Javon Baker Announces Return to UCF in 2024
UCF wide receiver Javon Baker was one of the top pass catchers in the country and in the Big 12 last season, and will have a shot to repeat those feats in 2024 with his announcement to return to UCF.
In 2023, Baker totaled 43 grabs for 966 yards and six scores while averaging 22.5 yards per catch. Baker is a massive return for Gus Malzahn’s squad and became the second high-caliber player to announce his decision to return to Orlando, after senior running back RJ Harvey made plans to return on Thursday.
Baker’s return for the Knights provides a huge boost for a program heading into its second year in the Big 12 Conference and also adds a massive playmaker for whoever takes snaps under center in the fall. The team unfortunately will not have John Rhys Plumlee in 2024, as Plumlee elected to use his final season of eligibility as a member of the Big 12 Conference.
Baker finished second in the Big 12 Conference in total receiving yards trailing only Texas’ Xavier Worthy by three yards. Baker crossed the 100-yard mark four times in 2023 with his biggest performance coming against No. 6 Oklahoma in Week 7 where he totaled five grabs for 134 yards and two touchdowns.
Baker and the Knights will take on Georgia Tech in the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday, December 22, with coverage beginning at 5:30 PM CT on ESPN and ESPN+.
