The Knights will be without several defenders, including edge rusher Kaven Call and safeties William Wells and Bryon Threats.

UCF collapsed against Colorado in Week 5, losing 48-21 at home. The bad news didn’t end there, with do-it-all playmaker Xavier Townsend opting to redshirt and enter the transfer portal when it opens on Dec.

The junior spent the past two-plus seasons as the slot receiver for the Knights, who play at Florida on Saturday.

UCF receiver Xavier Townsend has left the team, opting for this season and entering the transfer portal. Townsend is taking advantage of the NCAA’s redshirt rule, which allows players to play up to four regular-season games in a season without counting toward their four years of eligibility.