After sensational 2025 seasons, wide receiver Skyler Bell and quarterback Joe Fagnano were among 319 prospects to be invited.
Two of the best to ever wear a UConn football uniform are one step closer to a shot at the NFL.
Wide receiver Skyler Bell and quarterback Joe Fagnano are among 319 draft prospects to receive an invitation to attend the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, scheduled for Feb. 23 through March 2.
The NFL released the full list of players on Wednesday.
The combine brings together the top draft-eligible college players and allows NFL scouts and other personnel to evaluate them based on “physical criteria” as well as medical and mental factors, according to the NFL.
A great showing at the combine can raise a prospect’s standing on the draft boards of NFL teams.
The Skyler Bell file
Bell, 23, accomplished more in that UConn uniform than anyone ever could have envisioned when he transferred from Wisconsin before the 2024 season.
The Bronx native capped off a spectacular 2025 campaign by being named a consensus All-American in December. That was a first in UConn football history.
To hold the title of consensus All-American, a player must be selected to the first team by a minimum of three organizations that name All-America lists.
In Bell’s case, he received first-team honors from The Associated Press, the AFCA and The Sporting News. The Walter Camp Football Foundation recognized him on the second team.
He also was a finalist for the 2025 Biletnikoff Award after setting UConn records for receptions (101) and touchdowns (13). He ranked second among FBS receivers in receiving yards (1,278) and TDs. He topped the nation with seven 100-yard games.
Bell’s career average of 82.2 yards per game over his career ranks first in the UConn record book.
The Joe Fagnano file
Fagnano, 25, spent seven seasons in college (2019-25), taking full advantage of redshirt years and COVID exemptions. He played four years at Maine and then three years at UConn, starting at quarterback in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, he completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,448 yards. He had 28 touchdowns against just one interception and a passer rating of 161.0.
His one interception led the nation. His yards-per-game average of 287.33 ranked fifth, his completion percentage stood 13th and his passing yardage was good for 17th.
With Fagnano at quarterback, the Huskies finished the regular season with a 9-3 record and a bid to the Fenway Bowl. UConn lost the bowl game to Army, with Fagnano opting out and Bell playing on a very limited basis.
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