The UConn Huskies continue to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. The program has added over 40 players in the transfer portal since Jason Candle’s arrival. They landed a productive piece to the unit on Sunday.
Defensive tackle Andrew Laurich committed to UConn from the transfer portal on January 18, 2026. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound interior lineman from Colorado State announced his commitment via social media.
“Let’s get to work! @UConnFootball,” Laurich wrote.
Let’s get to work! @UConnFootball pic.twitter.com/6d1swBeXxw
— Andrew Laurich (@AndrewLaurich) January 18, 2026
He officially entered the portal on January 2 and has two years of eligibility remaining.
Andrew Laurich’s Career
Andrew Laurich played at Yorkville High School in Yorkville, Illinois. During his senior year in 2022, he accumulated 50 total tackles, 29.0 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and 17 quarterback hurries.
The defensive lineman recorded 23 solo tackles and 50 total tackles while earning honors as Yorkville Player of the Game multiple times throughout the season in his junior season.
Nationally, Laurich earned three-star recruit status by 247Sports, ranking as the No. 1764 overall prospect nationally and the No. 185 defensive lineman in the 2023 class. He committed to Colorado State on June 13, 2022.
Laurich’s college career at Colorado State began with a redshirt freshman season in 2023. During the 2024 season, the defensive tackle appeared in limited action. The 2025 season was more productive for Laurich as a redshirt sophomore. He appeared in 13 games for Colorado State’s 2-8 team and recorded 10 solo tackles and 20 assisted tackles for a total of 30 tackles across the season.
What Does Andrew Laurich Bring to UConn?
Laurich’s arrival addresses critical defensive line depth following Mora’s departure. He joins other defensive line transfers Melvin Hills III (Texas), Desmond Aladuge (Duke), and Esean Carter (Toledo). He brings proven college football experience to the Huskies.
Laurich’s interior line specialization pairs well with edge rushers like Mateo Kipke (high school prospect), Tahjae Mullix (Oregon State transfer).
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), 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)
Safety: Jayden Price (Toledo), Tyrique Harris (Toledo)
