Four Knights to Compete in Prestigious Hula Bowl Tournament

Four UCF Knights players will participate in the upcoming 2026 Hula Bowl, a notable college football all-star game. Held in central Florida, this year’s event brings together talented athletes eager to showcase their skills before professional scouts.

Overview of the Hula Bowl

The Hula Bowl, which celebrates its 80th edition, features a match-up between two teams: Team Aina and Team Kai. Historically held in Hawaii, the game will take place at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, Florida, due to ongoing construction at the Acrisure Bounce House. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST, and fans can watch the game on CBS Sports Network.

UCF Knights Competitors

• Myles Montgomery, Running Back – Team Aina (Jersey #19)
• Phillip Dunnam, Defensive Back – Team Aina (Jersey #11)
• Jaden Nixon, Running Back – Team Kai (Jersey #20)
• Noe Ruelas, Kicker – Team Kai (Jersey #81)

Player Highlights

This year’s roster features four standout players from UCF:

Myles Montgomery

Myles Montgomery is a running back who transferred from Cincinnati. In his senior season, he achieved 705 rushing yards on 143 carries, along with four touchdowns and 182 receiving yards. Montgomery is looking forward to engaging with scouts during the Hula Bowl.

Noe Ruelas

Noe Ruelas, the kicker for Team Kai, joined UCF from James Madison. He excelled in his lone season, making 15 of 17 field goals, a remarkable achievement that places him among the top five kickers in program history. Ruelas’s performance earned him All-Big 12 Third Team honors and recognition as a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award.

Phillip Dunnam

Switching from Florida Atlantic, Phillip Dunnam contributed significantly as a defensive back. He was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention after tallying 60 tackles, including three interceptions in one game, making UCF history. His impressive performance makes him a crucial part of Team Aina.

Jaden Nixon

Running back Jaden Nixon transferred to UCF from Western Michigan. In his first season, he recorded 554 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing an impressive average of 7.8 yards per carry. He developed a strong relationship with Montgomery, even co-hosting UCFast Cast.

Coaching Matchup

The Hula Bowl will feature a unique coaching rivalry. Team Aina will be guided by Jay Gruden, former coach of the Washington Commanders, while Team Kai will be helmed by Jon Gruden, who coached both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders.

Game Legacy

The historical rivalry between Teams Aina and Kai stands at 6-6-1, adding to the excitement of the upcoming match. Fans and scouts alike are eager to witness which team will emerge victorious in this prestigious event.

For further updates on the Hula Bowl and the UCF players, follow live updates on Twitter @itsBrysonTurner and @UCFKnightsOnSI.