UConn QB Joe Fagnano Accepts Shrine Bowl Invite After Stellar Season
Joe Fagnano’s college football journey is getting one more chapter - and it’s a big one. The UConn quarterback has accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl, one of the premier pre-NFL Draft showcases for college talent. It’s a fitting next step for a player who just wrapped up a standout season and played a pivotal role in one of the best years UConn football has had in recent memory.
Fagnano’s Road to the Shrine Bowl
Fagnano’s path to this moment has been anything but conventional. Over seven college seasons - yes, seven - he made the most of every eligibility extension available, including redshirt years and COVID exemptions. He spent four years at Maine before transferring to UConn, where he took over as the starter in 2024 and never looked back.
This season, Fagnano was nothing short of surgical. He completed 69 percent of his passes, threw for 3,448 yards, and posted a sparkling 28-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
That’s not just efficient - that’s elite. His 161.0 passer rating reflects the kind of consistency and decision-making that NFL scouts love to see.
And let’s not forget: he led the Huskies to a 9-3 record and a berth in the Fenway Bowl, a major turnaround for a program that’s been clawing its way back into national relevance.
While Fagnano won’t be suiting up for the bowl game - a decision more and more draft-eligible players are making to focus on NFL preparation - his body of work this season speaks loudly enough. He’s earned the chance to show what he can do in front of NFL coaches and scouts at the Shrine Bowl.
What the Shrine Bowl Means
Set for January 27, 2026, in Frisco, Texas, the East-West Shrine Bowl is more than just another All-Star game. It’s a proving ground. Since its inception in 1925, the game has served as a launchpad for NFL hopefuls - and it also supports a great cause, benefiting Shriners Children's Hospital.
What makes the Shrine Bowl unique is its direct partnership with the NFL. Current NFL assistant coaches lead the teams, offering them a chance to showcase their own skills while mentoring the next wave of pro talent.
NFL Legends also get involved, serving as mentors throughout the week. It’s a full-circle moment for players like Fagnano, who’ll get to absorb wisdom from those who’ve been through the grind and made it to the top.
Troy Vincent Sr., the NFL’s Executive VP of Football Operations, summed it up well: the Shrine Bowl is about more than just talent evaluation - it’s about development, for both players and coaches. That’s exactly the kind of environment a player like Fagnano can thrive in.
What’s Next for Fagnano?
With the Fenway Bowl off his schedule, Fagnano will now shift his focus to preparing for the Shrine Bowl and, eventually, the NFL Combine. His performance in Frisco could go a long way in shaping his draft stock.
He’s already shown he can command an offense, make smart decisions, and deliver in big moments. Now, it’s about doing it on a bigger stage, with NFL eyes on every throw.
For a quarterback who’s taken the long road, this is the moment he’s been building toward. And if this season was any indication, Joe Fagnano isn’t done turning heads just yet.