The UConn Huskies enter 2025 with many core offensive pieces returning, and none is more important than the quarterback position.

Fagnano will quarterback the offense this year as he enters his third season in Connecticut and seventh in college football. However, backing him up is Nick Evers, last year’s Week 1 starter and former four-star QB recruit. Is Fagnano the right man for the job, or can Evers re-claim the position mid-season?

UConn Football: 2025 Quarterback Room Preview

Who is Joe Fagnano?

Fagnano is going into year seven in college football. No, that’s not a typo. After using his redshirt season in his freshman year and having extended eligibility due to a previous injury history, the Williamsport, Pennsylvania native is one of the oldest players in college football. But what can he still provide as the starter?

After just two games in 2023 (his first season in Connecticut) Fagnano suffered a season-ending injury. He lost the job the  following season when Evers transferred to Storrs. But as the former Wisconsin product underperformed and suffered with injuries, Fagnano was given the opportunity to again prove his worth, and shined at every juncture.

He started just five games in 2024, including the Fenway Bowl. However, the quarterback went 4-1 in those starts. His only loss came on the road to the ranked Syracuse Orange. He also played vital parts in UConn’s wins over Buffalo and UAB, where he stepped in mid-game.

As a whole, Fagnano finished with 20 touchdown passes to just four interceptions. His passer rating exceeded 150.0, cementing his 2024 campaign as one of the greatest in Connecticut history.

Fagnano became just the third UConn QB in program history to throw for 20+ touchdowns, joining Dan Orlovsky and Shane Stafford. Yet, did so while taking just 53-percent of offensive snaps, according to UConn sideline reporter Adam Giardino.

If Fagnano’s able to stay on the field and command an improved offense for an entire season, the sky is the limit for what he could achieve in his final collegiate campaign.

The only weakness in Fagnano’s game is his limited mobility, which is crucial to running a successful offense led by its ground attack. That’s clearly where Nick Evers beats him out.

Who is Nick Evers?

Huskies fans were excited about when quarterback Nick Evers transferred from Wisconsin to UConn. While Evers didn’t play any considerable role in his time with Wisconsin (or at Oklahoma in his first FBS season) the talent was undeniable. He is an agile, mobile quarterback who also has good intangibles as a passer.

Evers worked his way into the QB1 role with little competition, though couldn’t keep the job. He started Week 1, got hurt, and was back under center again in Week 3. Three straight wins, another injury, another sub-out, and he reclaimed the position when again healthy. It was a constant cycle.

Yet, after re-gaining the role for-good, Evers was very shaky as a thrower. So, when the Huskies went down to UAB, head coach Jim Mora brought in Fagnano, who led a comeback victory and secured the role for the remainder of 2024.

Consistently, Evers was given the benefit of the doubt, though Mora clearly decided Fagnano would be a better choice. Statistically, Evers was a below-average passer. He completed just 53-percent of his passes with just 5.1 yards per attempt, and threw five touchdowns as well as five interceptions. He had a few standout games as a rusher, yet struggled to find a rhythm on the read-option.

His 60-yard and 78-yard rushing games against Duke and Florida Atlantic continue to headline his case to be the starter. He poses a greater threat as a runner, thus opens up avenues for UConn’s lead tailbacks, who anchor the offense. The Huskies were 21st in rushing yards per game last season, and were significantly more efficiently in the ground game when Evers was under-center. But Skyler Bell and the other pass-catchers never built a strong rapport, and the passing game took a step back.

Which Quarterback Adds More Value as a Starter for UConn in 2025?

The Evers-collegiate fiasco has been a carrousel, though not a fun one. His raw talent has carried him into starting positions, as has his scrambling ability. Unfortunately, results continue to tell the same story: he shouldn’t be the starting quarterback for UConn in 2025.

Last season was Evers’ first true experience in college football. He received little playing time with the Sooners and Badgers. And in that time frame, Evers hasn’t shown great reason to warrant a starting job on a team coming off of a 9-4 season.

Fagnano, skill-wise, is more limited. He isn’t elusive, can’t take off as a rusher, and can’t extend plays the way Evers can. What he can do, however, is throw the football. He’s accurate, has a great pocket presence, and a much stronger arm. Results have coincided with this theory.

Bell, and many of UConn’s receivers have made a significantly greater impact when Fagnano has been under center. And with the Huskies dominant rushing attack, particularly now with transfer MJ Flowers, Fagnano’s limited mobility might not haunt them.

The argument for Evers remains the potential. He’s “Mr. What If”. Theoretically, he can do more with the football, and is far more electrifying. Though, Fagnano is far more predictable and consistent. And in Fagnano’s time on the field, he had one of the greatest seasons from a quarterback in the history of the program. If he’s given 90-percent of the snaps and handed the job for a full season, to what level could his statistical dominance reach?

That is why Fagnano was given the job. His experience and results have warranted such respect. In his final collegiate campaign, he has earned the right to lead this football team. Evers hasn’t shown enough. Although, if Fagnano happens to struggle, Evers could get one last opportunity to prove his worth with UConn.