Quarterback Cooper Newman commits to UConn, 2027 class up to 11

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

After adding five recruits to the Class of 2027 recruiting mix over the weekend, four more players have announced their intention to join the Huskies, including a QB, bringing to the total for this class up to 11 commits, including one player joining the team this fall.

Cooper Newman, Quarterback

With the help of former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, Newman announced his commitment to UConn on X on Tuesday. Newman had 16 offers, including from Maryland, Georgia Tech, and Michigan State.

“The coaches really made me feel like I was their No. 1 guy, and I want to go in and prove that,” Newman said after taking his official visit to UConn on May 29.

In three years at Sevier County HS (TN), the 6-foot-2, 208-pound gunslinger has racked up 9,084 passing yards for 112 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. In a total of 42 games, the Tennessee native averages 13.7 yards per throw and has accumulated a 131.7 QB rating.

In the 2025-2026 season, Newman helped the Smoky Bears to an overall 13-2 record. In 15 meetings, the three-star recruit tallied 3705 passing yards for 45 touchdowns and four interceptions. Heading into his senior year, Newman is 20 passing touchdowns away from setting a new Tennessee high school state record. 

Currently, Newman ranks No. 1029 nationally, No. 56 at the quarterback position, and No. 41 in Tennessee.

Treighjan Gibson, Defensive Lineman

Gibson announced his commitment to UConn on X on Tuesday. The Michigan native also received offers from Buffalo and Central Michigan.

Gibson has made a name for himself at St. Mary’s Prep HS (MI), where he is considered a top defensive lineman in the state. Gibson is a high-motor defender who is great against the run.

Lamier Wade, Defensive End

Wade committed to UConn on X on Tuesday. The three-star prospect reported 13 offers, including from Rutgers, Akron, and Bowling Green.

At Bishop Canevin HS (PA), Wade’s primary position is defensive end, but he also has experience at wide receiver. In the 2025 stretch, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound edge rusher helped the Crusaders to an overall 9-3 record and a 5-1 conference record.

Currently, the Pennsylvania native ranks No. 1,136 nationally, No. 92 at the edge position, and No. 33 in Pennsylvania.

Minikon Johnson, Linebacker

Johnson committed to UConn on X on Tuesday. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker will now continue his football career with his high school teammate, Wade. The three-star prospect claimed 18 offers, including from Penn State, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia.

In his sophomore year at Bishop Canevin HS (PA), the Pennsylvania native broke out in a big way. In just six games, Johnson produced 43 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks. Heading into his senior year, Johnson is ranked No. 822 nationally, No. 67 at the linebacker position, and No. 23 in Pennsylvania.
At an Ohio State camp, the versatile edge rusher recorded a 4.66-second 40-yard dash and earned a 77 scouting grade from ESPN.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos