UConn Football Class of 2026 > Early Signing Day Thread/Info (12/3/25>12/6/25)

[businesslawyer]

If we flipped a commitment clearly something is going on behind the scenes with the staff. I don't see a kid committing here if he doesn't know if any of the coaches will be around. It's got me wondering...

Are we closer to a hire than many of us realize despite the silence? I could see this as a sign we are about to hire someone just hashing out the final details, and certain staff members know they will be retained. I could also see this as a sign Sammis may actually get promoted. Could also be something else entirely. Idk but it's fun to speculate, especially with the lack of rumors floating around the internet.

Whatever the case may be, I'm thrilled by all of the signings today.

Have you ever met an 18 year old kid in the social media age? You really think a group of kids could be told something truly secret and the world wouldn’t know in 10 minutes? They may think they know something because their recruiting coach told them something to seal the deal, like a good salesman, but they don’t know anything that is actually true that you don’t.

 

[Nameless]

Have you ever met an 18 year old kid in the social media age? You really think a group of kids could be told something truly secret and the world wouldn’t know in 10 minutes? They may think they know something because their recruiting coach told them something to seal the deal, like a good salesman, but they don’t know anything that is actually true that you don’t.

No, I meant it seems at least someone on the staff expects to be around if we are keeping recruits of this caliber. I then speculated as to whether or not that means certain assistants know they will be retained because they know who the head coach will be, if it means we are likely to keep Sammis, something else or nothing at all. As I said, it's fun to speculate when faced with a lack of information.

I wasn't saying I think we are telling them who the expected HC is. Just that they apparently know at least certain assistants will be there. I know kids can't keep secrets but didn't think there were any secrets for them to keep. For instance Hilliard sticking around wouldn't be newsworthy to most of social media outside of our UConn bubble.

 

[Bongo Fury]

Have you ever met an 18 year old kid in the social media age? You really think a group of kids could be told something truly secret and the world wouldn’t know in 10 minutes? They may think they know something because their recruiting coach told them something to seal the deal, like a good salesman, but they don’t know anything that is actually true that you don’t.

Or maybe it’s with Fran Brown. Another bad season he’s gone. Bad karma after the UConn game

 

[Kolumbo]

No, I meant it seems at least someone on the staff expects to be around if we are keeping recruits of this caliber. I then speculated as to whether or not that means certain assistants know they will be retained because they know who the head coach will be, if it means we are likely to keep Sammis, something else or nothing at all. As I said, it's fun to speculate when faced with a lack of information.

I wasn't saying I think we are telling them who the expected HC is. Just that they apparently know at least certain assistants will be there. I know kids can't keep secrets but didn't think there were any secrets for them to keep. For instance Hilliard sticking around wouldn't be newsworthy to most of social media outside of our UConn bubble.

I knew what you meant because you outright wrote it: "certain staff members know they will be retained." If a kid is already committed then it makes more sense. Some kids want the security or they really want to play for UConn. But to flip a kid like Zikk (pronounced "Zeke?") and have him commit, then it seems like he must know something. Zikk surely had options and chose UConn.

It's been awfully quiet. I can't help but feel they have a guy but just can't announce it yet. As someone said, maybe the coach is in FCS playoffs or has a bowl game to play.

 

[CTpessimist]

I knew what you meant because you outright wrote it: "certain staff members know they will be retained." If a kid is already committed then it makes more sense. Some kids want the security or they really want to play for UConn. But to flip a kid like Zikk (pronounced "Zeke?") and have him commit, then it seems like he must know something. Zikk surely had options and chose UConn.

It's been awfully quiet. I can't help but feel they have a guy but just can't announce it yet. As someone said, maybe the coach is in FCS playoffs or has a bowl game to play.

Don’t we need to see a state job board posting if it’s an external hire?

 

[Kolumbo]

Don’t we need to see a state job board posting if it’s an external hire?

