Lewis Carter using All-Big 12 snub as fuel for senior year with UCF

FRISCO, Texas — Despite leading UCF in stops, and ranking fifth in the conference in tackles per game last season, the veteran linebacker has yet to receive All-Big 12 recognition.

Lewis Carter only earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 in 2025, and didn’t appear on the preseason team that the league released earlier this month, which he felt was kind of a smack in the face.

“It definitely fueled me, nothing personal, but it’s definitely something that I’m looking forward to doing,” Carter said. “Looking forward to getting the work done, and being able to showcase my talent.”

After all, Carter’s journey up to this point is all about hard work, and proving doubters wrong. The Florida native paid his dues as a backup at Oklahoma for two seasons before he landed at UCF. Carter started 11 games, and made an immediate impact with the Knights. The former four-star prospect generated 92 tackles, including 52 solo and two sacks. Carter had double-digit tackling performances against Houston, Texas Tech, North Carolina and BYU. Not to mention Carter made 42 stops oer UCF’s final five games.

The losing season in 2025 means the Knights are flying under the radar approaching fall camp, and that’s how Carter likes it. Everyone has a chip on their shoulder, and want to make a statement. Coach Scott Frost has a bunch of new faces on the roster, including quarterback Alonza Barnett, who led James Madison to 11 wins, and a Playoff appearance last season. Carter believes there’s new energy at the program, and his teammates are hungry for action.

“Just not being complacent, not getting comfortable with the wins that we have, and stacking one day at a time,” he said. “We’re together more, we got a lot of guys coming back with experience, guys that been through the ups and downs, and are willing to grow and uphold that standard.”

Carter intends on holding down his side of the ball, and considers himself the heart and soul of the defense. The six-foot, 225-pounder is the general of the locker room, and the enforcer on the field. Carter takes pride in leading by example, and pushes his teammates to perform to the best of their abilities.

“I try to hold them accountable as much as I hold myself accountable, the senior said. “I try to find the voice in myself, become a better leader, and keep stacking days.”

Carter enjoys playing for Scott Frost, and admires the way he works his players. Although fall camp will be intense, Carter believes it’s all going to strengthen the team mentally and physically.

UCF’s defense ranked 56th in the FBS in points allowed, and Carter is determined not to let that happen again. He understands that the Knights are going to have to earn back their respect. In the meantime Carter is going to demand the best from the rest of the defense, and make all of the doubters recognize he’s All-Big 12 caliber.

“We’re going to go real far I can tell you that, we’re going to get turnovers and get that ball back for sure.”