UCF’s Scott Frost Reflects on Nebraska Experience at Media Day

During his inaugural appearance at the Big 12 football media days as head coach of the University of Central Florida, Scott Frost opened up about his tumultuous stint at the University of Nebraska. In a candid moment with reporters, Frost expressed his reservations about taking the job at his alma mater, stating, “I was pulled in a direction to attempt to assist my old school, but deep down, it wasn’t a decision I felt comfortable with. Looking back, it wasn’t a good move.”, according to ESPN

Frost, who previously enjoyed a successful run at UCF, returned to Nebraska in 2018, hoping to revive a program that had fallen on hard times. His arrival was met with high expectations, as he was seen as the prodigal son capable of restoring the Cornhuskers to their former glory. However, the reality proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Over the course of four seasons, Frost’s teams struggled to find consistency, finishing with a disappointing overall record of 16-31.

As he reflected on his time at Nebraska, it became clear that the weight of the expectations and the nostalgia associated with returning to his roots may have clouded his judgment. He remarked, “Sometimes, the ties to your past can lead to decisions that may not align with your best interests. My heart wanted to help, but I should have listened to my instincts.”

Frost’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for coaches who may feel a pull to return to their previous programs, especially those with storied histories like Nebraska. With the significant emotional investment that comes from returning to a beloved institution, it can be easy to overlook the practical considerations of such a decision.

Now, as he leads UCF into a new chapter in the Big 12, Frost appears determined to carve a different path. He emphasized his excitement about the upcoming season, stating that he is ready to focus on building a competitive program that can thrive in its new conference environment. “I believe in the potential of this team and the direction we are headed,” he said with renewed enthusiasm.

The shift to the Big 12 represents a fresh start for Frost, who is eager to leave behind the challenges faced in Lincoln. UCF has built a reputation for being a dynamic team that can compete with some of the best in college football, and Frost is hopeful that his previous experiences—both good and bad—will help shape his coaching style moving forward.

In the fast-evolving landscape of college sports, Frost’s journey illustrates the complexities coaches face when balancing loyalty to their past with the demands of present-day performance. As UCF prepares for what promises to be an exciting season, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Frost can harness the lessons learned from his Nebraska experience to achieve success in his new role.