UCF lands commitment from Cincinnati tight end Caden Piening for 2025 class

UCF continues to build on its 2025 recruiting class after receiving a verbal commitment from Cincinnati tight end Caden Piening.

It’s the eighth commitment the Knights have received toward their 2025 class.

The 6-foot-4 Piening is the No. 734-ranked player in the country and the No. 36 overall tight end, according to 247Sports‘ composite rankings. He becomes the first tight end to commit to the program since Randy Pittman Jr. last year and the first player from Ohio since quarterback Brady Shannon in 2022.

All verbal commitments are non-binding but can become official during the early signing period in December.

BOOM, I’m coming home!!! #GKCO @UCF_Football @UCF_Recruiting @CoachGusMalzahn @CoachB_Blackmon @BlaylockAndrew @TeamKamMartin @CoachEvanDreyer @JesseMullins4 @_AHS_Football @DFaulk_23 pic.twitter.com/YxQbDU1OvD

— Caden Piening (@CadenPiening) April 13, 2024

Piening played multiple sports for Anderson High School, where he helped the Raptors in basketball and football. As a junior, he caught 35 passes for 624 yards and 5 touchdowns.

He chose UCF from among a group of offers that included Florida, Louisville, Michigan State and Texas A&M.

According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, UCF’s 2025 class ranks No. 16, with the Knights having the second-best class in the Big 12 behind Texas Tech.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com