STORRS, Ct. – A lot of the notable UConn football transfer class talent comes from Wisconsin, a dynamic offensive duo that will light things up in Connecticut in this year. But Mora wasn’t done, adding two other players through the portal that should make a difference in 2024.
“It [the transfer class] is going to be huge because he [Jim Mora] has selected people from across the country to come play for Connecticut,” UConn student reporter Ava Inesta said in conversation.
Nick Evers, QB (Wisconsin)
Nick Evers is expected to be the starter for UConn football, and what is there not to say? Evers truly has the potential to be a star.
Evers came into college football as a four-star recruit. Going into his junior season, Evers has yet to play a meaningful snap in college football. He spent his first two years as a backup at Oklahoma and then Wisconsin.
UConn Sports Network announcer Adam Giardino believes that, “in his [Evers] third year of college football, if he can step in and be a starter and be that four-star recruit, that’s huge.”
Evers chose UConn for a bigger opportunity, and he will get that; Evers will come in and probably be the Week 1 starter against Maryland.
His lack of experience may scare Huskies fans. However, in two seasons with Flower Mound High School, Evers threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also added an additional 915 yards and 15 touchdowns. His scrambling and rushing ability is an underrated strength of his.
“I’ve always wanted a guy that can move. It doesn’t mean he’s got to be a running quarterback but if you can’t make things happen with your athleticism, I think it limits you,” Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell said.
Evers and his athleticism will make the 1,000 mile trip to Storrs with an opportunity to really prove his worth.
Aaron Key, LB (Western Kentucky)
On the defensive side of the ball, UConn also made improvements. One of which was bringing Aaron Key to Connecticut, who will team up with Tui Faumuina-Brown at linebacker. Key comes to UConn as a graduate transfer with two years left of college football eligibility.
He didn’t play with the Hilltoppers in his first two seasons. However, he has been productive the last two years. In 2022, Key totaled 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a touchdown on a fumble recovery, earning him Conference USA All-Freshman team honors. Furthermore, he totaled more tackles and recorded his first career interception in 2023.
“The goal for Key will be to play a major role in replacing the production of leading tackler Jackson Mitchell,” Sports Illustrated said in an article about UConn’s most impactful transfers.
Those are big shoes to fill. But Key looks to make that kind of difference in 2024.
Joe Barton, DE (Furman)
Like Key, Joe Barton is expected to be a key player on the defensive side of the ball. He comes from Furman, a D1 but FCS school. Now he makes the jump to FBS to play with Pryce Yates and Jelani Stafford on the defensive line.
With Furman the past two seasons, Barton accumulated 55 tackles, 13 of which for loss, along with seven passes defended and 5.5 sacks. He was awarded 2023 Preseason All-Southern Conference Second-Team honors for his play. Joe Londergan of SI.com writes, “Barton seems to be making the jump to FBS at the right time, especially with UConn’s need to replace Eric Watts on the defensive line.”
Barton will make the jump, and the Huskies are excited to have him.
Skyler Bell, WR (Wisconsin)
Not only does UConn land one of Wisconsin’s QB’s, they also land one of their top pass catchers. Evers and Skyler Bell head over to Storrs. Giardino explained, “It should be exciting that not only is he [Bell] coming in, but that he’s coming in with a quarterback that he probably worked with a little bit in practice.”
And in retrospect, it’s incredible Mora was able to land him in the portal. Bell was fourth on the Badgers in receiving yardage last season and second in receptions as just a sophomore. He also posted close to 450 yards and five touchdowns the season before as a freshman. Bell possesses great quickness and route running, which will allow him to come in as UConn’s top target.
He comes to Connecticut hoping for a larger role. In fact, he caught more than five passes just once in three seasons with Wisconsin. And with UConn’s top two pass catchers from last year gone, he will now get those WR1 opportunities.
“The Huskies lost last year’s leading receiver to the transfer portal, so there’s an opportunity for Bell and the other new pass catchers to step up,” SI.com wrote.
Evers and Bell look to bring a Big 10 mentality to Rentschler Field this coming year.
These four transfers look to make an impact for the Huskies in 2024.
Chase Coburn
Chase Coburn is an aspiring sports reporter and journalist who's already achieved some great things in the industry. At just 13 years old, Chase has already started his own podcast, interviewing celebrities such as ESPN's Adam Schefter, Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike, ESPN's Dan Graziano, and many others. Chase is even experienced in writing for his websites, chasessportsnews.com & chasecoburn.substack.com. He runs his schools broadcast department, and is also a freelance writer for The League Winners, covering Ravens football and UConn football.Chase, who resides in Fairfield, CT, hopes to continue his dream as a broadcaster, and inspire others to CHASE their dreams like he has.