The UConn Huskies continue to strengthen the defensive unit as they prepare for the 2026 season. Jason Candle and Co. have done a brilliant job to revive a roster that was depleted after Jim Mora’s departure to Colorado State.
Cornerback Zion Paret committed to the Huskies from the transfer portal on January 21, 2026. The 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back from Florida Atlantic announced his commitment to UConn with three years of remaining eligibility.
“BLESSED 🐺🔵🔴#Commited !! #GoHuskies,” Paret wrote on X.
The cornerback becomes one of the final additions to Candle’s extraordinary transfer portal class.
Zion Paret’s Career
Zion Paret completed his high school career at Miami Central High School in Miami, Florida. He earned three-star recruit status nationally and was ranked as the No. 141 cornerback prospect in the 2025 class.
Paret received offers from multiple FBS programs, including Florida International (FIU), University of South Florida (USF), Oregon, and Nebraska, among others. He committed to Florida Atlantic on June 10, 2024.
Paret’s college career at Florida Atlantic began during the 2025 season as a true freshman. During his first collegiate campaign, Paret appeared in limited action across 11 games, starting six. He logged 15 tackles (eight solo, seven assists), one tackle for loss, and one pass deflection.
He brings speed and coverage skills to UConn. The cornerback room now features the likes of Paret, CJ Bell, and Braedyn Moore.
UConn’s Top Transfer Portal Commitments
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)
Athlete/Versatile: Shmar Akande (High School)
