UConn football landing transfer recruits

Jason Candle and his staff have been hosting a crew of transfer recruits in the first weekend since the portal opened on January 2nd. So far, they’ve secured at least 12 commitments, according to the latest signal from AJ Harrison, the new director of recruiting and player relations.

The commitment list includes a number of productive and experienced players for the Rockets and addresses a variety of key positions.

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Quarterback Kalieb Osborne started the 2025 bowl game for Toledo after serving as the backup all season. The 6-foot-4 passer was a three-star recruit out of the Class of 2024 at Waterford Mott HS in Michigan. He had a decent outing in the Boca Raton Bowl against Louisville and is a dual-threat talent who fielded offers from Syracuse but stayed committed to Toledo. He was a three-year starter in high school, throwing for 3,532 yards and 34 touchdowns while also rushing for 1865 yards and 25 TDs and leading Mott to its first-ever regional title.

Osborne should have at least three years of eligibility remaining as he joins a QB room that includes Class of 2026 commit Bo Polston and…nobody else at the moment.

Defensive tackle Esean Carter was a third-team All-MAC selection in 2025 after posting three sacks and 36 tackles in 13 games. He’ll have a year of eligibility remaining.

Running back Kenji Christian transferred to Toledo from NC A&T after starting his career at Virginia Tech as a three-star prospect in Pinson, Alabama in the Class of 2021. He averaged 5.0 yards per carry on 105 attempts for 528 yards and four touchdowns, adding another TD and 193 yards through the air on 17 receptions. He’ll bring experience and depth to a running back room that is also rebuilding.

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The offensive line is also rebuilding after being a strength of the Mora-era Huskies. Incoming transfers Raphael Green-Nyarko and Isaiah Switzer are likely to help out. The sophomores were both three-star recruits out of high school and should have at least two years of eligibility remaining each. Fred Johnson, an offensive lineman from Louisville, has also announced his commitment. He saw the field a little, but not much, and comes to UConn as a former three-star recruit from Cleveland in the Class of 2024.

WR Jediyah Willoughby and DB Jayden Price are also younger players who’ve committed from Toledo. They did not play much as freshmen on the Rockets last season but will be promising players for the future.