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It was an offseason full of turmoil for the UConn football team. After back-to-back nine-win seasons, the Huskies lost head coach Jim Mora to Colorado State, quarterback Joe Fagnano and wide receiver Skyler Bell to the NFL, and also star running back Cam Edwards to the transfer portal (Michigan State).

And while the on-field replacements for those pieces aren't quite known yet at Huskies training camp, Mora's replacement (Jason Candle) is already establishing a strong connection within the UConn football community.

Speaking after practice on Saturday, new Huskies running back Kenji Christian, who followed Candle from Toledo to Storrs, says that Candle really cares about his players. He also said that he appreciates Candle's "next play" mentality, meaning that he's always looking forward on how to help someone. 

Furthermore, linebacker John Lista, who transferred in from Penn, says that he would "run through a brick wall" for Candle. He added that the entire staff has "delivered at an unprecedented level."

While no one knows just yet how the Huskies will perform on the field in 2026, it's important to see that Candle and his coaching staff are making a positive impact on the program already. While winning games is the primary objective, you also need a solid foundation and a solid culture, and that's clearly being built.

Candle spent 10 seasons at Toledo, finishing .500 or better in each season. He won double-digit games twice and won two bowl games. He has a strong track record of getting players to the NFL because of his recruiting ability – and his player development – and both of those qualities will be of huge benefit to a Huskies program that is looking to continue to build off the momentum of back-to-back nine win campaigns.

Also in the news for UConn football 

–Former Huskies quarterback Joe Fagnano made his NFL preseason debut on Saturday night, helping lead the Baltimore Ravens to a 24-7 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Fagnano went 22-of-28 for 224 yards and a touchdown. He did throw an interception, something he rarely did in Storrs.

Last season, he had an incredible 28 touchdowns vs. just one interception. 

–This season, the Huskies don't have an answer yet as to who the replacement for Fagnano will be. It figures as if Toledo transfer Kalieb Osborne and Jake Merklinger from Tennessee are the primary candidates.

The season begins on Sept. 5 as UConn hosts Lafayette.

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