Skyler Bell Caps Record-Breaking Season with Third All-America Honor
STORRS, CT - Skyler Bell’s 2025 season was nothing short of electric, and the accolades keep rolling in. The UConn wide receiver picked up his third All-America nod on Tuesday, earning a spot on the prestigious AFCA FBS Coaches’ All-America First Team - a fitting capstone to a year that rewrote the record books in Storrs.
This latest honor puts Bell in elite company, as he becomes just the fourth Husky in UConn’s FBS era (since 2003) to earn multiple All-America selections in a single season. He joins a short list that includes offensive lineman Christian Hayes (2022 & 2023) and standout running backs Jordan Todman (2010) and Donald Brown (2008). Bell had already been named to the Associated Press All-America First Team and earned a spot on the Walter Camp All-America Second Team last week.
And make no mistake - Bell didn’t just make these lists. He forced his way onto them with one of the most dominant receiving seasons in the nation.
A Historic Season in the Books
Bell hauled in 101 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns - all UConn single-season records. He averaged 12.7 yards per catch and 106.5 yards per game, ranking second nationally in nearly every major receiving category: total receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, catches per game, and yards per game. The only thing more consistent than his production was his explosiveness - Bell led the country with seven 100-yard receiving games this season.
It was the kind of year that doesn’t just get noticed - it demands attention. Bell wasn’t just a bright spot on the Huskies’ offense; he was the engine. Week in and week out, he torched secondaries, moved the chains, and made life easier for everyone around him.
Recognition Beyond the Numbers
Bell’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by the broader football world. He was named a finalist for the 2025 Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top receiver. And with his college career winding down, Bell has already secured invitations to both the Panini Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl - two of the premier showcases for NFL hopefuls.
He becomes the 19th player in UConn history to earn a Senior Bowl invite and the first skill position player to receive the nod since quarterback Dan Orlovsky in 2005. That’s a long drought - and a testament to just how rare a talent Bell is.
A Legacy Among Husky Greats
Bell is now firmly etched into UConn football history. He’s the fifth wide receiver in program history to earn All-America honors, joining a group that includes Carl Bond (1997), Mark Didio (1990 & 1991), Glen Antrum (1988), and Reggie Eccleston (1980). Across all positions, 36 Huskies have earned All-America status - first team, second team, or honorable mention - dating back to 1955.
But what separates Bell isn’t just the accolades. It’s how he got there - with surgical route-running, elite hands, and a relentless motor that made him a matchup nightmare. He didn’t just put up numbers; he changed the way defenses game-planned against UConn.
Looking Ahead
With the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl on deck, Bell has a chance to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts and decision-makers. And based on what we’ve seen this season, he’s more than ready for that spotlight.
Skyler Bell didn’t just have a great season - he delivered one of the most complete, dominant campaigns in UConn football history. And now, with three All-America honors to his name, his place among the Huskies’ all-time greats is secure.