UConn Football: Skyler Bell named Walter Camp All-American

On Friday night, it was revealed that UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell earned Walter Camp All-American status for the first time in his career. As one of three Biletnikoff award finalists, Bell finished the season with 101 receptions (2nd), 1,276 yards (2nd) and 13 TDs (2nd) in one of the greatest receiving seasons in program history. Bell made plays in the biggest spots as the top option for quarterback Joe Fagnano, and UConn’s passing offense was one of the most explosive in the country in part because of Bell.

Bell was named as a Second Team All-American behind Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and USC’s Makai Lemon, who won the Biletnikoff award. With this accomplishment, Bell became just the fourth player in UConn FBS history to notch All-American status, and the first wide receiver to do so. This season, Bell set program records in receptions, yards and touchdowns, and is among the program’s all time leaders in most categories despite only playing two seasons.

However, how did this come to be? How did a secondary option at Wisconsin two years ago turn into one of the best receivers in the country?

Skyler Bell: The Journey Before UConn

Skyler Bell was a very productive offensive asset at Taft High School, but he wasn’t a highly touted recruited. Though he received many P5 offers, Bell was just a three-star recruit, and ranked as the 124th-best wide receiver in the 2021 class, per 247Sports. In the end, Bell ended up choosing the Wisconsin Badgers, where he spent his first three collegiate seasons.

With the Badgers, Bell wasn’t anything spectacular, but played in a more reserved role. Across three seasons, he had 69 catches for 755 yards and six touchdowns, but he was never able to carve out a considerable offensive role.

So, ahead of his redshirt junior season, Bell decided to transfer to Connecticut alongside quarterback Nick Evers.

First Season at UConn

When Skyler Bell came to UConn, fans eagerly anticipated how the team would implement him into their offense. After two seasons under head coach Jim Mora, the Huskies were still looking for a spark, and Bell provided one. He proved his worth as the clear-cut top receiver on the team, finishing with a respectable 50 catches, 860 yards and five touchdowns. However, schools across the country saw even greater potential in Bell.

With Nick Evers, a rushing QB, Bell’s production was minimal. But with Joe Fagnano, the backup who later replaced Evers in the final weeks, Bell exploded.

“Joe’s crazy … He’s a dog,” Bell told The League Winners earlier this season. “He puts the ball where it needs to be, he’s gonna give me a chance, and I love that. You can’t ask for a better quarterback to do that.”

Following his best collegiate season, Bell received offers in the transfer portal from various power-conference schools such as Michigan. However, he decided to stay in Connecticut, and the decision paid dividends in 2025.

“It was a tough decision for me,” Bell told The League Winners. “I think I made the right decision not only for football…they believed in me, so I feel like [I’m] returning the favor.”

Asserting dominance in Year 2

Those in the niche circle of UConn football knew Skyler Bell’s potential was immense. Yet, he needed to prove that across the country in high-profile games – and he did just that. His first game with four catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Central Connecticut State was a great omen for his season. Bell’s seven 100+ yard games as well as four games with 10+ catches were the most in the country.

“He’s Skyler Bell,” Fagnano joked when asked how he’s able to get him the ball so frequently. “Guy just gets open. I’m pumped up that they put some recognition on that guy’s name … He’s a heck of a football player, he believes it, he works at it. I’m proud of him [and] proud of the way he played.”

Bell was the focal point of offense in many crucial scenarios. He made plays down the stretch to keep UConn alive on the road at ACC’s Syracuse. He had arguably his most complete game of the season on the road against Boston College, UConn’s first road P4 win since 2012. Bell even finished off his season with eight catches for 125 yards in a shootout win over Florida Atlantic. His playmaking epitomized itself in the biggest moments.

“I put in a lot of work in the offseason, by myself, with Joe,” Bell told The League Winners. “Just seeing it all come to fruition … I try get better everyday and try to make plays on Saturday because I call Saturday’s holidays.”

What’s next for Bell?

Joe Fagnano and Skyler Bell won’t play in the Fenway Bowl against Army, ending Bell’s career with UConn. After playing in the Fenway Bowl last year and deciding to stick around, Bell has his eye on a far greater prize this time around.

Any team in the country would gladly bring him in on a lucrative NIL deal to be their top wideout. Or, he could take his talents to the NFL — Bleacher Report projects that he could land as a Day 2 draft selection.

Either way, Bell looks back on his two years in Connecticut with pride.

“Seeing where this program was before I got here and seeing where it is now after two years,” Bell told The League Winners, and added, “I think we’re doing a great job and trending in the right direction.”

Whether it’s a large role at a P4 school, or the National Football League, Bell has a lot more football ahead of him. And his All-American status notches him in history.

“It’s a pretty darn good feeling when you have Skyler,” said former UConn head coach Jim Mora following a win over Duke. “You feel like you always have a chance.”