UCF football rallies past Kansas after two controversial catch reviews

Two reviewed end-zone receptions ultimately decided the fate of UCF 's road losing streak Nov. 7 — one which did not go its way and one which certainly did.

From Kansas ' 15-yard line with 12 seconds remaining, Knights quarterback Alonza Barnett III lofted a pass toward the back left pylon which Waden Charles juggled and appeared to secure for the go-ahead touchdown. However, upon further review, he did not possess the ball before his backside touched out of bounds.

Two plays later, Barnett fired a strike toward the front left pylon that redshirt freshman Caden Piening corralled on what appeared to be the final play of regulation. The Big 12 Conference's replay operations center conferred with the on-field referee and chose to uphold the call on the field of touchdown.

UCF celebrated a 33-32 victory over Kansas after surrendering a 19-point, second-half lead. The Knights (5-4, 3-3 Big 12) prevailed away from the Bounce House for the first time since Sept. 14, 2024.

Barnett, making his first start since Sept. 12, completed 18 of 31 attempts for 251 yards with two touchdowns and one interception — UCF's opening play from scrimmage that set up Isaiah Marshall's 1-yard TD sneak to start the scoring. He added 36 rushing yards despite Kansas recording four sacks, in addition to 11 tackles for loss.

UCF can achieve bowl eligibility for the first time since 2023 with at least one win in any of their final three games. It will host Arizona State next weekend, following by a short turnaround and home date with Iowa State on Nov. 20 and a final trip to Colorado for Thanksgiving weekend.