UConn football’s new era under head coach Jason Candle is officially underway - and it’s moving fast. Just days after announcing a massive roster overhaul with 65 new additions, the Huskies added one more name to the list: Owen Winder.
Winder, a towering 6-foot-8, 310-pound offensive tackle out of Dexter High School in Michigan, announced his commitment to UConn on social media. He becomes the 66th player to join Candle’s first recruiting class in Storrs - and one of just a handful coming straight out of high school.
A three-star recruit, Winder originally committed to Iowa State last June and signed with the Cyclones during the early signing period on December 3. But when head coach Matt Campbell left for Penn State, Winder hit the reset button. He was released from his National Letter of Intent and reopened his recruitment, ultimately choosing to join Candle’s rebuild at UConn.
“After a lot of prayer and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to de-commit from Iowa State University,” Winder posted on December 11. “This is the best decision for my future on and off the field.”
Winder had drawn interest from several Power Four programs - including Duke, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, and West Virginia - but now he’s headed to East Hartford, where opportunity awaits.
He’s expected to enroll this summer, joining a program in transition but brimming with fresh faces and potential. Of the 66 new players brought in under Candle, 58 came via the transfer portal - and 21 of those transfers hail from Power Four schools. Just seven, including Winder, are high school signees.
The breakdown of the incoming class tells the story of a full-scale rebuild: 30 offensive players, 32 on defense, and three specialists. And with key offensive departures like All-American wide receiver Skyler Bell and record-setting quarterback Joe Fagnano heading to the NFL Draft, plus top running back Cam Edwards transferring to Michigan State, there’s plenty of room for new talent to step in and make an immediate impact.
For Candle, who built a strong reputation at Toledo for developing talent and competing at a high level, this is a chance to reshape UConn football from the ground up. And for players like Winder, it’s a chance to be part of something new - a foundation piece for a program looking to climb.
The Huskies open their 2026 season at home on September 5 against Lafayette before jumping into Power Four competition the following week against Maryland. Both games will be played at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, giving fans an early look at the new-look roster and what Candle’s vision might bring to life on the field.
Elsewhere on campus, UConn’s dominance continues on the hardwood. The No. 1-ranked women’s basketball team is set to host Xavier at Gampel Pavilion on Wednesday night, riding a perfect 21-0 record (11-0 Big East).
And for the first 600 fans through the doors? A Geno Auriemma bobblehead - a fitting tribute to the legendary coach in his 41st season and still chasing greatness after 12 national titles.
Whether it’s on the gridiron or the hardwood, there’s no shortage of storylines in Storrs right now. And with a new football regime in place and a historic basketball program still rolling, UConn fans have plenty to be excited about.