UConn Football’s Future Takes Shape as Jason Candle Brings Toledo Talent to Storrs
Tuesday’s Boca Raton Bowl between Toledo and Louisville wasn’t just another postseason matchup-it was a glimpse into the ripple effect of a major coaching change. For UConn fans, this one mattered.
New Huskies head coach Jason Candle, fresh off his tenure at Toledo, is already starting to leave his mark in Storrs. And while the scoreboard in Boca Raton won’t impact UConn’s record, the aftermath just might. With Candle now in charge, the transfer portal could soon become a two-way street from Toledo to Connecticut.
While it’s still uncertain how many of Candle’s 2025 Rockets roster will follow him north, what we do know is this: five players who had committed to Toledo earlier this month-before Candle’s departure-have already flipped to UConn. That’s not just a recruiting win. That’s a statement.
A Big Target at Tight End
Among the new arrivals is Jackson Mangham, a 6-foot-7 tight end out of Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio. Ranked as the No. 39 tight end nationally by the 247Sports composite, Mangham brings size and catch radius that could make him a red zone nightmare for opposing defenses. As a senior, he hauled in 32 passes for 412 yards and four touchdowns-solid production that hints at even more upside in a college system that knows how to use tight ends.
Front Seven Help Incoming
On the defensive side, UConn adds Makijah Latiker, a 6-foot-6 defensive lineman from Trinity Christian in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Latiker flipped his commitment on Monday and brings some serious disruption potential to the Huskies’ front.
In his senior season, he posted 37 tackles, 16 of them for loss, along with three sacks and an interception. That’s the kind of stat line that speaks to both power and versatility-two traits UConn will gladly take up front.
Joining him is Tyrique Harris, a three-star linebacker and edge rusher from Clearwater Central Catholic in Florida. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Harris is a high-motor defender who racked up 113 tackles in his senior year, including nine for loss, three sacks, and an interception. He’s the kind of player who thrives in a hybrid role-expect him to be a factor in multiple fronts.
Offensive Weapons on the Way
Logan Barnes adds a unique wrinkle to the class. The 6-foot-4 athlete out of Marion High School in Indiana played both quarterback and wide receiver, but it’s his receiving skills that UConn appears most interested in.
Despite playing the position part-time, Barnes still managed 16 catches for 216 yards. That’s the kind of versatility that could pay off in a system looking to get creative with its playmakers.
At quarterback, Bo Polston was the first to flip from Toledo to UConn. The 6-foot-2 signal-caller from Decatur Central High School in Indianapolis gives the Huskies another developmental arm in the room. He may not be expected to start immediately, but he’s now part of a quarterback pipeline that Candle will be building from scratch in Storrs.
Bowl Season and a Look Ahead
While the future is taking shape, the present still has business to handle. UConn (9-3) is preparing for its second straight appearance in the Fenway Bowl, where it will face Army (6-6) on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
There’s still some mystery surrounding who will suit up for the Huskies. Quarterback Joe Fagnano, whose breakout season has put him on the NFL radar, has opted out of the bowl game to focus on the 2026 draft. That leaves a big question mark under center.
But not everyone is sitting out. All-American wideout Skyler Bell has confirmed he’ll play, despite having little left to prove to NFL scouts. Bell said last week he’s been trying to rally some of the players who have entered the transfer portal to join the team for one last ride in Boston.
Running back Cam Edwards, who plans to enter the portal when it reopens on January 2, is reportedly set to play in the bowl game as well, according to The Action Network. That’s a big boost for UConn’s offense, as Edwards has been a key piece of their ground game all season.
The Candle Era Begins
With Candle already pulling talent from his former program and the Huskies gearing up for a high-profile bowl game, this is a pivotal moment for UConn football. The roster is shifting, the culture is changing, and the recruiting trail is heating up.
If these early moves are any indication, Jason Candle isn’t wasting time. He’s building something in Storrs-and the rest of the American Athletic Conference should be paying attention.