Central Florida was also cited for lack of institutional control, fined $50,000 and placed on 5-years probation, among other penalties.
UCF President John Hitt said the school planned to accept all of the penalties, but after talking with head coach George O’Leary, the Knights will likely appeal the postseason ban in football.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the NCAA usually suspends sanctions while a case is under appeal. That means UCF could possibly be eligible for the 2012 C-USA Championship Game and a bowl berth.
If the Knights lose the appeal, they would have to serve their postseason ban after the 2013 regular season.
In a poll at the Conference USA Media Days, UCF was picked to finish first in the Eastern Division. The Knights open the 2012 season on Thursday, Aug. 30 at Akron.
UCF is the fourth team banned from playing in a 2012-13 bowl game. They join North Carolina, Ohio State, and Penn State.
Football Schedules: