Trent Whittemore: A Legacy Forged in Black and Gold
Trent Whittemore's journey is interwoven with football, family, and a deep connection to the University of Central Florida (UCF). From his early days on Citizens Field, coached by his father, Mark Whittemore, to his transfer to UCF as a graduate student, Whittemore's career embodies legacy and a passion for the game. His decision to don the Black and Gold of the UCF Knights marks the continuation of a family tradition, following in the footsteps of his father, a former Knight himself.
Early Days: Family, Football, and Friday Night Lights
Trent Whittemore's love for football was nurtured from a young age, deeply influenced by his father, Mark Whittemore, a high school football coach. "Growing up with a dad who’s a coach," Trent said, "Fall was always special to my family. It was football season, it was the time of the year that we all anticipated.” These early experiences instilled in him a unique perspective on the game. Mark Whittemore, as a play caller, would break down the game, offering insights beyond the typical fan's viewpoint. "Even from a young age, he liked to put the TV on mute,” Trent recalled. “He was like we don’t need announcers, we can watch the game for ourselves."
One of Trent's fondest memories involves a play he conceived during his high school days at Buchholz, coached by his father. He remembers one week in particular, he had come up with a play idea, and they were going to play Bartram Trail, which is a big district rivalry and still is for Buchholz and Bartram. The play was implemented, and his brother later scored off it in the second half, securing a 17-10 victory. “It was a huge win for the team,” Trent said. “I think that was really one of my favorite memories from all of high school football.”
His older brother, Luke Whittemore, also cherishes the memories of playing alongside Trent. Luke recalls his junior season, when Trent was a freshman, they completed a few fourth-quarter comebacks that they still reminisce on. At that point in time, it was Buchholz’s best season in years, and to be able to experience that with family, after all they’d invested in the school, was special.
Following in Father's Footsteps: From Buchholz to UCF
Mark Whittemore's connection to UCF runs deep. Before becoming a revered high school coach, he was a receiver for the Knights in the early 1990s, when UCF competed in the Football Championship Subdivision. Mark Whittemore was also no stranger to the Black & Gold when he joined Knight Nation, as he was once a receiver at Buchholz. He led the Bobcats to the 1990 4A Florida State Championship, in which they took down Dillard 24-7.
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After his time in the NFL, Mark returned to Buchholz, coaching three of his four sons: Luke, Trent, and Creed. After 28 years as a football coach for the Bobcats, and 12 years as head coach, Mark Whittemore announced his retirement at the conclusion of Creed’s high school senior season in December 2022. Trent expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to wear the same uniform his father once did: “I’m really grateful to get the chance to put on that same uniform that he did, and that means a lot.” Trent Whittemore added how his father has shared many stories with him and his brothers from his time playing at UCF. “He has one funny story about when he was at a basketball game,” Trent Whittemore said. “He and one of his buddies ran out on the court and led the crowd in a cheer. They weren’t supposed to be out there, but they ran out there and led a cheer. He did a backflip out on the court and got the crowd fired up. That’s one that he likes to tell a lot.”
Trent believes he is carrying on the legacy his father started at UCF. “I think he’s excited that I’m here now, and I get to hopefully carry on that legacy that he started here,” Trent Whittemore said of his dad. “He obviously had a heck of a career, so I’m excited to be able to try and carry that on. He came down here to help me move in the other day, and he’s really excited.”
The Gator Years: Experience and Growth at Florida
Prior to his transfer to UCF, Trent Whittemore spent four years as a receiver for the University of Florida Gators. While his time in Gainesville provided valuable experience, he sought a new chapter to finish his collegiate career. During his time with the Gators, Whittemore played in 20 games across three seasons.
A Knight's Return: Transfer to UCF and Reunions
Whittemore announced on January 7 that he would be transferring to the University of Central Florida as a graduate student with two years of eligibility remaining. Several factors influenced Trent's decision to join the Knights. Beyond his father's legacy, he felt it was a good fit for him football-wise. "It wasn’t just that UCF was where my dad had played. I think there were a lot of other factors too.”
