UCF vs. Vanderbilt: Clash of Titans or Unexpected Upset in the Making?

There’s something electric buzzing around Addition Financial Arena this weekend, as UCF’s men’s basketball squad prepares to take on Vanderbilt in a marquee non-conference matchup. After eking out a nail-biter against Hofstra on opening night, the Knights find themselves facing a far stiffer challenge — a Commodores team fresh off a solid 20-win campaign and a recent NCAA Tournament run. It’s more than just a game; it’s a measuring stick for UCF as they gear up for a brutal Big 12 schedule ahead. With free throws haunting them and momentum just barely clutched, you can bet the Knights are itching to prove themselves against a deep, versatile Vanderbilt roster. Stick around as we dive into scouting reports, game details, and expert predictions that’ll get you primed for an intense Saturday tipoff. LEARN MORE

UCF’s men’s basketball team will host Vanderbilt on Saturday after a narrow opening-night win against Hofstra.
The Knights struggled with free throws in their first game, making only 22 of 36 attempts.
Vanderbilt is coming off a 20-win season and an NCAA Tournament appearance.

ORLANDO — UCF’s men’s basketball team survived an opening-night scare against Hofstra, and now must prepare for a significant step up in competition Saturday afternoon.

The Knights (1-0) host Vanderbilt (1-0) for a 4 p.m. tipoff at Addition Financial Arena on Nov. 8. The visiting Commodores won 20 games and were one of a conference-record 14 SEC teams to qualify for the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

That, of course, is the goal for the Knights when March rolls around. An 18-game Big 12 gauntlet will give UCF plenty of chances to stack résumé-building wins, but picking up a few extras in non-conference play could go a long way as well.

Here is a breakdown of the Saturday afternoon Big 12-SEC showdown, including a scouting report on the opposing team from a local reporter and predictions from UCF beat writer Chris Boyle and News-Journal sports editor Chris Vinel.

UCF basketball scouting report

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 21: Jordan Burks #99 of the UCF Knights reacts in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 21, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

UCF struggled mightily to pull away from Hofstra, but Themus Fulks’ free throw with 9.5 seconds put the game beyond reach. Riley Kugel had 19 points in his debut for his hometown team, setting a career-high with five 3-pointers. The Knights consistently worked their way to the foul line, but failed to capitalize on the easy opportunities — making just 22 of 36 free throw attempts. Johnny Dawkins improved to 9-1 as UCF head coach in season openers, and 107-40 all-time at Addition Financial Arena.

Vanderbilt basketball scouting report

Vanderbilt's Mike James (0) shoots a basket while being guarded by Lipscomb's Grant Asman (35) during their game Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym.

Vanderbilt doesn’t necessarily have a go-to scorer, but its team is very deep, with tons of players who can score in different ways. Tyler Nickel and Tyler Harris are 3-point threats, Devin McGlockton and Jalen Washington can score in the interior and Duke Miles and Tyler Tanner are crafty guards. The team has improved defensively from a season ago as well thanks to the additions of Frankie Collins and AK Okereke. Though this team may not have an NBA draft pick on it, it looks like one that can contend in the middle tier of the SEC and return to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year.

— Aria Gerson, Vanderbilt beat writer, Nashville Tennessean

UCF vs. Vanderbilt time, TV channel

Date: Saturday, Nov. 8
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Addition Financial Arena
TV channel: ESPN+

Can you watch UCF basketball on YouTube TV?

As of the afternoon of Nov. 7, no. The carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Disney, which includes ESPN and its family of channels, continues. This particular Knights game wouldn’t be available on YouTube TV anyway, but as of now, games on ESPN, ESPN2 or the ACC Network would not be available to YouTube TV subscribers.