There's been debate about the veracity of that requirement. It may be policy, I don't know, but it makes no sense for a coaching position, especially a head coach. It's not like some random guy is going to apply and be more qualified than all the coaches David Benedict knows about in the football ranks.

 

[huskymedic]

Where UConn stands approaching the end of Day 1:

2026 UConn Commit Only List:

1. Jayden Jones (LB/DL) - Millville High School, Millville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/9/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
2. Max Viver (OL/DL) - St James School, Hagerstown Maryland (UConn Commit 6/12/25)
3. James Tilus (LB/DL) - Auburndale High School, Auburndale Florida (UConn Commit 6/23/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
4. Jack O’ Connor (K/P) - York Community High School, Elmhurst Illinois. (UConn Commit 11/20/25)
5. Elijah Whitaker (DB) - Spaulding High School, Griffin, Georgia (UConn Commit 2/28/25 > Reclassed to 2026 > UConn Commit 12/3/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
6. Zikhere Leaks (DB/WR) - Susquehanna Township High School, Harrisburg PA (Syracuse Commit > Decommit 11/24/25 > UConn Commit/Signed 12/3/25)

 

[Khal Drogo]

Where UConn stands approaching the end of Day 1:

2026 UConn Commit Only List:

1. Jayden Jones (LB/DL) - Millville High School, Millville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/9/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
2. Max Viver (OL/DL) - St James School, Hagerstown Maryland (UConn Commit 6/12/25)
3. James Tilus (LB/DL) - Auburndale High School, Auburndale Florida (UConn Commit 6/23/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
4. Jack O’ Connor (K/P) - York Community High School, Elmhurst Illinois. (UConn Commit 11/20/25)
5. Elijah Whitaker (DB) - Spaulding High School, Griffin, Georgia (UConn Commit 2/28/25 > Reclassed to 2026 > UConn Commit 12/3/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
6. Zikhere Leaks (DB/WR) - Susquehanna Township High School, Harrisburg PA (Syracuse Commit > Decommit 11/24/25 > UConn Commit/Signed 12/3/25)

Good I just bought my season tickets

 

[mikedog10]

Most of these guys are on the defensive side of the ball. I’m not sure if that really means anything or not

 

[huskyblooz]

Most of these guys are on the defensive side of the ball. I’m not sure if that really means anything or not

they think they can see the field sooner than later.

 

[huskymedic]

Where UConn stands approaching the end of Day 1:

2026 UConn Commit Only List:

1. Jayden Jones (LB/DL) - Millville High School, Millville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/9/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
2. James Tilus (LB/DL) - Auburndale High School, Auburndale Florida (UConn Commit 6/23/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
3. Jack O’ Connor (K/P) - York Community High School, Elmhurst Illinois. (UConn Commit 11/20/25)
4. Elijah Whitaker (DB) - Spaulding High School, Griffin, Georgia (UConn Commit 2/28/25 > Reclassed to 2026 > UConn Commit 12/3/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
5. Zikhere Leaks (DB/WR) - Susquehanna Township High School, Harrisburg PA (Syracuse Commit > Decommit 11/24/25 > UConn Commit/Signed 12/3/25)

Updated (OL Vivier decommitted tonight)

 

[UConnDan97]

Where UConn stands approaching the end of Day 1:

2026 UConn Commit Only List:

1. Jayden Jones (LB/DL) - Millville High School, Millville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/9/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
2. James Tilus (LB/DL) - Auburndale High School, Auburndale Florida (UConn Commit 6/23/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
3. Jack O’ Connor (K/P) - York Community High School, Elmhurst Illinois. (UConn Commit 11/20/25)
4. Elijah Whitaker (DB) - Spaulding High School, Griffin, Georgia (UConn Commit 2/28/25 > Reclassed to 2026 > UConn Commit 12/3/25 > Signed 12/3/25)
5. Zikhere Leaks (DB/WR) - Susquehanna Township High School, Harrisburg PA (Syracuse Commit > Decommit 11/24/25 > UConn Commit/Signed 12/3/25)

These are 5 names that I'm gonna root my tail off for!!! Let's go dogs!!!

