The UConn Huskies added a key offensive piece to their 2026 class on January 15. The program is going through a rebuild under Jason Candle after losing multiple key players to the transfer portal, graduation, and the NFL Draft following Jim Mora’s departure.
Quarterback Jake Merklinger has committed to UConn from the transfer portal. The 6-foot-3 signal-caller, a former four-star recruit who spent two seasons at Tennessee, announced his commitment on January 15, 2026
“Let’s Go!” Merklinger wrote on X.
Let’s Go! @UConnFootball pic.twitter.com/5nQ4aziEed
— Jake Merklinger (@JakeMerklinger) January 15, 2026
He joins the Huskies as a redshirt sophomore with SEC experience and immediate eligibility. Merklinger arrives at UConn seeking regular playing time after limited opportunities in Knoxville.
Jake Merklinger’s Career
Jake Merklinger completed one of the most impressive high school careers in recent Georgia memory at Calvary Day School in Savannah. He was a four-year starter for the Cavaliers, leading the program to a 42-10 record across his tenure and accumulating a staggering 145 total touchdowns (113 passing, 32 rushing) in his prep career.
He posted 10-3, 11-2, and 13-1 records in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, respectively. The Savannah native led Calvary Day to three consecutive region championships during his final three seasons (2021, 2022, 2023).
Merklinger committed to Tennessee on March 30, 2023, choosing the Volunteers over 27 other Division I offers, including eight from SEC programs. Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, and multiple other prestigious programs competed to land him on their roster.
As Tennessee’s backup quarterback behind starter Joey Aguilar in 2025, Merklinger appeared in four games but was limited to spot duty. He recorded just 19 completions on 33 pass attempts for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions across two seasons. He rushed 11 times for 38 yards.
UConn’s quarterback room underwent significant changes following the coaching change. The Huskies needed to address depth at the position with the departure of Jim Mora and his offensive system. Merklinger joins Bo Polston, Kalieb Osborne, and Tucker McDonald at UConn.
UConn’s Top Transfer Portal Commitments
Since the opening of the transfer portal window on January 2, the Huskies have secured approximately 30+ commitments. Quarterback Kalieb Osborne (Toledo) emerges as the starting quarterback option alongside true freshman Bo Polston. Osborne accumulated 32 completions on 52 pass attempts for 427 yards and three touchdowns.
Running back Kenji Christian (Toledo) is the most experienced running back on the roster after two redshirt seasons at Virginia Tech and stints at North Carolina A&T. The sixth-year senior recorded 105 carries for 528 yards with four touchdowns and 17 receptions for 193 yards and a touchdown in 2025.
The receiving corps includes Zy’Marion Lang (Toledo), Jediyah Willoughby (Toledo), and Kamren Flowers (Toledo).
Raphael Greene-Nyarko (6-6, 340), Isiah Switzer (6-6, 285), Dominic Rivera (Toledo), Fred Johnson (Louisville), and Nathan Pahanich (Wake Forest) provide multiple options and proven experience at the tackle position.
Esean Carter (Toledo, veteran All-MAC performer), Melvin Hills III (Texas), Desmond Aladuge (Duke), Makijah Latiker (Toledo), Mateo Kipke (high school), Tahjae Mullix (Oregon State), and others address the complete defensive line depletion.
Rickey Williams (Toledo), John Lista (Penn), Rodarion Tellez (Toledo), and Zakaih Saez (Oregon State) join the linebacker corps.