Former UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano wasted no time making an impression in his first NFL preseason action, helping the Baltimore Ravens knock off the Philadelphia Eagles 24-7 on Saturday.
Signed by Baltimore as an undrafted free agent and later given a three-year deal this offseason, Fagnano got a real chance to show what he could do in the preseason opener. He answered with a sharp outing, completing 22 of 28 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown while averaging 8.0 yards per completion. He also threw an interception, but he still helped put together multiple scoring drives.
His lone touchdown pass went to Ja'Kobi Lane.
The performance stood out even more because Fagnano brings a very different skill set than Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. He is not known as a runner, which makes Baltimore’s interest in him especially notable.
Fagnano’s college path was a long one, stretching seven seasons from 2019 to 2025 as he used redshirt years and COVID exemptions. He spent four seasons at Maine before moving on to UConn for three years, where he became the starter in 2024 and 2025. Last season, he completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,448 yards, with 28 touchdowns, just one interception and a passer rating of 161.0.
UConn finished 9-3 in the regular season, earned a trip to the Fenway Bowl and lost to Army. Fagnano did not play in that game, and the Huskies ended the year at 9-4.
At UConn, he formed a productive offensive trio with All-American receiver Skyler Bell and running back Cam Edwards. All three are now gone, with Bell drafted by the Buffalo Bills and Edwards transferring to Michigan State.
That leaves new head coach Jason Candle with plenty to sort out. UConn does have a deep running back room, so the backfield could still produce, but the quarterback job is unsettled and the top wide receiver spots are open as well.
The Huskies open the season Sept. 5 at home against Lafayette in the first game of the Candle era.
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Dan Hurley Added A Veteran UConn Fans Will Appreciate Fast
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For UConn, the appeal goes beyond simply adding another body. Hurley sees Shaw as a player whose work ethic and versatility can help in practice and in the locker room, while his perimeter shooting gives him a clear way to contribute when he gets on the floor. Just as important, Shaw understands that part of his job is to help push younger players along, which is the kind of veteran presence UConn fans tend to appreciate right away. [Read more 🡒]
Arizona Is Chasing A 5-Star Guard With A Complicated Fit
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The fit question is where things get tricky. UConns appeal would likely hinge on how the roster settles over the next year, with the staff having to project what happens around Braylon Mullins and Silas Demary Jr., plus the possibility that at least one of Colben Landrew or Junior County eventually moves on. In other words, this is the kind of recruitment that could make a lot more sense later than it does right now, which is why the visits matter even before the picture is fully clear. [Read more 🡒]
UConn Fans Got An Early NFL Reminder To Feel Proud
Before the NFLs preseason even really gets rolling, a few former UConn players were already getting their chances to show they belong. Joe Fagnano turned in the busiest day of the group, working for the Baltimore Ravens and finishing 22 of 28 passing with a touchdown and an interception, while also connecting on a 16-yard scoring throw to JaKobi Lane. Elsewhere, Chris Freeman handled an extra point for the Houston Texans, a small moment but one that still counts when roster spots and special teams jobs are in play.
The Texans connection to Storrs only grew from there, too. After a minicamp workout, Houston signed former UConn tight end Louis Hansen, keeping another Huskies name in the mix as teams continue sorting through the edges of their offseason rosters. For UConn fans, it was an early reminder that the programs footprint is still showing up on NFL fields, even before the games start to matter. [Read more 🡒]