UConn Football

After Dominant Start, the Husky Defense Readies for a Tougher Test

Here’s what we’ve learned about the Husky defense and how it matches up against Maryland.
By Aman Kidwai
September 10, 2026
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Photo by Evan Rodriguez

With Week 1 in the books, anxiety has given way to optimism after UConn football pummeled Lafayette to start the season. The offense set a program record for yards in a game, but it wouldn’t have been the third-largest blowout in program history without the defense’s dominance.

Defensive coordinator Ryan Manalac’s side held the Leopards to a paltry 2.9 yards per play.

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Jason Candle Ryan Manalac UConn UConn Huskies UConn vs. Lafayette College UConn vs. Maryland Hayden Pegg Matt Hoffman Ethan Hogg Saxton Suchanic K'Von Sherman Esean Carter
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