There are still five months until the 2026 version of the University of Connecticut football team takes the field under new head coach Jason Candle, but the Huskies are continuing to look beyond 2026 as Candle works to keep building the program.

On that front, UConn got some good news on Sunday as Florida-based safety Alan Blackshere confirmed that UConn was in his final six, alongside a traditional power like Oklahoma, a new power like Oregon and major conference schools like Missouri and West Virginia. South Florida is also in the mix.

Blackshere confirmed the news himself on his "X" account.

A current junior at Miami Carol City in Miami, Fla., the safety will graduate high school in 2027, meaning he could be on campus for the 2027 Connecticut season.

As noted by On3, he's a three-star according to Rivals, 247 Sports and ESPN's recruiting services. 

On3 indicates he also has an offer from Texas A&M, but they are not in his final six.

From an On3 writeup in Feb. of 2026:

Alan Blackshere showed why he is one of the hottest prospects in South Florida at Rivals Camp Miami on Sunday. The rangy defender looked to be among the tallest defensive backs on hand and more than held his own in man coverage against shifty wide receiver prospects – something we don’t always see from safety prospects. Blackshere broke on a comeback route during 1-on-1’s for an interception and showed impressive downfield cover ability running stride-for-stride with a receiver on a vertical route.

First off, playing time opportunities. It's not to say that Blackshere can't crack the rotation at those other schools, but UConn seems to be in better position to offer immediate playing time to incoming players.

If Blackshere doesn't want to redshirt - or doesn't want to sit as a freshman - those opportunities seem better with the Huskies. Not a guarantee, but better.

The NIL money is better at those schools, as is the reputation of producing NFL players. If money and pro football are goals of Blackshere's, those two things are likely more fruitful in some of his other top six schools.

However, it should be noted: If Blackshere wants that NIL money and those chances, he needs to be on the field and perform. Again, UConn offers that ability, likely, better than anyone else.

One of the best ways to impress Blackshere, or any other recruit, is to play well on the field. The Huskies finished 9-4 a season ago and will play a challenging schedule this season that includes multiple power conference teams - and a team that played in the 2026 College Football Playoff.

Read more on the schedule here.

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