Skyler Bell Makes Brief Fenway Bowl Appearance, Signals End of UConn Chapter
BOSTON - Skyler Bell suited up for the Fenway Bowl. Technically. But his appearance was more symbolic than substantial.
The All-American wide receiver and Biletnikoff Award finalist played just one series in UConn’s 41-16 loss to Army, lining up not to catch passes, but to throw one - a curious twist for one of the most electric receivers in college football this season. After that opening drive, Bell was done for the day. Cameras later caught him in street clothes on the sideline before halftime, his afternoon - and likely his UConn career - finished after just a handful of snaps.
“Skyler was gonna play as long as he felt he could,” interim head coach Gordon Sammis said postgame. “He guaranteed me one [series], and we were gonna see how it went.”
Given the conditions - frigid temperatures and a growing list of injuries - Bell’s decision to bow out early wasn’t surprising. With his NFL Draft stock hovering in the Day 2 range, he chose to protect his future rather than risk it in a game where several teammates went down. Starting quarterback Joe Fagnano had already opted out, backup Nick Evers had left the program, and UConn turned to true freshman Ksaan Farrar to steer the offense.
Farrar, thrust into a tough spot, showed flashes. He finished 11-of-17 for 84 yards through the air and added an 11-yard rushing touchdown. The numbers don’t jump off the page, but for a freshman in his first real action, there were signs of promise.
“With who we had out there, we felt he was our best option,” Sammis said. “For a young kid, I’ll say this: He had a lot of composure late in the game.
Just watching him, he got better every day. It was impressive to watch a young guy like that just come along.”
After the game, Bell took to social media to thank UConn fans, posting:
“I appreciate all the love UConn Nation.
It’s surreal. I just wanted to come on here and say thank you UConn Nation from the bottom of my heart for an unforgettable 2 years.
It’s been a fun ride.”
Sammis Reflects on Interim Role
Sammis, who joined the Huskies in 2022 as Jim Mora’s offensive line coach, climbed the ladder quickly. Promoted to offensive coordinator, he helped lead the offense to back-to-back strong seasons in 2024 and 2025. When Mora stepped down, Sammis was handed the reins as interim head coach for the bowl game before accepting a new role as TCU’s offensive coordinator.
His brief stint as head coach gave him a crash course in leadership beyond the offensive meeting room.
“I learned a lot,” Sammis said. “I learned what I’m capable of and what I’m not.
I can certainly be better at compartmentalizing things and being more organized. But it was great to be able to not only be a head coach, but kind of get to know everybody on the defense a little bit better.
Let our staff grow offensively, give them more of a role - they were awesome through this. It’s never easy when there’s transition and everything.”
Bell and Fagnano Set for Shrine Bowl Reunion
While the Fenway Bowl didn’t give fans one last look at the Bell-Fagnano connection, the duo will reunite soon - this time on a national stage. Both players have accepted invitations to the East-West Shrine Bowl, set for Jan. 27 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The game will be broadcast on NFL Network.
Bell, whose big-play ability made him one of the most dangerous receivers in the country, also received an invite to the Panini Senior Bowl - considered the premier college all-star showcase. That game kicks off Jan. 31 in Mobile, Alabama, and will also air on NFL Network.
For UConn, the Fenway Bowl marked the end of a transitional chapter. For Bell, it was the quiet close to a standout college career - one that now shifts toward the professional ranks.
He didn’t need to say much. One drive was enough to show he was there, and one postgame message was enough to show his appreciation.
The next time we see him in pads, it’ll likely be on Sundays.