The UConn Huskies made a talented linebacker’s commitment official to start the 2026 national signing day. Jason Candle and Co. have rebuilt a roster depleted by departures following Jim Mora’s departure.
Tyrique Harris, the 6-foot-1, 196-pound outside linebacker from Clearwater Central Catholic High School in Clearwater, Florida, signed with the Huskies on February 4, 2026. The program broke the news on X.
“⚠️ Storm Advisory: @TyriqueHarris39 has touched down in Storrs!” The caption read.
Harris decommitted from Toledo, Candle’s previous program, to join the Huskies’ 2026 recruiting class. He became UConn’s second linebacker commitment in the class on December 12, 2025. The OLB chose the Huskies over Iowa State, Arkansas State, Georgia State, Appalachian State, Wake Forest, FIU, and FAU.
During his sophomore season, Harris recorded 84 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 13.5 tackles for loss. He followed it up with 79 tackles, eight sacks, and six tackles for loss in his junior season. The youngster broke the ceiling in his senior season, racking up 113 tackles, three sacks, and nine tackles for loss. He was named Pinellas County’s No. 1 defensive lineman for two consecutive seasons.
Tyrique Harris (Credits: Tyrique Harris’ X Handle)
Harris slots into a UConn linebacker corps that has been decimated by the post-Mora exits. Oumar Diomande, the team’s leading tackler with 111 tackles and five sacks in 2025, entered the transfer portal immediately after Mora’s announcement.
The linebacker position group had limited depth to begin with. Diomande anchored the unit, and his departure created an immediate need for experienced interior defenders. Harris, a three-star prospect with proven tackling ability and versatility, arrives as a prospect capable of filling Diomande’s void.
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)
