The UConn Huskies are making serious noise on the national stage - and now, the accolades are rolling in to match the performance. Six standout players from the 2025 squad have earned HERO Sports Group of Five All-American honors, underscoring just how far this program has come in a short time.
First-Team Honors: Bell and Parham Lead the Way
Wide receiver Skyler Bell and linebacker Bryun Parham headline UConn’s All-American selections, both landing on the first team - and rightfully so. Bell put together one of the most electrifying seasons in the country, finishing second in the nation in receptions (101), receiving yards (1,278), and touchdowns (13).
He was just a few catches, a handful of yards, and one score shy of sweeping the national receiving triple crown. That’s elite company, with only Easton Messer (FAU), Danny Scuderi (San Jose State), and Camden Brown (Georgia Southern) edging him out in those respective categories.
Bell wasn’t just productive - he was consistent, explosive, and the heartbeat of the Huskies’ passing game. Whether it was moving the chains on third down or breaking loose for a big play, Bell delivered time and time again.
On the other side of the ball, Parham was a force. The senior linebacker racked up 116 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and added an interception, three forced fumbles, and two recoveries.
That’s not just filling up the stat sheet - that’s a defensive engine who changes games. Parham’s ability to diagnose plays, shoot gaps, and make impact stops was a huge part of UConn’s defensive identity all season.
Second-Team Recognition: Fagnano and Murawski Anchor the Offense
Quarterback Joe Fagnano and left tackle Ben Murawski earned second-team honors, and their connection was a big reason UConn’s offense clicked at such a high level. Fagnano quietly put together one of the most efficient seasons in the country, throwing for 3,448 yards (sixth in the nation) and 28 touchdowns, while tossing just one interception all year. That kind of ball security and production is rare - and it speaks to both his decision-making and the protection in front of him.
That’s where Murawski comes in. The Huskies’ offensive line allowed just 1.25 sacks per game, and Murawski was the anchor on the left side.
He helped pave the way not only for Fagnano’s clean pockets but also for a ground game that averaged 159 rushing yards per contest. It was a balanced, disciplined unit, and Murawski’s leadership was a big part of that.
Third-Team Standouts: Edwards and Freeman Deliver in the Clutch
Running back Cam Edwards and kicker Chris Freeman rounded out UConn’s All-American selections, both landing on the third team. Edwards was a workhorse, finishing with 1,132 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He ran with vision, burst, and toughness - the kind of back who wears down defenses and delivers in the red zone.
Freeman, meanwhile, was as reliable as they come. He connected on 22 of 25 field goal attempts, including a school-record 12 straight makes. In a game where special teams often make the difference, Freeman’s consistency gave the Huskies a dependable weapon every time they crossed midfield.
A Historic Season - With More on the Line
All six players were instrumental in leading UConn to a 9-3 record and a spot in the Fenway Bowl on Dec. 27 against Army. It marks the second straight 9-win campaign for the Huskies - and they’re now chasing a program-record 10th victory.
This isn’t just a nice season by Group of Five standards - it’s a legitimate breakthrough for a program that’s building something real. The All-American honors are a reflection of that growth, and of the individual talent that’s now making Storrs a destination for high-level football.
Another National Nod for Bell
Bell’s stellar season didn’t go unnoticed beyond HERO Sports. He also earned second-team All-American honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation, one of the most prestigious awards in college football. The foundation, based in New Haven, has been selecting All-Americans for 136 years and remains one of the sport’s most respected institutions.
Joining Bell on the second team was San Jose State’s Scuderi, while the first-team wide receiver spots went to Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) and Makai Lemon (USC) - the same trio of finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, which ultimately went to Lemon.
What’s Next?
UConn now turns its attention to the Fenway Bowl, with a chance to make history. But regardless of what happens in Boston, this season has already cemented the Huskies as a rising force in the Group of Five - and these All-American honors are just the latest proof.