2026 UConn Football Commit - Jake Merklinger (Savannah, Georgia)

[jostar1]

Benedict in 2024 talking about NIL:

“We’re going to double it next year, at least,” he said. “We’re going to pour gas on it. We’re going to win in football. I’m tired of being disrespected as a brand, nationally, because of football."

 

[Stinger92860]

If he starts, has an excellent year, he could be a one and done, and I’m good with that.

 

[AllHusky]

Biz,
#1 Don't disagree with your point about Merklinger starting. Would have thought that when Evers came in, Fagnano didn't have a chance.
#2 Don't want to entertain thought of Merklinger transferring out anymore than I want to think about Candle leaving.
#3 Big boy programs are able to redshirt "highly touted" frosh. Looks like we are trending that way

 

[Coach J]

This is a program defining recruit for Coach Candle - make no mistake this was a tremendous get for this program. The way the rest of the offense is shaping up with multiple weapons - we will be tough to defend next year. And with the way our Defense is taking shape we won't need to win every game in a shootout - we will be very exciting to watch next year!

 

[businesslawyer]

Biz,
#1 Don't disagree with your point about Merklinger starting. Would have thought that when Evers came in, Fagnano didn't have a chance.
#2 Don't want to entertain thought of Merklinger transferring out anymore than I want to think about Candle leaving.
#3 Big boy programs are able to redshirt "highly touted" frosh. Looks like we are trending that way

Evers was brought in to be our starting QB, period. None of us know whether or not he deserved to start at Maryland in ‘24 based on camp, but start he did. But remember, he got hurt in his first game which gave Fagnano his chance, and then with both of them playing based on Evers health Fagnano just outplayed him. Remember, Evers started the 11th game in ‘24 before getting hurt yet again at UAB.

 

[freescooter]

And Roberson was brought in from Penn State to be the starter. He got hurt too. Then took over the next year and didn’t do much then.

 

[AllHusky]

So at this moment, Merklinger is the odds on favorite to win the starting job in an open competition with Osborne, McDonald, Polston and maybe a walkon. I think we can all agree on that.

 

[The Viking]

Whens the last time we had this much talent in the QB room?

 

[uconnfan68]

So at this moment, Merklinger is the odds on favorite to win the starting job in an open competition with Osborne, McDonald, Polston and maybe a walkon. I think we can all agree on that.

Not a bet I'd take. I thought Osborne looked decent in his bowl game. High ceiling.

 

[businesslawyer]

And Roberson was brought in from Penn State to be the starter. He got hurt too. Then took over the next year and didn’t do much then.

Roberson would have started all year in ‘22 but for the fact that he was lost for the season in the second damn series of the opening game. And none of us know if his entire career wouldn’t have been on a different track if he never blew his knee out.

 

[AllHusky]

Not a bet I'd take. I thought Osborne good decent in his bowl game. High ceiling.

I thought he was the guy when he committed.. Just appears that Merklinger would have the edge on past evals and slightly more extensive experience. Although I think Osborne doing the whole game vs 'Ville might trump all. Going to be a battle royale! Huskies win.

 

[Nameless]

Georgia Tech appeared to be very interested if not main target to be their QB next season... I don't know anything about him, haven't seen video, but the teams who recruited him and were interested in the portal cycle says a lot.

Just wondering, where are you seeing the offers he had in the portal? I've seen people reference offers for multiple players we've signed in the portal, but when I check their recruiting pages I only see offers out of high school

 

[DoctorWho85]

Welcome to the pound dawg.