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On Friday, we got a bombshell report that the UConn Huskies are trying to join the American Athletic Conference as a football-only member. 

In addition, we heard that Miami of Ohio and James Madison are trying to join as full-fledged members. It's ironic that the report came out just a day before UConn and Miami are scheduled to play each other on the gridiron (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET).

We covered the story, and what it could mean in multiple ways, here, but now we are left to question the story in the first place.

Why? Because UConn athletic director David Benedict says he was never contacted for the initial story and that he "wasn't aware of this."

Do we believe this?

Honestly? No. I have no proof of the whole thing, it's just a gut feeling.

My gut feeling tells me that UConn has reached out to the conference and that Benedict is trying to downplay it all. Why? Because UConn is looking for a financial windfall to help fund its athletic department and help with NIL initiatives, and that this is the easiest way to get it.

I totally believe the Huskies have reached out, but the thing I'm unsure about at this time is just how serious the overtures have been. Is this a "we want in, how do we make it happen" type of thing? Or is this a "we're just kicking the tires on the whole thing?" There are very big differences in those two approaches and that context is important, should we ever get it.

And for now?

The Huskies athletic department simply trudges on. It's really that simple. The football team remains an independent with the freedom to craft its own creative schedule, but without the financial backing of a strong media deal. And the rest of the UConn teams will stay in the Big East Conference, hoping to continue to build national dominance and compete for national championships.

One note

UConn has been in the American once before, having played in the league from 2013-19 before going back to the independent route. It did not go particularly well, as the Huskies never won more than six games in the AAC-era and never finished over .500.

Up next

The Huskies (2-1) will take on Miami of Ohio (1-2) on Saturday. It will be the second straight road game for UConn, who beat Southern Miss. last weekend. After this game, the Huskies will host Syracuse on Oct. 3.

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