10 UCF players opt out of 2020 season
UCF head coach Josh Heupel announced Tuesday that 10 Knights players are opting out of the 2020 college football season due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.
The opt-outs include two starters in cornerback Tay Gowan and defensive tackle Kalia Davis. Backup quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. also won't participate in the upcoming campaign.
"We've tried to educate our guys continuously as to what the practices are," Heupel told reporters Tuesday. "Educate them as to what we're doing here to keep them as safe as possible. Each of these kids who chose to opt out have different reasons behind their decisions. They're valid, they're real, and we support those guys and we'll continue to help them."
UCF enters the year ranked 21st in the AP Poll and is among the favorites to capture the American Athletic Conference title.
A number of players have opted out of the fall campaign, most notably LSU star receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
The Knights kick off their season Sept. 19 versus Georgia Tech.