The UCF Knights have shifted their 2027 home matchup against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns to the season-opener, FBSchedules.com has learned.
UCF had previously been scheduled to host Louisiana on September 18, 2027. According to an amendment to the game contract obtained from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette via a state open records request, the contest has been shifted forward and will now be played on August 28, 2027, at Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando, Fla.
This scheduling shift reflects the NCAA’s June decision to standardize a 14‑week regular season starting in 2027. Under this framework, FBS programs will typically kick off during what is currently called “Week Zero”—the weekend before Labor Day—making it the new official Week 1.
UCF and Louisiana first met on the gridiron in 1998 and have played four times overall. In their most recent matchup in 2007, the Knights defeated the Ragin’ Cajuns 37-19 to extend their series advantage to 4-0.
UCF’s remaining non‑conference slate in 2027 features a road trip to North Carolina on Sept. 4 and a home matchup with UT Martin on Sept. 11.
Following its season‑opening visit to UCF, Louisiana is scheduled to travel to Tulane on Sept. 4, host East Texas A&M on Sept. 11, and welcome Kennesaw State to Cajun Field on Sept. 25.
UCF sits at 1‑1 after defeating Bethune‑Cookman at home and falling on the road at Pitt. The Knights next host Georgia State on Saturday, Sept. 19, with kickoff set for 7pm ET on ESPN+.
Louisiana is also 1‑1, earning a home win over Lamar before dropping a road contest at USC. The Ragin’ Cajuns host UAB on Saturday, with coverage on ESPN beginning at 8pm ET.