By Andy Close
NEFJ Correspondent
The 2025 edition of the UConn football team comes in with expectations not seen around the program in quite some time. Their nine wins in 2024 were the most for the program since 2007, and it also marked the first winning season for the Huskies since 2010. Coach Jim Mora’s team will rely on an experienced group of skill position players on offense, while working in a plethora of newcomers in the defensive front seven.
“The focus of our players has been fantastic,” Mora said. “Our staff has come together well, and now it’s time to prove it.”
Offense
UConn got a shot in the arm when it was announced shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 season that quarterback Joe Fagnano was granted an extra year of eligibility. Fagnano returns having thrown for 1,631 yards and a 20-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2024. He is the unquestioned starter after splitting snaps with Wisconsin transfer Nick Evers last season.
“Joe’s not a loud, demonstrative guy. He’s not going to cuss guys out, but he is stern,” Mora said. “In order to be a good leader, you have to demonstrate what the team’s about, what the standard is, what the expectations are, and Joe’s doing that.”
The backfield is loaded, led by redshirt junior Cam Edwards, who was named to the Doak Walker Award watchlist, as well as senior Mel Brown. Edwards rushed for 830 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per carry last season, while Brown accounted for 673 yards. Brown was also named to the Jet Award watchlist, recognizing the nation’s top return specialist.
Senior receiver Skyler Bell was named to the Biletnikoff Award watchlist after hauling in 50 passes for 860 yards and five touchdowns last season. Arizona transfer Reymello Murphy will also start at receiver, as will Kentucky transfer and former 4-star recruit Shamar Porter. The Huskies also have a pair of experienced tight ends in seniors Alex Honig and Louis Hansen. Honig was recently named to the 2025 College Football “Freaks” List, published annually by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, highlighting some of the most physically impressive players in college football.
Senior center Wes Hoeh, who was named to the Rimington Award watchlist, returns to anchor the offensive line. Redshirt junior Ben Murawski and redshirt sophomore Carsten Casady will start at the tackle spots, while redshirt senior Kyle Juergens and redshirt sophomore Brady Wayburn will be the starting guards.
Defense
The secondary features some talented returners, including sophomore cornerback Cam Chadwick and fellow sophomore safety Malachi McLean. Grand Valley State transfer Devin Pringle will start opposite Chadwick, while seniors Lee Molette and D’Mon Brinson will man the other safety spots in the Huskies’ 3-3-5 scheme.
The defensive line has an influx of new players, with Virginia transfer Ben Smiley and Texas Southern transfer Stephon Wright expected to start at defensive end, and Nebraska transfer Vincent Carroll-Jackson expected to start at tackle. New Mexico transfer Antoineo Harris Jr., Gardner-Webb transfer Marquis Black, and redshirt junior Matt Hoffman will also figure into the defensive line rotation.
Mora raved about redshirt sophomore Oumar Diomande, who will start at one outside linebacker spot, with senior Donovan Branch manning the strong side. Temple transfer Tyquan King will man the middle after recording 112 tackles for the Owls in 2024.
“Oumar has risen up,” Mora said. “He has quietly become a really good football player.”
Schedule
The 2025 season kicks off with a home contest against in-state FCS foe Central Connecticut State on Aug. 30 before a trip to Syracuse on Sept. 6. A road game at Boston College looms on Oct. 18, and the schedule also includes a three-game home stretch against UAB, Duke, and Air Force in November.
August
30 – Central Connecticut State
September
6 – at Syracuse
13 – at Delaware
20 – Ball State
27 – at Buffalo
October
4 – FIU
18 – at Boston College
25 – at Rice
November
1 – UAB
8 – Duke
15 – Air Force
22 – at Florida Atlantic