 

[WestCoastHusky]

Updated (OL Vivier decommitted tonight)

So far, Mora took 2 of our commits that I know of.

 

[huskymedic]

So far, Mora took 2 of our commits that I know of.

4 UConn commits officially flipped to Colorado State so far:

1. Xavier Wimbush (DB) - Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn Virginia (UConn Commit 7/4/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/2/25)
2. Kallen Martinez (DB) - Armwood High School, Seffner Florida (UConn Commit 6/24/25 > Decommitted 11/26/25 > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
3. Luke Van Auken (TE/DL) - Delsea High School, Franklinville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/18/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
4. Max Viver (OL/DL) - St James School, Hagerstown Maryland (UConn Commit 6/12/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)

 

[TheDrifter75]

4 UConn commits officially flipped to Colorado State so far:

1. Xavier Wimbush (DB) - Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn Virginia (UConn Commit 7/4/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/2/25)
2. Kallen Martinez (DB) - Armwood High School, Seffner Florida (UConn Commit 6/24/25 > Decommitted 11/26/25 > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
3. Luke Van Auken (TE/DL) - Delsea High School, Franklinville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/18/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
4. Max Viver (OL/DL) - St James School, Hagerstown Maryland (UConn Commit 6/12/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)

✌️

 

[giddyup]

4 UConn commits officially flipped to Colorado State so far:

1. Xavier Wimbush (DB) - Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn Virginia (UConn Commit 7/4/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/2/25)
2. Kallen Martinez (DB) - Armwood High School, Seffner Florida (UConn Commit 6/24/25 > Decommitted 11/26/25 > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
3. Luke Van Auken (TE/DL) - Delsea High School, Franklinville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/18/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
4. Max Viver (OL/DL) - St James School, Hagerstown Maryland (UConn Commit 6/12/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)

Their dream school no doubt…

 

[zmart]

On the Syracuse board they state that Leaks said, after a conversation with Fran Brown he decided to renounce his commitment. Sounds like he may have had his scholarship offer pulled.

 

[UConnJim]

Their dream school no doubt…

Kind of odd. The four probably never visited CSU, don't know who their position coach is yet, and they will never play a game east of the Mississippi River. Good luck to them.

 

[KryHavok]

Their dream school no doubt…

Well is that really a fair statement? I'm sure there must be redeeming qualities, let's compare the 2 schools:

Hmmm, guess you're right, it must have been the allure of the greener uniforms ^_^. Either that or the altitude at CSU isn't the only thing that's high.

 

[Gburyhusky]

While it's disappointing to see the decommitments, I think you have to look at it from the perspective of the high school athlete and their family. Remember there are no rules in place compelling UConn to honor the scholarship/roster commitments which were made to the recruit. In the ideal world you would think that they are committed to the university as a whole and not just a coaching staff; however the current system is far from ideal. Can you really blame them for wanting the certainty of getting their scholarship locked in and getting finished with the recruiting phase of their lives?

 

[huskymedic]

4 UConn commits officially flipped to Colorado State so far:

1. Xavier Wimbush (DB) - Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn Virginia (UConn Commit 7/4/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/2/25)
2. Kallen Martinez (DB) - Armwood High School, Seffner Florida (UConn Commit 6/24/25 > Decommitted 11/26/25 > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
3. Luke Van Auken (TE/DL) - Delsea High School, Franklinville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/18/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
4. Max Viver (OL/DL) - St James School, Hagerstown Maryland (UConn Commit 6/12/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)

Make it 5

1. Xavier Wimbush (DB) - Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn Virginia (UConn Commit 7/4/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/2/25)
2. Kallen Martinez (DB) - Armwood High School, Seffner Florida (UConn Commit 6/24/25 > Decommitted 11/26/25 > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
3. Luke Van Auken (TE/DL) - Delsea High School, Franklinville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/18/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
4. Max Viver (OL/DL) - St James School, Hagerstown Maryland (UConn Commit 6/12/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
5. Carter Emanuel (QB) - Edgewater High School, Orlando Florida (UConn Commit 6/2/25 > Decommitted 11/30/25 < Colorado State Commit 12/4/25)

