Report: Kalieb Osborne named starting QB

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

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that UConn’s starting quarterback will be Kalieb Osborne, a transfer from Toledo who played his high school ball in Waterford, Michigan, where he was a three-star recruit out of the Class of 2024. If the report is true, Osborne beat out returnee Tucker Mcdonald and Tennessee transfer Jake Merklinger, who was a four-star prospect out of Savannah, Georgia, also in the Class of 2024.

Osborne is billed as a dual-threat QB who coaches have said has all the tools: a strong arm, mobility in the pocket, and a good head on his shoulders. Head coach Jason Candle surely knew a lot about him, having recruited him to Toledo, and must have prioritized him in the recruiting process this offseason.

The junior signal caller redshirted in 2024 and made seven appearances in 2025. It was mostly closing games, but he attempted six passes in the Rockets’ season-opening FCS blowout, completing four, and started the season 10-of-13 through the air with one passing touchdown and two rush TDs after his first three outings. He made three more appearances in the regular season, ending with a 5-of-7 effort for 108 yards and a TD against Central Michigan. He also posted 52 rushing yards in that contest.

As coaching turnover affected the roster, Toledo started Osborne at QB for its bowl game against Louisville. The redshirt freshman finished 17-for-28 (60.7%) with 167 yards and a touchdown, adding 77 rushing yards in the 27-22 loss.

This offseason, he competed for the starting job with one more experienced player and another competitor with a better pedigree and former school, and prevailed. His weapons at RB, TE, and WR are not highly proven, but he has plenty of talent to work with and an O-line that should be solid.

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