He already had a strong relationship with UCF head coach Gus Malzahn, who had previously tried to recruit him while at Auburn. Mahzahn, once at UCF, was also eager to recruit Creed and their cousin, Malachi Singleton. “I’ve had a relationship with him for a long time and getting to play for him was something that really piqued my interest,” Trent said of Malzahn. “I think he’s a great coach,” he added. Trent spoke about how he has had a good relationship with UCF head coach Gus Malzahn, and how his family has known him for some time. Malzahn, then with Auburn, was hopeful to recruit Trent when he was coming out of high school in 2019.
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Adding to the sense of familiarity, UCF's offensive coordinator, Darin Hinshaw, played alongside Mark Whittemore at UCF in the early 1990s. Hinshaw was also active in recruiting Trent out of high school, as he was the OC at Kentucky at the time. “I’ve known of him obviously my whole life,” Trent said. “He was one of my dad’s buddies and played with him at UCF, so it was really cool whenever he got hired to be the OC. He reached out right away, and we already had a relationship so that was really a blessing.” Trent Whittemore complimented Hinshaw for how he runs a balanced system, gets everybody involved, and ensures that the entire offense is on the same page. “I think if you look at his track record and the places he’s been and where he’s had the opportunity to call plays, they’ve been really successful,” Trent said. “He does a really good job of training the quarterbacks, which is his main focus. As well as just having everybody really knowledgeable of what’s going on and the scheme.”
The transition to UCF has been smooth for Whittemore, both on and off the field. “It's been really good,” Trent said. “The offseason is more of a bit of a relaxed time, so you get to spend a little bit more time just like getting to know guys and that sort of thing.” He quickly formed bonds with teammates like quarterback John Rhys Plumlee and tight end Alec Holler. He also expressed gratitude for the welcoming atmosphere of the team: “The whole team has been very receptive, so a big shoutout to those guys, but really the whole team has been super friendly and super welcoming.”
Furthermore, another former Bobcat will be on the field this season with Trent Whittemore, UCF receiver Quan Lee. “I see Quan all the time now, we work out together, throw together,” Trent said. “It’s great to have another Bobcat around, to be able to represent not only the Black & Gold as Knights but the Black & Gold as Bobcats. I got a lot of love for Quan.”
Academically, Whittemore is pursuing interdisciplinary studies at UCF, combining his communications background with public administration, showcasing his diverse interests. After he began pursuing a master’s degree in communication at UF, Trent Whittemore elected to pursue interdisciplinary studies at UCF. He plans to combine some of his communications work with some public administration classes, another interest of his. As far as his career aspirations, Trent says he’s open to a lot of different things. He is likely going to stay within the sports sector somehow. For now, he’s focused on playing for however long the game takes him, and then he’ll go from there.
Family Bonds and Inspiration
The Whittemore family's involvement in sports extends beyond Trent and Mark. Luke, the eldest brother, played receiver at Troy University. Creed, the second youngest, plays at Mississippi State. Luke shared how being a family that was heavily involved in sports, the Whittemore boys were always competing against each other. He added that the way he and his brother grew up taught them how to support one another. “Being a part of our family made me feel like any of my brother’s successes were mine as well,” Luke said.
Luke, Trent and Creed all played at least two sports growing up. In the end, the trio would all go on to play football at the college level. “We all ended up sticking with football in college,” Trent said. “I think part of that is because it really does run in our family. We saw my dad do it, and then I saw my older brother do it. It just pushed me in that same direction… I think him being a coach and just being the personality that he is just drove all of us to eventually play college football.”
Creed Whittemore was named the 2022 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Football, being honored as Florida’s top overall player. He spoke on the importance of family in his life, as well as how excited he is for his big brother to be playing at UCF. “Family is the most important thing to me behind my relationship with God,” Creed Whittemore said. “I get just as excited to see my brothers score as when I score. So seeing Trent have this opportunity to play at a legacy school means a lot. I think he’s one of the best receivers in the Big 12 and he’s going to show that this year. He’s one of the hardest workers I know and he’s going to do great things for Knight Nation.”
Luke shared how his father has inspired him in every aspect of his life. “My dad had a huge impact on my life in every way,” Luke said. “Beyond just teaching me the fundamentals of football, he showed me how it could be so much more than that. His approach has always been one that prioritizes the impact he can have on the people that football brings his way. This influenced me to make the game more about others than it was about myself. That has resulted in relationships and lessons that I’ll always carry with me.”
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