UCF lands commitment of Florida transfer WR Marcus Burke for 2025 college football season

The UCF Knights have added former Florida Gators wide receiver Marcus Burke to their roster for the 2025 college football season. UCF confirmed Burke's commitment in an announcement on its X account on Thursday.

Standing at nearly 6-foot-4 and weighing 197 pounds, Burke adds size and experience to UCF’s receiving corps as he has one year of eligibility.

While his production at Florida was modest, he showcased glimpses of his potential, particularly in the 2024 season. His ability to stretch the field and make plays downfield could be vital for the Knights, who are rebuilding their offense under UCF coach Scott Frost.

Rebuilding the Knights: UCF’s bold approach to the transfer portal

The Knights are coming off a challenging 4-8 season, which included a coaching change. Former coach Gus Malzahn left to join Florida State’s staff, and UCF brought back Scott Frost to lead the program. With the change in leadership, UCF has actively utilized the transfer portal to rebuild its roster.

According to On3's College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings, UCF’s transfer class currently ranks 28th nationally for the 2025 cycle, featuring 22 incoming and outgoing players each. The Knights are aiming to improve on their passing offense, which ranked 97th in the country last season, averaging 199.7 yards per game.

Burke’s college football journey

Marcus Burke began his football career at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was a highly sought-after four-star recruit. According to On3, he ranked as the 25th-best wide receiver and the 24th-best player in Florida in the Class of 2021.

The young talent received offers from prominent programs such as Georgia, Texas and Ole Miss before committing to the Florida Gators. At Florida, Burke appeared in 29 games across four seasons, recording 19 receptions for 270 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards per catch.

While his opportunities on the field were limited early on, Burke saw increased involvement during the 2024 season, appearing in 11 games, including six starts.

Burke scored his first career touchdown against Mississippi State and followed it up with another in the Gators’ regular-season finale at Florida State. His contributions helped Florida finish with an 8-5 record, including a victory in the Gasparilla Bowl.