As the calendar inches closer to summer workouts, the UConn Huskies football program’s activity in the NCAA Transfer Portal has largely settled, with Head Coach Jim Mora and his staff having made significant strides in reshaping the roster for the 2025 season. While the initial flurry of entries and commitments has subsided since the April transfer window closed, the current outlook indicates a well-defined plan to elevate the program’s talent and depth.

The Huskies have successfully brought in a substantial class of transfers, many of whom enrolled for the spring semester and participated in spring practice. This early integration is crucial, allowing new players to learn the system, build chemistry with teammates, and make a stronger impact come fall.

Key Arrivals Cementing the Roster:

UConn’s transfer strategy has been focused on injecting immediate experience and skill into critical position groups. The offensive and defensive lines, areas where depth and talent are paramount, received significant boosts.

Offensive Line: The high-profile addition of Ty Chan from Notre Dame remains a cornerstone of the offensive line rebuild. His Power Five experience is invaluable. Other additions like Hayden Bozich (Brown) and Tamarus Walker (Maryland) provide crucial depth and competition.

Skill Positions (Offense): The receiving corps has been upgraded with talents like Caleb Burton III (Auburn) and Chris Parker (Central Michigan), bringing proven production and athleticism. Reymello Murphy (Arizona) and Naiem Simmons (USF) further bolster the wideout room. At tight end, Juice Vereen (NC State) adds a dynamic pass-catching option, while MJ Flowers (Eastern Illinois) provides a complementary piece in the backfield.

Linebacker & Defensive Line: On defense, the Huskies have fortified the front seven. Linebackers Tyquan King (Temple), Bryun Parham (Washington), and Terry Kirksey Jr. (Kansas State) are expected to compete for starting roles. The defensive line saw the arrival of Ben Smiley III (Virginia), Vincent Carroll-Jackson (Nebraska), Stephon Wright (Texas Southern), and Marquis Black (Gardner-Webb), aiming to improve both run defense and pass rush.

Defensive Backs: The secondary has also been a focus, with Sammy Anderson Jr. (Austin Peay), Tyrece Mills (Penn State), and Kamo’i Latu (Wisconsin) leading a group of new defensive backs looking to solidify the pass defense. Kobi Albert (Mississippi State) and Kolubah Pewee Jr. (Georgetown) further round out the talent.

Notable Departures and Shifting Landscapes:

While the focus has been on new faces, UConn has also seen some players depart via the portal. Most recently, quarterback Cole Welliver announced his transfer to New Mexico earlier in May. This departure, along with others like running back Durell Robinson (Auburn) and defensive backs Malcolm Bell (Michigan State) and Alfred Chea (Ball State), indicates the natural ebb and flow of roster management in the transfer era. You add some, you lose some unfortunately.

The transfer of players like Pryce Yates (North Carolina) and Langston Hardy (Wake Forest) from the edge rushing group also points to a new look for the defensive front.

Looking Ahead:

The bulk of UConn’s transfer portal work appears to be done. The coaching staff has worked diligently to address weaknesses and add talent, leveraging the portal as a key tool in their ongoing rebuild. The success of this transfer class will heavily depend on how quickly these new additions integrate into the team’s schemes and culture. With summer conditioning and fall camp on the horizon, the Huskies will now focus on maximizing the potential of their revamped roster as they prepare for the 2025 season.