Jason Candle has rebuilt a strong roster for the UConn Huskies’ 2026 class in the transfer portal. The program had lost a lot of its firepower after Jim Mora’s departure to Colorado State. Now, the Huskies’ new HC has kick-started his pursuit of talent for the upcoming classes.
The Huskies extended a scholarship offer to Grady Holmes, a dominant 6’8″ offensive tackle from Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, on January 31, 2026. The player shared the news via X.
“#AGTG After an amazing conversation with @CoachMorookian and @CoachCandle I’m blessed to receive an offer from @UConnFootball,” Holmes wrote.
Holmes allowed 0 sacks in his junior season. He is a 3-star recruit ranked among the top 100 offensive tackles in the 2027 class and is the No.7 offensive tackle in Massachusetts according to 247Sports. He has earned offers from Pitt, Purdue, West Virginia, East Carolina, Virginia, Central Michigan, and now UConn.
He has the ideal physical frame at 6’8″ and 300 pounds with a naturally wide base. His size, athleticism, and technical proficiency have made him one of New England’s most coveted prospects. He consistently dominates opposing high school defensive linemen, moving the line of scrimmage with power while showcasing the agility and footwork necessary for modern college football.
His strengths lie in pass protection and getting to the second level in run blocking. He has impressive fluidity for his size, moving well laterally and showing impressive knee bend and pad-level positioning. He rarely finds himself on the ground. He completes his blocks rather than simply engaging defenders.
With multiple offensive linemen added via the transfer portal, including Louisville’s Fred Johnson, Virginia Tech’s Hannes Hammer, Marshall’s Christian Richter, and Houston Christian’s Ben Mulholland, the Huskies are building a formidable front five. Candle is eyeing a similar talent for UConn’s 2027 class.
UConn’s Class of 2026
UConn football is quietly building something great. Candle has orchestrated one of the most aggressive transfer portal classes in program history, bringing in 65 transfers, a historic high. Twenty-one of those transfers hail from Power Four programs, including quarterback Jake Merklinger (Tennessee), linebacker John Lista (Penn), and defensive lineman Melvin Hills III (Texas).
Quarterback: Kalieb Osborne (Toledo), Jake Merklinger (Tennessee), Bo Polston (Toledo)
Running Back: Cyncir Bowers (West Virginia), Trey Cornist (Central Michigan), Kenji Christian (Toledo), Jaden Hart (Syracuse)
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), Hannes Hammer (Virginia Tech)
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), Andrew Laurich (Colorado State)
Linebacker: Rickey Williams (Toledo), Rodarion Tellez (Toledo), Zakaih Saez (Oregon State), John Lista (Penn)
Cornerback: CJ Bell (Iowa), Braedyn Moore (Toledo), Zion Paret (Florida Atlantic)
Safety: Jayden Price (Toledo), Tyrique Harris (Toledo), Grant Blascak (Toledo decommit)
Athlete/Versatile: Shmar Akande (High School)
