UCF quarterback dilemma: Gus Malzahn makes decision between KJ Jefferson and Jacurri Brown

Gus Malzahn makes it clear who will start UCF during this weekend's clash with Iowa StateAnd Jacuri Brown gets the nod across KJ Jefferson.

Malzahn originally stated that the starter was undetermined, but in an appearance on Mike Bianchi's Open MikeThe Knights' leader revealed that Brown will be the one to keep an eye on going forward and that Jefferson won't play a big role.

“Coach Malzahn not only said in our radio interview this morning that Jacurri Brown would start, he also gave the impression that KJ Jefferson wasn't really part of the game plan,” Mike Bianchi posted on X accompanying his interview with Malzahn.

UCF originally brought in Jefferson as a transfer from Arkansas this offseason. He has a lot of experience, played 44 games with the Razorbacks and achieved a lot of success there. Things were difficult at UCF, however, and in five games this season he completed 59.3 percent of his passes, for 1,012 passes and seven touchdowns with four interceptions. He also passed for 193 yards and two touchdowns.

In the midst of a difficult stretch for UCF and with the offense struggling to score or pass the ball consistently, Malzahn decided to step into the starting lineup as a freshman EJ Colson. However, after struggling early, he was benched against Brown Cincinnati.

Brown played quite well in relief of Colson, completing 13 of 20 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 84 yards. However, this was a loss as the Knights fell short after a difficult week marred by Hurricane Milton.

UCF has now lost three straight games and has fallen to 3-3 overall this season. They have failed to score more than 13 points in their last two games, averaging just 15.6 points per game over that span.

Like Jefferson, Brown is a transfer into the UCF program. He came out Miamiwhere he spent two seasons and used one year of eligibility. Coming out of high school, he was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022 according to On3 Industry Rankings. He was the 18th ranked quarterback in that cycle.

Now Jacurri Brown has his best chance yet as he starts for the Knights this weekend as they travel to Ames for a game against the Knights Iowa State.

On3's Dan Morrison contributed to this article.