Clarus Media Group

UConn is on a roll after winning the Fenway Bowl and finishing 9-4 on the season, Jim Mora and his staff have rolled the momentum into recruiting specifically the transfer portal.

As of yesterday, the Huskies coaching staff has brought in eight players in the portal and kept wide receiver Skyler Bell, who originally entered the portal prior to the Fenway Bowl. The Huskies have lost some impact players as well, such as running back Durrell Robinson and defensive end Pryce Yates but the staff has more than fortified the roster. 

Keeping Bell was huge for the offense. He was the Huskies number one receiver in 2024, finishing with 50 catches for 860 yards and five touchdowns. Bell was especially effective over the top, making big plays off play action. Keeping him fortifies what should be a good skill group. 

The focus in the portal was both the offensive and defensive lines and the offensive skill positions.

Redshirt freshmen Vincent Jackson comes in from Nebraska to reinforce the interior defensive line. At 6’5 290, he offers length and scheme versatility. He has a lot upside. Redshirt junior linebacker Terry Kirksey is long at 6’4 220. He can play on the line or off the ball. He also has room to add size. Senior Ben Smiley transferred from Virginia and he has that classic tweeter body at 6’5  308. He can play end but can also kick inside to a three technique in long down situations and be used on T-E stunts. Trent Jones II, an Iowa State transfer has a similar physical make up and has experience playing in a 3-3-5 defense which means he can line up anywhere. 

Offensively, the addition of Auburn transfer Caleb Burton gives the offense another potential big play receiver. Burton along with N.C State transfer Juice Vereen will allow offensive coordinator Gordie Sammis to potentially open up the offense more. I see some Justin Joly in Vereen’s game. Arizona transfer Reymello Murphy has size at 6’0 185 but needs to play more and UConn could be a great opportunity for him. 

All of these players had limited production in college so the move to Storrs could be very beneficial. All of them add a high level of athleticism to the program. 

“Roll skies” is a slogan at UConn and right now, the football program is truly on a roll.