Great news for UConn football.

Skyler Bell, contrary to published reports, said Friday he will play next weekend in the Fenway Bowl.

"I mean, I’ve never said I wasn't playing,” the redshirt senior told reporters.

In fact, Bell sounds as if he never considered not playing when UConn (9-3) meets Army (6-6) on Dec. 27 at Fenway Park in Boston.

“Being with this team and being with these guys the last two years,” he said. “I think the brotherhood thing is super real. Just going out there and finishing things with your brothers, you know?

“I put in so much work with these guys these past two years. I think I’d be remiss to leave here and look back at that last game and say, ‘Why didn’t I suit up with my guys one last time.' Because it's my last time in this uniform.”

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 this spectacular 2025 campaign by being named a consensus All-American on Friday. That is 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 receptions, yards (1,278), TDs, yards per game (106.5) and catches per game (8.42) He topped the nation with seven 100-yard games.

Who will throw to him in the Fenway Bowl is unclear.

Quarterback Joe Fagnano, who also was among the nation’s best at his position this season, confirmed to the Hartford Courant on Wednesday that he is skipping the game and focusing on the NFL draft.

“It was a really hard decision,” said Fagnano, the rare seven-season player. “… After talking with my teammates, my coaches, my family, we all agreed it was best for me. I’ve worked really hard in my long college career and I’m very fortunate to have a chance at a dream of mine, so it just felt like this is what was right. That’s kind of what college football is now.

“It stinks the way it ended. I would have loved to have played in a bowl game.”

Bell said it was the right choice for him to play. With his draft stock high, he didn’t need the game to impress pro scouts.

It was about putting on that No. 1 jersey again.

“Just cherishing this moment one last time, because you know these moments come and go," Bell said. And they go fast.”

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