The UConn Huskies have bolstered their 2026 recruiting class with a major addition in the trenches. Owen Winder, a standout offensive lineman from Dexter High School in Michigan, has officially signed with Jason Candle and Co. The program made the announcement on February 4 via X.
“⚠️ Storm Advisory: @owen_winder00 has touched down in Storrs! #NSD26”
Winder committed to the Huskies on January 26. A three-star recruit at Dexter High School, he earned second-team all-state honors in Michigan after a dominant senior season. He was a primary anchor for an offense that set a school record with 613 points and led Dexter to its first-ever Division 2 state championship appearance.
Winder originally committed to the Iowa State Cyclones in June 2025 and signed during the early period in December. However, after Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell departed for Penn State, Winder requested and was granted a release from his National Letter of Intent. He had offers from Duke, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, and West Virginia, but he ultimately chose the Huskies.
The 6-foot-8, 310-pound lineman brings elite size and length to the UConn offensive line. He is a versatile tackle and is likely to be a cornerstone for the Huskies.
Under the leadership of new head coach Jason Candle, the program has undergone a massive overhaul, adding nearly 70 new players to the roster for the upcoming cycles.
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)
