UConn Football Falls in Fenway Bowl, but Program’s Momentum Remains Strong
Playing without their star quarterback Joe Fagnano, UConn football couldn’t keep pace with Army in Saturday’s Fenway Bowl, falling 41-16 in Boston. It was a tough way to close the season, but make no mistake: the Huskies have plenty to be proud of - and even more to build on.
This was UConn’s second straight nine-win season, a feat that would’ve sounded like a fantasy just a few years ago. The program has flipped the script under the spotlight, and even with the bowl loss, the Huskies are trending in the right direction.
Fagnano, who missed the bowl game, was nothing short of spectacular this season. A 28-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio isn’t just efficient - it’s elite, and it speaks to his command of the offense, poise under pressure, and ability to take care of the football. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, and he’s expected to get a serious look from NFL scouts.
And then there’s Skyler Bell. The wide receiver made history this season, becoming the first UConn player ever to be named a First-Team All-American by the Associated Press.
Bell’s explosiveness, route-running, and big-play ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses all year long. He’s projected to be one of the top receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft - and he’s earned every bit of that buzz.
While Fagnano and Bell may be heading to the next level, another key name still has a decision to make: Cam Edwards.
Cam Edwards: The Heartbeat of the Huskies’ Ground Game
Edwards, a Connecticut native, capped off a stellar season with 1,240 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. After the bowl game, he didn’t dwell on the loss.
Instead, he looked ahead, saying, *"The sky's the limit for UConn football... UConn football is back."
It’s hard to argue with that.
Over his four years in Storrs, Edwards has racked up 2,690 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground, with 31 total scores from scrimmage. He’s been a consistent force and one of the most dynamic backs to ever wear a Huskies uniform. His balance of power, vision, and burst has made him a matchup problem for defenses across the board.
He’s already entered the transfer portal, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s leaving. With one year of eligibility remaining, his return would be a major boost for a program in transition.
A New Era Begins: Jason Candle Takes the Reins
That transition began earlier this month when head coach Jim Mora left for Colorado State. In response, UConn made a bold move, hiring Jason Candle from Toledo.
Candle brings a proven track record to Storrs. He’s the winningest coach in Toledo history, with 81 victories and two MAC championships to his name. This past season, he guided the Rockets to an 8-4 record and oversaw one of the stingiest defenses in the country.
Now, he inherits a UConn program that has found its footing and is hungry for more. The pieces are there - talent, momentum, and belief. It’ll be Candle’s job to put it all together.
Around UConn Athletics
While the football team regroups, there’s plenty of action elsewhere on campus.
- Men’s Basketball: The UConn men’s team is 11-1 and rolling into Big East play with a 2-0 conference record after wins over Butler and DePaul. Next up: a New Year’s Eve showdown on the road against Xavier.
Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. ET in Cincinnati.
- Women’s Basketball: Geno Auriemma’s squad continues to dominate. The top-ranked Huskies are 12-0 and 3-0 in Big East play heading into Sunday’s matchup against Butler.
That game tips at 4 p.m. ET.
The Fenway Bowl loss may sting, but it doesn’t define this season - or this team. With NFL talent emerging, a new head coach in place, and a foundation built on back-to-back nine-win campaigns, UConn football isn’t just back. It’s building something real.