UCF Knights Add Swedish Defensive Tackle Thomas Collins to 2026 Roster

UCF Knights have added Swedish defensive tackle Thomas Collins to their 2026 roster, bringing international experience from Gothenburg to their defensive line rotation.

Collins, a 6-foot-1, 280-pound redshirt junior, transferred from Oregon State where he started all 12 games last season. The Swedish native recorded 30 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries and two pass breakups during his final campaign with the Beavers.

"He's a different type of D-tackle that we'll see here at UCF that I haven't had here since I've been here," said UCF defensive tackles coach Kenny Martin. "He's tenacious and a phenomenal natural pass rusher."

Collins represents one of five European players on UCF's 2026 roster, highlighting the program's international recruiting efforts. His football journey began unusually late by American standards, starting the sport at age 13 or 14 in Sweden after growing up playing soccer and hockey. His father's 20-year U.S. Navy service provided early exposure to American football through backyard sessions and Super Bowl viewing, but Collins didn't embrace the sport until he realized he could tackle without penalties. He initially played linebacker and running back before settling on the defensive line. Collins attended Sweden's only American football-focused national sports secondary school in Uppsala, where he was among just 30 students in the specialized program. The school system's riksidrottsgymnasium structure mirrors elite American academies like IMG Academy in Florida, providing intensive athletic development alongside academics.

The defensive tackle position at UCF presents significant competition for Collins, with returning players Horace Lockett and RJ Jackson Jr. already established in the rotation. Additional transfers Brad Gurley from Eastern Kentucky and Josh Schell from Tennessee further crowd the depth chart. Martin described Collins' Oregon State film as showing a player who goes "sideline to sideline, chasing it down," suggesting versatility that could help him earn snaps despite the competitive position group. Collins' FBS starting experience gives him an advantage over fellow transfers who lack similar high-level exposure. The coaching staff has indicated they plan to utilize a rotation system, meaning Collins should see meaningful playing time even if not listed as a starter when UCF opens against Bethune-Cookman on September 3.

Collins' personal story adds another dimension to his football career, as he met his wife Frida on his U-13 team where she was also a player. The couple celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary during spring break, and Frida continues her own football journey as a member of Sweden's national women's flag football team, earning selection on May 1. This dual-athlete household reflects the growing international appeal of American football, particularly as flag football prepares for Olympic inclusion. Collins' path from Gothenburg's coastal location to Oregon State and now UCF demonstrates the global reach of college football recruiting, with European players increasingly finding opportunities in American programs seeking athletic diversity and untapped talent pools.

Sportscape observes that Collins' addition represents UCF's commitment to international recruiting while addressing immediate defensive line needs. His combination of FBS starting experience and European athletic background could provide the Knights with a unique skill set that translates well to their defensive schemes.