The UConn football program has been quietly building something on the defensive side of the ball over the last couple of years, and now, under new head coach Jason Candle, it looks like that momentum isn’t slowing down-it might even be picking up speed.
This defensive overhaul didn’t happen overnight. Former head coach Jim Mora laid the groundwork, using the transfer portal like a seasoned NFL GM, bringing in high-impact players like Jayden McDonald and Bryun Parham-UConn’s leading tacklers in 2024 and 2025, respectively. But with Mora gone and Candle stepping in from Toledo, the big question was whether that defensive pipeline could keep flowing.
So far? It sure looks like it.
Candle’s known as an offensive mind-he was a wide receiver at Mount Union and rose through the coaching ranks focusing on offense. But don’t let that label fool you.
He’s got a track record of developing defensive talent too, with seven players drafted to the NFL since 2017, including first-rounder Quinyon Mitchell. And now he’s brought in a defensive staff loaded with former players and proven developers, the kind of guys who resonate with athletes in the locker room.
Let’s break down what Candle and his staff have put together on defense heading into 2026-and why the Huskies could be a problem on that side of the ball.
Defensive Line: A Blend of Experience and Upside
The rebuild started up front, and it started fast. Candle leaned on his Toledo connections early, flipping three-star commits Makijah Latiker and Mateo Kipke.
Then came Esean Carter, a grad transfer who started 13 games and earned All-MAC third-team honors last season at Toledo. Avery Dunn, who spent three years at Michigan State before transferring to the Rockets, is also making the move to Storrs.
But the defensive line didn’t stop with familiar faces. UConn landed Melvin Hills III out of Texas, Desmond Aladuge from Duke, Anas Luqman from Ohio, and Andrew Laurich from Colorado State-each bringing size, athleticism, and a chance to contribute right away.
Then there’s the big swing: Joshua Mickens. A former four-star, top-100 recruit and the No. 1 prospect in Indiana coming out of high school, Mickens brings serious pedigree.
He redshirted at Ohio State and saw limited action over the next two seasons, but this is a player who’s been in the trenches with one of the best programs in the country. He’s got the tools-now it’s about unlocking them.
The Huskies also added a group of high-upside transfers in Tahjae Mullix (Oregon State), Jamel Howard (Wisconsin), Odera Orizu (NC State), and Shamar Riser-Pressley (Buffalo). All of them are looking for a fresh start and an opportunity to prove they belong on the field.
And UConn got some good news this week when Matt Hoffman, who had 22 tackles last season, decided to withdraw from the transfer portal. Eddie Dresch III also appears to be staying, giving the Huskies some continuity in the room.
Linebackers: A Rebuild with Proven Producers
New defensive coordinator Ryan Manalac knows linebackers. He played the position at Cincinnati, signed with the Buffalo Bills, and coached linebackers at Pitt for five years, sending a handful of players to the pros. That experience is going to be crucial, because UConn’s linebacker room needed a full reset.
With Parham, Tyquan King, Donovan Branch, and Aaron Key all graduating-and Oumar Diomande following Mora to Colorado State-the Huskies had to reload.
They started by bringing in K’Von Sherman, Toledo’s leading tackler in 2025 (93 total tackles, 52 solo, 4.5 sacks). He’s a plug-and-play guy with experience and production. Rickey Williams, who flashed as a freshman, also joins from Toledo.
Then came a wave of transfers: Zakaiah Saez (Oregon State), John Lista (Penn), Luke Murphy (Coastal Carolina), and Terris Dudley (NC State). It’s a mix of experience and untapped potential, and all of them will be in the mix for playing time.
UConn also added four high school linebackers, all three-star recruits: Jayden Jones, James Tilus, and former Toledo commits Tyrique Harris and Rodarion Tellez. They may not be ready to start day one, but they give the Huskies a solid foundation for the future.
Returning players like Ethan Hogg, Charlie O’Connor, Lewinski Ydore, and Charles Johnson round out the group, and their familiarity with the program should help ease the transition.
Defensive Backs: New Faces, New Opportunities
The secondary is going through changes, but there’s still some continuity. Kylish Hicks, who transitioned from receiver to defense in 2024, withdrew from the portal. It looks like Axavier Bridges Brooks, Saxton Suchanic, and Kobi Albert are sticking around too, though eligibility questions remain for others like starting safety Malachi McLean.
Candle brought in several new names to reshape the back end. Jayden Price and Braedyn Moore come over from Toledo, while Jayden Davis (Fresno State) brings production-83 tackles and two picks over the last two seasons. Moussa Kane, who had 17 tackles at Duke (including four against UConn), adds depth.
Tracy Revels is an interesting piece. He had 40 tackles at Bowling Green before transferring to Michigan State, where he sat out last season. CJ Bell, a redshirt from Iowa, had several Power Four offers coming out of high school and could be a sleeper to watch.
There’s more: Renick Dorilas (Rutgers) and Steve Miller (USC) didn’t see much action at their previous stops, but both come with high ceilings. UConn also added a pair of three-star high school recruits in Elijah Whitaker and Shmar Akande, who will look to develop under the new staff.
Special Teams: A Quiet but Important Refresh
Special teams often fly under the radar, but Candle made sure to address it.
UConn signed Mike Baker, a kicker who made all four of his extra point attempts at Ole Miss and hit 31-of-37 field goals in high school, including a long of 57 yards. Jack O’Connor, a kicker/punter out of York Community High in Illinois, also joins the fold.
David LaGanga, who handled long snapping duties at Lehigh and Kentucky, is expected to take over that role in Storrs.
The Takeaway
This is a defensive rebuild that doesn’t feel like a rebuild-it feels like a reload. Jason Candle and his staff used a seven-week recruiting blitz to bring in a mix of proven college players, high-upside transfers, and talented high school recruits. They’ve replaced almost the entire unit, but they’ve done it with intent and precision.
There’s still work to be done. Chemistry takes time, and depth will be tested. But if early signs are any indication, UConn’s defense in 2026 could be faster, deeper, and more disruptive than it’s been in years.
And with a head coach who knows how to win-and a defensive staff that knows how to build-don’t be surprised if the Huskies start turning more heads this fall.