My name is Dennis Link and I’m a parent of a student at the University of Connecticut. I urge you — the passionate UConn student body — to super-charge your support for Coach Jason Candle and Husky football in 2026.
I get it. UConn is a basketball school. Football has never been the prime focus. I also admit that most Northeast schools struggle to match the competitiveness and fan experience of football factories in the Southeastern Conference Big 10 and other top programs “Power 4” conferences.
None of this matters, nor should it deter you from taking part in the UConn football experience. Here’s why:
Football Saturdays are like festivals. The fun is not limited to cheering and game action. Pre-game tailgating is a great American tradition woven into the sport. Anyone can have a blast, regardless of the team’s performance or even your interest in football.
If your contention is that UConn football doesn’t (or can’t) offer any excitement, I have three responses:
If you think the experience sucks, you’re flat-out wrong.
This is probably because you’ve never given Husky football a chance. I’ve attended multiple games at Rentschler Field. Tailgating is widespread and lively. Most who attend the games are loud and engaged. The problem is that these attendees are always the same people. The fanbase needs to grow.
Drop your righteous apathy routine.
Bring energy and make UConn football “a thing.” It starts with showing up. I find it hard to believe students have obligations during every home game.
Upperclassmen: You’re school leaders. Set the tone and make it cool to support football. Underclassmen: You probably need game shuttles. That limits tailgating, but “the Rent” has activities, giveaways, and pre-game “Husky Happy Hours” offering food and drink specials.
Beyond all this, the quality and enthusiasm of your “Pride of Connecticut” marching band rivals those I’ve seen at larger state schools.
If you’re still skeptical, do me a favor. Find students who attended the 11/8/25 upset over Duke. Ask them if that game was fun. Ask them if rushing the playing field was memorable.
As someone who was there, let me tell you: The electricity at that game is the kind of excitement that drives kids to enroll hundreds of miles away at SEC football powerhouses.
Wake up: UConn football does not suck.
It amazes me how often I’ve talked to students who have no idea what the football team’s record is. They automatically refer to them as “so bad.”
UConn is far from the College Football Playoff. But the program is currently at a high point, coming off consecutive 9-4 seasons. It’s also played in bowl games three of the past four years. Most alumni preceding you never saw football this good.
Head Coach Candle comes here after a successful stint as head coach at the University of Toledo. He inherits momentum from outgoing Jim Mora, Jr. and has the recruiting pedigree to take the Huskies to another level.
Still not on board? Consider that the college sports landscape has changed radically in recent years. Conference realignment, name, image and likeness deals and unrestricted transfers are among the shake-ups.
The reality is that college football — not college basketball — is the foremost economic driver in college sports. A competitive, well-funded football program with an energized fan base is UConn’s only possible ticket to power conference membership. Without that, even mighty UConn basketball risks becoming irrelevant due to lack of visibility and resources.
Take it from an old guy who loves college sports and has perspective. Pack the Rent! Bring the same maniacal energy you supply for basketball. If you do, you’ll be very glad you did.