Where UConn’s 2026 Recruiting Class Stands After Mora’s Departure
LB/EDGE Jayden Jones
A consensus three-star recruit, who would be the 13th rated prospect in school history per 247, Jones was, and still is, a big piece in this recruiting class. An EDGE/LB, Jones chose the Huskies over six other schools; Penn State, Pitt, Syracuse, Buffalo, UMass, and Illinois. After a junior season where he totaled 65 tackles, six sacks, 14 TFLs, two forced fumbles and recoveries, his production took a step back as a senior, with 29 tackles, but eight sacks, to go along with four TFLs and an INT. He will find himself in a position to play early, as the Huskies lose both starting LBs in Bryun Parham and Oumar Diomande, and also losing starting EDGE Donovan Branch.
DE James Tilus
The Winter Haven, FL native chose the Huskies in June over a top five that included the Huskies, alongside Bowling Green, Georgia State, East Carolina, and Wake Forest. He also received offers from Marshall, FAU, Army, Navy, UNLV, Southern Miss, and several FCS programs. He was previously committed to Wake Forest for a brief period. As a junior, he posted 54 tackles, nine sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup. In his senior season, he totaled 48 tackles, 19.5 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and recovered one. Like Jones, his position room will be much emptier, so he should find himself in position to compete for playing time.
OL Max Vivier
An under-the radar recruit, Vivier played well as a senior, earning Washington County (MD) Offensive Lineman of the Year honors, while also being named to the 2nd team All-County Defensive team. Vivier also has offers from Towson, Maine, Temple, Sacred Heart, and Marshall. A bit of a late bloomer coming from Ontario, the next Husky HC will have a lot of potential to work with.
TE Luke Van Auken
Van Auken is an athlete, playing TE, OT, and DE for his Delsea (NJ) squad. Also a basketball player, Van Auken has picked up offers from Monmouth, Fordham, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, New Hampshire, Bryant, Rhode Island, Lehigh, Maine, and Bucknell, as well as a Colorado State offer this week from Mora. As a senior, he caught six passes for 105 yards and a TD, while totaling 35 tackles, 6.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks on defense. At 6’7” 255 and with his athleticism, there’s myriad options for him.
TE Liam Fuller
Fuller chose the Huskies over offers from Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Navy, and San Diego State, in addition to many FCS offers. Fuller plays for PA power Bishop McDevitt in Harrisburg. His season is continuing, as his squad will be playing for the state championship on Friday night. He’s caught six passes for 83 yards this season. At 6’6” 225, he has room to grow, and will provide a big target for whichever QB is throwing his way. He also plays basketball for McDevitt, he averaged 5.7 ppg, and 4.6 rpg as a junior.
