STORRS, CT — The “Husky Revolution” isn’t just a slogan anymore; it’s a professional pipeline. Despite a whirlwind of coaching shifts and transfer portal noise, the University of Connecticut is sending two of its most explosive weapons to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Wide receiver Skyler Bell and quarterback Joe Fagnano officially received their invitations to Indianapolis this week, joining an elite field of 319 prospects ready to showcase their skills for all 32 NFL franchises.
The Bronx Bomber and the Comeback Kid
UConn’s offense turned the 2025 season into a relentless highlight reel, and Skyler Bell was the undisputed director. The Bronx native didn’t just play; he dominated, hauling in 101 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a finalist for the 2025 Biletnikoff Award, Bell proved to be the nation’s most consistent deep threat, recording seven separate 100-yard performances. NFL scouts have already noted his “snappy” route running—a trait honed over a massive two-year stint in Storrs where he racked up 2,138 total yards and 18 scores.
Then there’s Fagnano. After years of UConn searching for stability under center, the graduate student became the first Husky signal-caller since 2018 to start every game of the season. His efficiency was nothing short of surgical. Fagnano finished the 2025 campaign 285-for-413, throwing for 3,448 yards and an eye-popping 28 touchdowns against just one interception. His career journey—spanning from the CAA at Maine to the FBS spotlight in Storrs—culminates in 10,718 passing yards and 93 touchdowns, a resume that screams “pro-ready” to any front office looking for a poise-heavy leader.
“We knew people were talking about everything except the football. We just kept our heads down. Skyler and I had a connection you can’t coach. Getting to Indy together? That’s the dream.”
— Joe Fagnano, UConn Quarterback
Stacked Class Heads to Indianapolis
The Huskies won’t be alone in the spotlight. The 2026 class is a gauntlet of blue-chip talent. Fagnano joins a quarterback group featuring Penn State’s Drew Allar, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson. On the perimeter, Bell will compete for attention alongside 45 other wideouts, including Ohio State’s Carnell Tate and Georgia’s Dillon Bell.
The total invite list breaks down as follows:
- Quarterbacks: 15
- Wide Receivers: 46
- Running Backs: 21
- Offensive Linemen: 57
- Defensive Linemen: 63
- Defensive Backs: 54
The Combine kicks off in Indianapolis on February 23 and runs through March 2. For Bell and Fagnano, this is the final hurdle before the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this April. After back-to-back nine-win seasons under Jim Mora, the Huskies have finally forced the NFL to take notice of Storrs as a legitimate talent factory.
