UConn Football Enters New Era Under Jason Candle After Fenway Bowl Loss to Army
The 2025 season came to a cold, sobering end for UConn football on Saturday, as the Huskies fell 41-16 to Army in the Fenway Bowl - a game that marked more than just a season finale. It was the closing chapter of a transitional period for a program that’s seen significant change in recent weeks, both on and off the field.
With incoming head coach Jason Candle watching from a stadium suite, UConn took the field shorthanded and outgunned. The Huskies started a true freshman quarterback, lost their All-American wide receiver after the opening series, and were missing several key contributors who opted out of the bowl. Meanwhile, Army came in nearly at full strength and took full advantage.
The result was a lopsided score, but the real story is what’s happening behind the scenes - and what’s coming next.
The Coaching Carousel Spins
As the final whistle blew at Fenway Park, UConn’s interim staff was already scattering. Interim head coach Gordon Sammis is headed to TCU to take over as offensive coordinator.
Defensive coordinator Matt Brock is returning to Mississippi State in the same role. Several other assistants and staffers are moving on, many following former head coach Jim Mora to Colorado State.
But while one chapter ends, another is already underway. Jason Candle, the former Toledo head coach, officially takes the reins and has wasted no time putting his stamp on the program.
Candle’s Staff Begins to Take Shape
Candle’s first major moves have come on the coaching front, and he’s bringing in a group with deep ties to the Northeast and a mix of college and high school experience - a clear sign he’s prioritizing both recruiting and development.
Nunzio Campanile, most recently the quarterbacks coach at Syracuse, is set to become UConn’s offensive coordinator. Campanile is a name well known in New Jersey football circles, having coached at the high school level for nearly a decade before moving up to Rutgers and eventually Syracuse. He’s worked with quarterbacks like Kyle McCord and Steve Angeli in recent years and brings a versatile offensive background to Storrs.
On the defensive side, Candle is reportedly bringing in Ryan Manalac, the former linebackers coach at Pittsburgh. Manalac played linebacker at Cincinnati and had a stint with the Buffalo Bills before starting his coaching career under Pat Narduzzi at Michigan State. He’s known for his high-energy approach and linebacker development - two things UConn will need as they rebuild their defensive identity.
Candle’s also adding a familiar face in John Morookian, a Providence native and former Toledo player under Candle. Morookian is expected to coach the offensive line and brings experience from stops at Michigan, Iowa State, Kansas, Charlotte, and Akron. His presence also strengthens UConn’s recruiting footprint in the Northeast.
Additional reported hires include Sacramento State’s Zach Potter as general manager, Kerry Dixon as receivers coach, and AJ Harrison as director of recruiting. More additions are expected once the college football bowl season wraps up.
Transfer Portal: A Two-Way Street
The transfer portal officially opens on January 2 for a two-week window, and UConn is expected to be active - both in terms of departures and additions.
Running back Cam Edwards turned heads in the Fenway Bowl, racking up 108 yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries. That performance likely boosted his stock, and UConn could be one of several programs vying for his commitment if he enters the portal.
As of Sunday morning, 21 UConn players had entered the portal. While some may still consider returning, others have likely played their last down in Storrs. Offensive linemen Ben Murawski and Carsten Casady, along with quarterback Nick Evers - who left the team before the bowl - appear to be among the confirmed exits.
Candle will likely try to retain some of the team’s top remaining talent. Linebacker Oumar Diomande, defensive back Cam Chadwick, wide receiver John Neider, and tight ends Juice Vereen and Alex Honig are all names to watch. Retaining even a few of them could provide a solid foundation for 2026.
At the same time, don’t be surprised if a few former Toledo players - familiar with Candle’s system - follow him to UConn. That kind of continuity could accelerate the rebuild.
NFL Dreams on the Horizon
Despite the rough ending to the season, UConn has legitimate NFL talent on the roster - starting with Skyler Bell. The wide receiver became the program’s first-ever consensus All-American and is widely viewed as a top-15 receiver in this draft class. Bell has already accepted invites to both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Panini Senior Bowl, giving him a national stage to showcase his skills.
Quarterback Joe Fagnano also drew enough interest from NFL scouts to sit out the Fenway Bowl. The seventh-year signal-caller could become the first UConn quarterback drafted since Dan Orlovsky in 2005. His experience and pro-style approach make him an intriguing late-round option.
Linebacker Bryun Parham, who finished in the top 10 nationally in sacks, is another name to keep an eye on. He’s got the kind of production and physical tools that tend to catch the attention of NFL front offices.
What’s Next?
The next few weeks will be critical for Candle and his staff. The transfer portal window, continued staff hires, and early recruiting efforts will set the tone for what this next era of UConn football will look like. It’s clear the program is undergoing a full-scale reset - but with an experienced head coach, a new staff with deep regional ties, and a few potential NFL draft picks to build around, there’s reason for optimism in Storrs.
The scoreboard at Fenway may have shown a loss, but for UConn, the real game is just beginning.