UConn football is back and resilience is the name of the game. After a trying 2023 campaign resulting in a 3-9 finish, the Huskies are looking to reclaim their success.
Maryland will be the place to do so as Connecticut will aim for their first win of the season in College Park, and what better way to begin the year than with a fresh start? The last time the Terps and Huskies came face-to-face was in 2013 when UConn fell 21-32. Eleven years later, both teams have a dramatically different makeup, especially Connecticut.
Fresh out of training camp, the Huskies are looking sharp with new faces on the field and the coaching staff. Most notably, head coach Jim Mora has named Wisconsin transfer Nick Evers the starting quarterback in Saturday’s matchup.
Evers made the switch to UConn last spring after spending the 2023 season at Wisconsin and the 2022 season with the University of Oklahoma. Though fans have yet to see Evers’ arm talent and skill set on the field, Connecticut will hope to change last season’s challenging narrative.
Evers will be joined on offense by a familiar face, Wisconsin’s Skyler Bell. In 2023, the wide receiver nailed 38 receptions, 296 yards and one touchdown in his 12-game run at Wisconsin.
Alongside new talent, the Huskies will welcome familiar faces.
Running back Cam Edwards will also enter the spotlight. Last year, the redshirt sophomore led Connecticut in rushing with 618 yards, secured four touchdowns and averaged five yards per carry. In addition to Edwards, running back Victor Rosa was another essential leader and paired well with his colleagues’ skills. In 2022, Rosa led the team with 11 touchdowns and had a team-best of 15 kick-off returns, earning 283 yards.
As for UConn’s defensive line, they have their work cut out for them. Linebacker Jackson Mitchell, now with the Carolina Panthers, left behind big shoes to fill in his absence. Though there is some rebuilding to be done, UConn can begin with the 10 transfers joining the squad.
As for the Terps, they fell in the middle last fall, finishing 8-5 overall and 4-5 in the Big Ten conference. By the numbers of last season, UConn might give Maryland a run for their money, especially with so much unknown regarding Evers and the offensive line.
Although UConn fans will have to wait another week before heading to Rentschler Field, this weekend’s season opener might be one to remember. Until then, the stage is set for the Huskies to earn their first victory on the road.
Kickoff is set for Saturday at noon in College Park, Md.