The UCF-Pitt game is the latest college football matchup to be delayed as a result of inclement weather. Prior to the delay, the UCF-Pitt game was slated to start at 3:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2.
The game is now expected to start at 4:35 p.m. following a weather delay of more than one hour.
“We have a delay here in Pittsburgh,” UCF Sports’ Brandon Helwig detailed in a series of September 12, 2026, messages on X. “Teams just finished pregame warmups.”
About 10 minutes before kickoff, lightning was reported in the area. Typically, a game is delayed at least one hour from the time of the latest lightning strike.
“We got our first lightning strikes here at @AcrisureStadium,” WPXI’s Christopher Carter detailed in a September 12, message on X. “Now new time has been announced for kickoff between Pitt and UCF.”
Here’s what you need to know about the UCF-Pitt game.
UCF vs. Pitt: The Panthers Are a 7.5-Point Favorite Over the Knights in the College Football Odds
Pitt is a 7.5-point favorite versus UCF in the latest college football odds, per FanDuel. Both teams enter the contest at 1-0, but neither squad played a Power Four opponent in Week 1.
There are severe thunderstorm and flood warnings in the area of Acrisure Stadium. Pitt shares a stadium with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and both teams have home games this weekend amid less than ideal weather.
UCF vs. Pitt Weather Update: Flood Warnings Issued in Area of Acrisure Stadium
Here’s a look at the full AccuWeather forecast for Saturday, September 12, in the area around Acrisure Stadium.
“Humid; a morning shower in spots followed by a couple of showers and a heavy thunderstorm this afternoon; storms can bring flash flooding and damaging winds,” AccuWeather detailed.
“A couple of heavy thunderstorms this evening; otherwise, mostly cloudy, warm and humid; storms can bring flash flooding and damaging winds.”
The UCF-Pitt Game Was Delayed as a Result of Lightning, Rain & Wind
In addition to lightning, there is concern about wind in the area. Orlando Sentinel’s Matt Murschel provided a grim overview of the scene in Pittsburgh.
“It’s getting dark here, with rain looming,” Murschel noted. “A big issue could be the wind, as the flags are swirling outside Acrisure Stadium.”
Pitt QB Mason Heintschel Threw for 453 Yards & 7 TDs vs. Miami (Ohio) in Week 1
It is hard to imagine a better start to the college football season than Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel had in Week 1. Heintschel threw for 453 yards and seven touchdowns against Miami (Ohio).
James Madison transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III also had a solid UCF debut against Bethune-Cookman. UCF head coach Scott Frost is preparing for a difficult road test against Pitt.
“You know, every game’s going to be harder than the first one,” Frost noted, per 247Sports. “Got a ton of respect for Coach Narduzzi and Pitt.
“I think this will be one of our toughest tests all year. So, we’re going to have to be ready to play at a really high level and we’re going to need a higher level of execution than we had last week.”
UCF vs. Pitt: Why Is Game Delayed? When Will It Start?