UCF wide receiver Xavier Townsend and four other teammates are choosing to redshirt and plan to enter the transfer portal.
The university confirmed this news ahead of the team’s away game against Florida on Saturday night. Defensive end Kaven Call, right tackle Wes Dorsey, and safeties Bryon Threats and William Wells are also opting out after the first four games of the season.
Townsend, a junior from Tampa, has made 10 catches for 69 yards and one touchdown. He was the only starter in this group.
The Knights (3-1), who recently lost to Colorado 48-21, also announced that kicker Colton Boomer has an undisclosed injury and did not travel with the team. Grant Reddick is stepping in and wearing No. 33, which was previously Call’s number.
According to NCAA rules, players can participate in up to four regular-season games without it counting against their four years of eligibility. Therefore, all five players can officially enter the transfer portal on December 9 and join new teams. They would be able to participate in bowl practices but wouldn’t be eligible to play until 2025.