UCF
Coach: Scott Frost (first year)
2015 record: 0-12
Outlook: As long as UCF is erecting statues in Orlando, it might consider one for Frost — a former Oregon offensive coordinator and a national-title-winning Nebraska QB — if he can lead the Knights to a bowl this year. Frost will need another recruiting cycle or two to effectively operate his uptempo offensive scheme, but all indications suggest he already has re-injected passion and energy into the program.
Florida Atlantic
Coach: Charlie Partridge (second year, 6-18)
2015 record: 3-9
Outlook: After two consecutive 3-9 seasons under Partridge, the Owls seem ready to contend for their first bowl game since 2008. Jason Driskel — the brother of former Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel — earned the starting job at quarterback, and the defense is led by one of the state's most unheralded players: sophomore linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (Hillsborough High), who is a team captain after his 94-tackle freshman season.
Bethune-Cookman
Coach: Terry Sims (second year, 9-2)
2015 record: 9-2
Outlook: The Wildcats finished with a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title in Sims' first year and are among the teams expected to contend this season. Bethune-Cookman starts the year ranked second in the coaches poll for historically black schools.
Florida A&M
Coach: Alex Wood (second year, 1-10)
2015 record: 1-10
Outlook: Northeast High alum Devin Bowers showed flashes of success last season at running back. The Rattlers are looking for more production from him — and everyone else — as they try to earn their first winning season since 2011.
Florida International
Coach: Ron Turner (fourth year, 10-26)
2015 record: 5-7
Outlook: The Panthers made strides last season and return nine starters from an offense that ranked among the most productive in school history. Quarterback Alex McGough (Gaither/Wesley Chapel) is back after setting season records in passing attempts (420), completions (269), yards (2,722) and touchdowns (21). He will try to lead FIU back into the bowl conversation.