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Less than two weeks away from the start of training camp, we still don't have a great idea who has the inside track at the starting quarterback job for the University of Connecticut football program.

In my mind, it's Jake Merklinger, the transfer from Tennessee, but that largely comes from his pedigree as a top recruit and the fact that he previously played in the SEC. It could be Kalieb Osborne, who was less heralded than Merklinger as a recruit, but has experience playing for new head coach Jason Candle at Toledo.

And of course, there are newcomers on the roster like Bo Polston, who have a chance to make an impact at the position as the team looks to replace record-setting quarterback Joe Fagnano this season.

Speaking at the team's Media Day on Thursday, new offensive coordinator Nunzio Campanile didn't say anything too groundbreaking, but said they are looking for the quarterback that moves the ball down the field and gives the team the best chance to win. Ideally, they'd like the quarterback to be able to extend plays, but again, it's all about getting the best chance to win.

Campanile is in his first season with the program after coming in from Syracuse. He is one of many new coaches on staff under first-year head coach Jason Candle. Campanile spent three years with the Orange, working with both quarterbacks and tight ends.

He was an integral part of helping SU win 10 games in 2024 – and earn an appearance in the Holiday Bowl.

In his first year, he helped quarterback Kyle McCord set a new ACC single-season passing record. While no one is expecting a record-setting year in the first year after Fagnano leaves, Campanile being able to develop the next true Huskies signal-caller would be an excellent development in this first season.

Elsewhere in Huskies athletics

Tom Moore, a valued assistant coach during the tenures of both Jim Calhoun and Dan Hurley, announced his retirement from UConn men’s basketball on Thursday.

In all, Moore has spent nearly 40 years in coaching, including 21 with the Huskies, spanning the two eras.

He was part of four national championship teams (1999, 2004, 2023, 2024) as an assistant coach, the most of any assistant in what UConn called the “modern era” of college basketball.

In addition to working at UConn, he was also the head coach at Quinnipiac.

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