Keyone Jenkins earned high praise for his season-best performance in the UCF Knights' loss to the No. 18 Oklahoma State Cowboys last Saturday.

Jenkins completed 30-for-42 passes for 265 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. His four touchdowns tied a career-high he set at FIU against the New Mexico State Aggies on Oct. 29, 2024.

He slid into ThroneSpud's "Top 10 Quarterbacks of College Football Week 6" list, posted on X on Monday. Jenkins ranked last, behind Troy's Goose Crowder, and the only thing separating them is his lone turnover.

No other quarterback on the list threw an interception. Seven threw for over 300 yards, including Oregon State's Braden Atkinson, who threw for 409 yards; every player also recorded two or more touchdowns.

The senior entered elite company in Week 6 against a ranked foe. He's grown steadily as UCF's starter, and the coaching staff is challenging him every week.

Coach Scott Frost and offensive coordinator Steve Cooper eased him into his new role over the first two weeks. They tailored their play calling to his strengths, short and intermediate passes, which led to a new program record for completion percentage against the TCU Horned Frogs.

Jenkins completed 19-for-20 passes (95%), surpassing former Knights quarterback and current quarterbacks coach McKenzie Milton's 92%.3% completion rate in a blowout victory over Austin Peay on Oct. 28, 2017.

UCF's coaching staff opened its playbook against Oklahoma State, challenging its starter to push the ball downfield. Frost loves "letting it rip," but he said it pained him not to follow his philosophy to do what's best for Jenkins and the team.

The Knights' quarterback still struggled to complete downfield passes, but drawing penalties is just as beneficial as hauling the deep ball. Wide receivers Tyren Hornes and Waden Charles drew defensive pass interference flags, which moved the chains and put the team in scoring position.

Running back Duke Watson rushed for 13 yards and Jenkins threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Josh Derry after Hornes' defensive pass interference penalty.

Charles' defensive pass interference came in the closing moments of the second quarter. Jenkins found the sophomore for a 26-yard reception, and ended the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Hornes for his first career touchdown.

The senior has shown real progression since filling in for an injured Alonza Barnett III in Week 3 against the Georgia State Panthers. Jenkins has helped the Knights compete against their ranked opponents in the first half, but carry his performance into the second half to give his team a chance at a potential upset.

Source: Yahoo Sports