UCF may have landed a steal in the Class of 2026.

Preston Hall, a linebacker from Ridge Point High School in Missouri City, Texas, committed to UCF on Sunday following his official visit. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder only began hearing from the Knights earlier in the week, but quickly emerged as a priority target for linebackers coach Mark D'Onofrio.

"I fell in love with it. I love everything," Hall said of the visit. "A lot of coaches were welcoming, and I can tell Coach D and Coach (Alex) Grinch will push me to be the best."

Despite flying under the radar on the national recruiting scene, Hall has the measurables and athletic traits that UCF covets. He clocked a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash and has a background as a safety and wide receiver before transitioning to linebacker last season, his first year playing the position.

"I feel like they like my size and my athleticism," Hall said. "I think they just like my skill set and what I can do."

The son of former Tennessee Titans fullback and Texas Longhorn standout Ahmard Hall, he recorded 33 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and four quarterback hurries as a junior. His recruitment had included offers from Louisiana Tech, Arkansas State, Colorado State, Nevada, UTSA, Wyoming, Sam Houston, San Jose State and San Diego State. His only other official visit was to Colorado State.

UCF extended an offer during the visit- at Universal Studios, no less.

"Coach D'Onofrio pulled me aside and said they wanted to offer me," Hall said. "He told me I'm a good athlete and that they all liked my film. He said how it's crazy I don't have all these big offers."

The connection with D'Onofrio made an immediate impact. Hall appreciated the coach's resume and the development stories of past players, including former Houston linebacker Austin Robinson.

"He showed me how he's helped guys like me, guys who were safeties or even quarterbacks, become great linebackers," Hall said. "I used to play safety and receiver, so I relate to that."

Hall also clicked with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.

"He said he's ready to use my best abilities," Hall said. "I like the staff. I feel like Coach D and Coach Grinch are going to push me to be the best linebacker I can be."

When D'Onofrio reached out last week, Hall said he was already familiar with the UCF program.

"I knew about UCF," Hall said. "Big 12, and 2017 National Champs."

He's especially looking forward to competing in the Big 12, particularly against schools from his home state.

"Those schools had the chance to recruit me," Hall said. "They're gonna see when we play them."

Before heading to the airport on Sunday, Hall and his parents met with head coach Scott Frost to share the news.

"We told him I was ready," Hall said. "Coach Frost is a really good coach. He's been on the big stage. You can't turn that down."

He's also excited about UCF's academic opportunities.

"It's not just about football," he said. "I like their business and finance programs. That's what I want to pursue."

As for when he knew it was the right fit?

"After the first day," Hall said. "I was like, yeah, I can definitely see myself here."