UConn Huskies 2026 Preview
UConn went 9-4. Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for UConn in 2026
- New head coach in Jason Candle (Toledo Head Coach)
- New offensive coordinator in Nunzio Campanile (Syracuse QB Coach) and defensive coordinator in Ryan Manalac (Pittsburgh LB Coach)
- Starting QB from last season is gone. There is a QB battle between returner Tucker McDonald (1-3, 45 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs), Tennessee transfer Jake Merklinger (173 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs), and Toledo transfer Kalieb Osborne (427 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs)
- Starting RB from last season is gone. West Virginia transfer Cyncir Bowers (249 yards, 2 TDs) and Toledo transfer Kenji Christian (528 yards, 4 TDs) are expected to split carries
- Top four players in terms of receiving yards from last season are gone, with the top returner being Shamar Porter (234 yards, 1 TDs). Two transfers are expected to start in Youngstown State transfer Ky Wilson (652 yards, 6 TDs) and Toledo transfer Ryder Treadway (176 yards, 3 TDs)
- Returning one starting offensive lineman with three transfers expected to start
- Returning one starter on defense in S Malachi Mclean (79 yards, 3 INTs). Five transfers are expected to start, including Pennsylvania transfer LB John Lista (78 tackles)
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
UConn Huskies 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lafayette | Home |
| 2 | Maryland | Home |
| 3 | Southern Miss | Away |
| 4 | Miami (OH) | Away |
| 5 | Syracuse | Home |
| 6 | Temple | Away |
| 7 | UMass | Home |
| 8 | Air Force | Away |
| 9 | North Carolina | Home |
| 10 | James Madison | Home |
| 11 | Old Dominion | Home |
| 12 | Wyoming | Away |
Get the printable UConn Huskies 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
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Related reading
UConn Huskies betting FAQ
UConn Huskies play 12 games in 2026, 7 at home. They open against Lafayette. The full schedule is listed on this page.
UConn is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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