UConn at the Fenway Bowl: What we know

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UConn is a week away from its second straight appearance in the Fenway Bowl. With the coaching staff in transition, players getting ready to enter the transfer portal or give the NFL a try, it’s still not certain who will be lining up for the Huskies against Army on Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. in Boston,

Selected players, no coaches, were available for interviews on Friday, but practices have been closed. It does appears that, relatively speaking, UConn will have a fair contingent dressed for the game, including many of their top players.

The big question mark is at quarterback, where Joe Fagnano has opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Here’s what we know:

Who’s in

Receiver Skyler Bell, consensus All-American and a projected NFL Draft pick, will suit up to “finish what he started.” Star running back Cam Edwards, who rushed for over 1,132 yards, has been practicing and has indicated he will play. The same is true for defensive regulars, even those who have indicated they will enter the transfer portal, such as defensive back Cam Chadwick. Anyone who has been practicing this week is presumed to be playing, but things could change.

Who is out

Fagnano, who threw for 28 touchdowns and only one interception, and was MVP of the Fenway Bowl last year, is out. Starting offensive tackles Ben Murawski and Carsten Casady have left campus, teammates said. Most others opting out are players far down the depth chart who will be looking to transfer for playing time next year.

Dom Amore: Joe Fagnano has taken his last snap for UConn football, now he’s aiming for the NFL

Who fills in

The most logical choice to start at quarterback is Nick Evers, who transferred from Wisconsin and was the starter for part of 2024. He played only a few snaps this season, but he does have some history with Bell, as they were teammates at Wisconsin. Tucker McDonald, who has been in the program three years, has been unavailable with a hand injury most of the season. True freshman Ksaan Ferrar played a few late snaps against Florida International.

On the offensive line, Ty Chan and Toriyan Johnson, next on the depth chart, would fill in at tackle.

Who’s coaching

Gordon Sammis, though he has been hired as offensive coordinator at TCU, has stayed as interim head coach and will be coaching the team. He was the OC under the departed Jim Mora. Defensive coordinator Matt Brock, who is leaving for Mississippi State will also remain and coach the defense. All of Mora’s assistants, it appears, have stayed and will coach the game.

The new coach

Jason Candle, hired on Dec. 6, has met with players, but has been on the road recruiting most of the last few weeks and will not be involved in preparation for the Fenway Bowl.

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