UCF QB Milton enters transfer portal

UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton has entered the transfer portal in hopes of landing a starting role.

"I came to (UCF coach Josh Heupel) in the bye week, just out of respect to him, (and said) 'Coach, I have one shot to go chase a dream, a life-long dream to go play in the NFL,' and coach got emotional 'cause I love him and he loves me," Milton said.

Milton said his decision was difficult due to his love for the school but explained that he's leaving due to the emergence of Dillon Gabriel.

"It's hard, it's one of the hardest things for me to do, but it just makes the most sense," Milton continued. "It's (Gabriel's) team now, I feel like the torch is passed."

Milton emerged on the scene as a talented signal-caller in 2016 but has not played since 2018 after suffering a dislocated right knee that caused ligament, nerve, and artery damage. Doctors managed to avoid amputation and the passer was cleared for football activities this past summer.

The senior quarterback led UCF to a perfect 13-0 record and a Peach Bowl victory over Auburn during the 2017 campaign. He threw 37 touchdowns and only nine interceptions that season.

Milton is looking to find a new school by January, according to ESPN's Andrea Adelson.