wanted a two-game, home-and-home series. Since UCF is not a Power Five school, Stricklin only would sign on for a two-for-one scenario or a neutral-site matchup.

Under the contract announced July 27, the Gators will host the Knights in 2024 and 2033. UF will play in Orlando in 2030.

The in-state foes have met twice before, with Florida winning both times in Gainesville. The Gators won 58-27 in 1999 and 42-0 in 2006.

UCF is the latest in Stricklin’s push to upgrade Florida’s nonconference schedule, which already includes future games with Utah, Miami, Cal, North Carolina State, Colorado, Arizona State, Texas and Notre Dame.