The UConn Huskies football team enters the 2026 season under new leadership, marking a fresh chapter for the program as it continues to compete as an independent in Division I FBS. First-year head coach Jason Candle takes the helm following the departure of Jim Mora. With an exciting non-conference schedule that features six home games—including visits from Maryland, Syracuse, UMass, North Carolina, James Madison, and Old Dominion—the Huskies are focused on establishing a physical, playmaking brand of football. Backed by new offensive coordinator Nunzio Campanile and defensive coordinator Ryan Manalac, Connecticut brings a refreshed roster loaded with emerging talent and key transfer portal additions looking to leave their mark on East Hartford. 

As the University of Connecticut football program turns the page to a new era, head coach Jason Candle stepped up to the microphone at the facility on the Storrs campus on Thursday to set expectations for his inaugural season.

Arriving after a decorated decade at Toledo, where he left as the winningest coach in program history, Candle brings a distinct philosophy centered on process, internal accountability, and physicality. While outside observers may ponder how quickly a transformed roster can gel, the atmosphere inside the building reveals an immediate focus on building a winning standard from day one.

A new era of UConn Football kicks off today with the start of the first spring practice of the Jason Candle era.

Candle replaces Jim Mora who left for Colorado State in late November. Candle came to Storrs from the University of Toledo where he built one of the best program in the MAC. Candle had a record of 81-44. He won three bowl games and two MAC Championships. He was a two-time MAC Coach of the Year (2017, 2023).

STORRS, CT- UConn head coach Jason Candle addressed the media earlier today to discuss the formation of his new coaching staff and his initial experiences in Storrs.