As the NFL Draft looms just over a month away, all eyes are on the University of Connecticut's Pro Day this Tuesday. It's a golden opportunity for NFL scouts to get a closer look at two standout Huskies: Joe Fagnano and Skyler Bell. These two are hoping to hear their names called during the draft from April 23-25.
While all draft-eligible Huskies will showcase their skills, it's Bell and Fagnano who are generating the most buzz. Skyler Bell, in particular, is a wide receiver prospect that has caught the attention of experts like Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. from ESPN.
Skyler Bell's 2025 Season Highlights
The Huskies had a strong 2025, finishing 9-4 and earning a spot in the Fenway Bowl. Bell was a major catalyst for this success under former head coach Jim Mora.
His performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he earned All-American honors with 101 receptions for 1,278 yards. Bell made history as the first-ever Associated Press First-Team All-American from the program and was a Biletnikoff Award finalist, recognizing the nation's top pass catcher.
Bell's stats are eye-popping. He was one of only two players nationwide to notch 100 or more catches and one of three to surpass 1,200 receiving yards. His 13 touchdowns ranked second in the nation, outperforming even the likes of Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, widely regarded as the top receiver.
At the combine, Bell clocked a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, with a 10-yard split of 1.53 seconds. His explosive athleticism was further highlighted by a 41-inch vertical and an 11-foot-1-inch broad jump.
To put it in perspective, the fastest 40 time for a receiver was 4.26 seconds, set by Brenen Thompson from Mississippi State. Bell’s overall score came in at 77.
Joe Fagnano's Journey and Stats
Joe Fagnano's college career is a testament to perseverance and adaptation. Over seven seasons (2019-25), he maximized his eligibility through redshirt years and COVID exemptions.
After four years at the University of Maine, he transferred to UConn, where he took the reins as the starter in 2024 and 2025. Last season, Fagnano completed 69% of his passes for 3,448 yards, threw 28 touchdowns against a single interception, and posted a passer rating of 161.0.
During the combine, Fagnano ran the 40-yard dash in 4.83 seconds, with a 10-yard split of 1.67 seconds. His athletic profile was rounded out by a 35-inch vertical and a broad jump of 9 feet 10 inches.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 226 pounds, he presents a solid build for the next level. For context, the fastest quarterback 40 time was 4.37 seconds by Taylen Green of Arkansas.
Fagnano’s total score was 70.
As Pro Day approaches, both Bell and Fagnano are set to showcase their talents once more, hoping to solidify their positions in the upcoming draft. Keep an eye on these Huskies as they aim to make a big splash in the NFL.