Agyeman Addae doesn't need to look far for motivation. The UCF running back simply points to the banner hanging in Nicholson Fieldhouse—a proud reminder of the Knights' three New Year's Six bowl appearances—and sets his sights even higher.

"I want us to go back," Addae said with conviction. "I want us to go even further than that… to go to a national championship."

It's been nearly seven years since UCF's last appearance in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl, but anyone who knows Addae wouldn't be surprised by his bold ambition. Standing at 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, the Miami native has been proving doubters wrong his entire life.

As a true freshman walk-on, Addae stepped up when the Knights needed him most. After Taevion Swint underwent season-ending meniscus surgery in fall camp and Stacy Gage suffered a lower-leg injury against West Virginia on Oct. 18, Addae found himself on the field alongside starters Jaden Nixon and Myles Montgomery.

While he finished the season with just 12 carries for 50 yards, it was the season finale at BYU on Nov. 29 that showcased his true potential. Addae delivered a standout performance with five receptions for 62 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. But it was his 4-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Tayven Jackson late in the third quarter that left fans stunned.

"I threw a little bit in Little League, but not in high school," Addae said of the pass. "It was fun to get in there and show them what I could do—show the world what I could do. But that was just a flash of it. I hope to do more this year and in the years to come."

UCF running backs coach Jimmy Beal has nothing but praise for Addae's impact last season. "His ability to understand the game, his maturity, and his approach allowed him to get on the field because he knows his job. He knows the system," Beal said.

For Addae, the transition from Miami's Columbus High School to college football in Orlando felt seamless. "It felt so natural," he said. Now, with his eyes fixed on that championship banner, he's ready to help the Knights climb even higher.