 

[jmsjoejms]

Make it 5

1. Xavier Wimbush (DB) - Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn Virginia (UConn Commit 7/4/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/2/25)
2. Kallen Martinez (DB) - Armwood High School, Seffner Florida (UConn Commit 6/24/25 > Decommitted 11/26/25 > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
3. Luke Van Auken (TE/DL) - Delsea High School, Franklinville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/18/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
4. Max Viver (OL/DL) - St James School, Hagerstown Maryland (UConn Commit 6/12/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
5. Carter Emanuel (QB) - Edgewater High School, Orlando Florida (UConn Commit 6/2/25 > Decommitted 11/30/25 < Colorado State Commit 12/4/25)

I was more in the camp of appreciating Mora for all he did here and getting us out of the bad years and wishing him well. This just seems so wrong.

 

[UConnJim]

While it's disappointing to see the decommitments, I think you have to look at it from the perspective of the high school athlete and their family. Remember there are no rules in place compelling UConn to honor the scholarship/roster commitments which were made to the recruit. In the ideal world you would think that they are committed to the university as a whole and not just a coaching staff; however the current system is far from ideal. Can you really blame them for wanting the certainty of getting their scholarship locked in and getting finished with the recruiting phase of their lives?

I agree with you. Unfortunately for the families, these kids are committing to a school they probably haven't visited and they will only play one game east of the Mississippi River in their career at CSU. There is a reason the primary recruiting areas for CSU are California and Texas.

 

[huskymedic]

While it's disappointing to see the decommitments, I think you have to look at it from the perspective of the high school athlete and their family. Remember there are no rules in place compelling UConn to honor the scholarship/roster commitments which were made to the recruit. In the ideal world you would think that they are committed to the university as a whole and not just a coaching staff; however the current system is far from ideal. Can you really blame them for wanting the certainty of getting their scholarship locked in and getting finished with the recruiting phase of their lives?

I posted this in the 2026 Recruiting Thread so as not to spin this thread off the rails but I’ll drop it here as well.

Perspective:

 

[AllHusky]

Yesterdays news tomorrow

 

[Kolumbo]

4 UConn commits officially flipped to Colorado State so far:

1. Xavier Wimbush (DB) - Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn Virginia (UConn Commit 7/4/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/2/25)
2. Kallen Martinez (DB) - Armwood High School, Seffner Florida (UConn Commit 6/24/25 > Decommitted 11/26/25 > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
3. Luke Van Auken (TE/DL) - Delsea High School, Franklinville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/18/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
4. Max Viver (OL/DL) - St James School, Hagerstown Maryland (UConn Commit 6/12/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)

we have in our midst a saboteur

 

[uconnric]

we have in our midst a saboteur

What were you expecting?

 

[huskymedic]

Previously reported to be headed to FIU…. Good news:



Cason Dash is a 6-1 180lb WR/DB from
Lake Gibson High School, Lakeland Florida. Other offers from AppState, EKU, FAU, FIU, Marshall, Southern Miss, UMass and USF

 

[coachcap]

The grass isn't always greener... Welcome Cason!

 

[gioff2323]

4 UConn commits officially flipped to Colorado State so far:

1. Xavier Wimbush (DB) - Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn Virginia (UConn Commit 7/4/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/2/25)
2. Kallen Martinez (DB) - Armwood High School, Seffner Florida (UConn Commit 6/24/25 > Decommitted 11/26/25 > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
3. Luke Van Auken (TE/DL) - Delsea High School, Franklinville New Jersey (UConn Commit 6/18/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)
4. Max Viver (OL/DL) - St James School, Hagerstown Maryland (UConn Commit 6/12/25 > Decommitted > Colorado State Commit 12/3/25)

You’ve got Max on both lists - committed and decommitted?