The UConn Huskies made their weekend even better with another transfer portal commitment. Jason Candle and Co. have added a talented defensive piece to the roster, which lost most of its key pieces following Jim Mora’s departure to Michigan State.
Freshman cornerback CJ Bell has committed to UConn from the transfer portal on Sunday morning, January 18, 2026. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound corner back announced his commitment via X.
“#Committed it’ll all make sense soon,” Bell wrote.
#Committed it’ll all make sense soon. @CoachCandle @Coach_Chance @nxterasports pic.twitter.com/UVX8gqwlpG
— Charles “CJ” Bell (@CjBell_24) January 18, 2026
The Iowa freshman, originally a three-to-four star recruit from St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Connecticut, brings Big Ten-caliber athleticism and elite length to a cornerback room requiring immediate depth.
CJ Bell’s Career
Charles “CJ” Bell completed his high school career at St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Connecticut. The 6-foot-1 cornerback was originally from Mansfield, Massachusetts, and attended Mansfield High School before transferring to the prep powerhouse St. Thomas More.
He received offers from Notre Dame, Penn State, Wisconsin, Rutgers, Boston College, Minnesota, North Carolina State, Maryland, and Tennessee, but ultimately committed to Iowa in June 2024. Bell redshirted the 2025 season and appeared in just one game against Indiana. He was the third Iowa defensive back to enter the transfer portal.
CJ Bell’s Fit at UConn
Bell’s combination of size, athleticism, and length makes him the cornerback that elite programs like to land in secondary recruitment. His playing style would be a perfect fit for Candle’s defensive philosophy.
CJ Bell joins a growing contingent of secondary additions. The cornerback room now features Bell alongside Braedyn Moore (Toledo, Jayden Price (Toledo), among others.
UConn’s Top Transfer Portal Commitments
UConn has added over 40 commitments in the transfer portal.
Quarterback: Kalieb Osborne (Toledo), Jake Merklinger (Tennessee), Bo Polston (Toledo)
Running Back: Cyncir Bowers (West Virginia), Trey Cornist (Central Michigan), Kenji Christian (Toledo)
Wide Receiver: Kamren Flowers (Toledo), Zy’Marion Lang (Toledo), Jediyah Willoughby (Toledo), Ky Wilson (Slippery Rock), Cam Abshire (Emery & Henry), Logan Barnes (Toledo)
Tight End: Alex Godavitarne (Wheeling), Jackson Mangham (High School)
Offensive Tackle: Nathan Pahanich (Wake Forest), Raphael Greene-Nyarko (Toledo), Isiah Switzer (Toledo)
Offensive Guard/Center: Dominic Rivera (Toledo), Fred Johnson (Louisville), Ben Mulholland (Houston Christian)
Defensive End: Mateo Kipke (High School), Esean Carter (Toledo), Tahjae Mullix (Oregon State)
Defensive Tackle: Melvin Hills III (Texas), Desmond Aladuge (Duke), Makijah Latiker (Toledo)
Linebacker: Rickey Williams (Toledo), Rodarion Tellez (Toledo), Zakaih Saez (Oregon State), John Lista (Penn)
Cornerback: CJ Bell (Iowa), Braedyn Moore (Toledo)
Safety: Jayden Price (Toledo), Tyrique Harris (Toledo)
Athlete/Versatile: Shmar Akande (High School)
