With the Fenway Bowl just days away, UConn football finds itself in a familiar postseason spot-but with plenty of new wrinkles. The Huskies are set to face Army on Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. in Boston, marking their second straight trip to the Fenway Bowl. But unlike last year, this one comes with a flurry of moving parts-coaching transitions, opt-outs, and a quarterback room in flux.
A Program in Transition, But Still Showing Up
Despite the uncertainty, UConn isn’t limping into this bowl game. While practices have been closed to the media and only selected players were made available for interviews on Friday, all signs point to the Huskies fielding a fairly strong lineup-especially among their top contributors.
The biggest headline? Quarterback Joe Fagnano, last year’s Fenway Bowl MVP, is out.
He’s opted to begin preparations for the NFL Draft after a season that saw him toss 28 touchdowns to just one interception. That’s a major hole to fill, both in leadership and production.
Who’s Suited Up and Ready
Still, UConn isn’t short on firepower. Star wide receiver Skyler Bell-an All-American and likely future NFL draft pick-will play, saying he wants to “finish what he started.”
That’s a big boost for the offense, especially with Fagnano out. Bell’s presence alone gives the Huskies a proven playmaker who can stretch the field and make contested catches in key moments.
Running back Cam Edwards, who racked up over 1,100 yards this season, has also been practicing and is expected to be in uniform. Edwards has been the engine of the offense all year, and if UConn wants to control the tempo against Army’s methodical style, he’ll be central to that game plan.
Defensively, the Huskies are expected to have most of their regulars, even those who’ve announced plans to enter the transfer portal. That includes defensive back Cam Chadwick, who’s been a steady presence in the secondary. For players like Chadwick, the bowl game serves as both a sendoff and a showcase.
Who’s Sitting Out
In addition to Fagnano, UConn will be without starting offensive tackles Ben Murawski and Carsten Casady, who have left campus, according to teammates. That’s a significant hit to the offensive line, especially with a new quarterback under center. Most of the other opt-outs are further down the depth chart-players likely looking for more playing time via the transfer portal.
Next Man Up at Quarterback
With Fagnano out, all eyes turn to Nick Evers. The Wisconsin transfer started part of the 2024 season but saw limited action this fall. Still, he has some chemistry with Bell from their time together in Madison, which could help jump-start the passing game.
If Evers isn’t the answer, options get thin. Tucker McDonald, a three-year veteran in the program, has been sidelined most of the season with a hand injury.
True freshman K’saan Ferrar saw a few snaps late against Florida International but remains raw. Expect Evers to get the nod, with Ferrar waiting in the wings if needed.
On the offensive line, Ty Chan and Toriyan Johnson are the next men up at tackle. With Army’s disciplined defensive front, how well this reshuffled line holds up will go a long way in determining UConn’s success.
Coaching the Bowl Game
While the coaching carousel spins, UConn has managed to keep its staff intact for the bowl. Gordon Sammis, who has already accepted a job as offensive coordinator at TCU, is staying on to serve as interim head coach. Sammis was UConn’s offensive coordinator under Jim Mora, and his familiarity with the playbook and personnel should help ease the transition.
Defensive coordinator Matt Brock, who’s heading to Mississippi State, is also sticking around to coach the defense one last time. In fact, all of Mora’s assistants appear to be staying on through the bowl game. That continuity, even if temporary, is a big deal for a team trying to stay focused amid the noise.
Looking Ahead
New head coach Jason Candle, hired on Dec. 6, has met with the team but won’t be involved in bowl prep. He’s been on the recruiting trail, laying the groundwork for the future of the program. For now, the Fenway Bowl belongs to the outgoing staff and the players who’ve chosen to suit up one last time.
So while UConn enters this game with some key absences and a few question marks, they’re not mailing it in. The Huskies still have plenty of talent on the field and a staff committed to finishing strong.
Against a disciplined Army squad, it won’t be easy-but UConn has the pieces to compete. And for the players taking the field, this is more than just a bowl game-it’s a final chapter, a fresh audition, and a chance to leave a lasting impression.