The fireworks were on the eve of UCF's Fourth of July Independence Day, and the excitement continued the next morning as the Knights added four players to their 2025 roster.
Four-star wide receiver Wayden Charles of Palm Beach Central and former University of Miami commit made his decision in favor of the Knights on Wednesday night, while three-star offensive lineman Andrew Stargel of Roswell, Georgia, chose UCF over North Carolina State, Ohio State and Kentucky on Thursday afternoon.
Miami Norland pass-rush twins Darryl and Mandrell Desir rounded out the quartet on Friday morning.
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Described by 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins as “a physical, possession-type wide receiver who wins with body control and sure handling,” Charles is ranked No. 39 on the USA TODAY Florida Network's list of the top 100 recruits in the state. As a senior at Palm Beach Central High School, he caught 30 passes for 478 yards and seven touchdowns.
Charles took his official visit to UCF the weekend of June 14-16, immediately following a trip to Arkansas. He becomes the Knights' third wide receiver to commit in the 2025 cycle, joining Tampa Bay Tech's Santonio Isaac and St. Augustine's Carl Jenkins Jr.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Charles reopened his recruitment on May 30 after more than eight months with Miami.
“The good thing about UCF is the opportunity it gave me, the opportunity to develop and play early,” Charles said. “I have a great relationship with (offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Tim) Harris and (head coach Gus) Malzahn. I met with them individually (on my visit) and they showed me the depth of the player. I feel like I can come in right away and have a chance to start.”
Stargell (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) played primarily as a right tackle during Roswell's 11-2 season last fall, earning all-region recognition in the process. He is expected to move to the inside, playing either guard or center at the next level.
“I fell in love with it the first time I went. I almost committed to the team on my first unofficial visit in March,” Stargell said. “It's just a family atmosphere. I love the players and the coaching staff. We get along really well. I think it's a great place to grow and become the best version of myself.”
According to the 247Sports composite rankings, Stargell is the No. 82 offensive lineman in the 2025 class and the No. 122 player overall in the talented state of Georgia. He grew up an Auburn fan and admitted the chance to play for coach Gus Malzahn was too good to pass up.
“When I first met Gus it seemed surreal. It still seems surreal to me,” Stargel said. “He's just a regular guy and I'm so grateful for the relationship we've had.”
The Desire brothers, Darryl (6-foot-5, 244 pounds) and Mandrell (6-foot-4, 245 pounds), who are considering college as a package, combined for 10 sacks in Noland's run to the FHSAA Class 2M final. They are the latest twin brothers to plan on playing football for the Knights, joining Justin and Jordan McCray, Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin and Jakari and Demari Henderson before them.
“We're going to be the best twins ever,” the pair said on June 2 after their official visit.
With up to 15 players verbally committing out of high school, UCF has re-entered the top 40 in 247Sports' composite team rankings. The Knights could continue their recruiting efforts this weekend, as Mainland defensive tackle Christian Hudson is set to make a decision on Saturday.
UCF is one of four Hudson finalists, along with Iowa, Iowa State and Maryland.
Other priority targets expected to announce their commitments this month include 6-foot-8, 260-pound offensive tackle Chastan Brown from Warner Robins (Ga.) Northside and Newberry defensive line duo Halkez Carter and Micah Newton.
