Darriel Mack Jr. out indefinitely: Brandon Wimbush in line to start, but how good can UCF be?

UCF quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. suffered a broken ankle and will miss fall camp. The injury opens the door for Notre Dame transfer Brandon Wimbush to start.

UCF had more bad luck with injuries to their quarterbacks. Darriel Mack Jr. was competing for the starting quarterback job for the Knights this year but suffered a broken ankle in a non-football-related activity and is out indefinitely.

“There is no specific timetable for his return. He will not be available for training camp,” UCF coach Josh Heupel said in a statement. “We hope Darriel has a speedy recovery, but we are excited about the talent we have in the quarterback room to start the season.”

Mack played well in the comeback win vs. Memphis with 348 yards passing and two touchdowns and 59 yards and four rushing scores on 18 carries. His numbers fell when UCF played LSU in their bowl game but there was optimism he would be able to lead UCF to another AAC title.

With Mack out, Notre Dame transfer Brandon Wimbush will be the starting quarterback for the opener and beyond. Wimbush lost his starting job at Notre Dame in the first month of last season to Ian Book who led the Fighting Irish to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Wimbush will now have to accelerate his growth and computability in the UCF offense now that Mack is injured. Competition often makes those competing raise their game, but with the competition over before it really could even begin in earnest, it’s already over.

Wimbush was up and down during his time at Notre Dame, but he will have to play with more consistency and confidence in order to lead the Knights to another AAC title.

Can he do it?

UCF fans are hoping he can or it could be their toughest season in the last few years.