What do we have returning for '26?

[BonaConn]

I'm just gonna assume literally no player on the 2025 team will return in 2026. That way, it'll be a pleasant little surprise if someone stays.

 

[ZooCougar]

I'm just gonna assume literally no player on the 2025 team will return in 2026. That way, it'll be a pleasant little surprise if someone stays.

It’s just so unappealing too.

 

[Hoophound]

Not when he first took the job, he was very visible and making the rounds everywhere then.

That said, different time different circumstances. Program was in a state that it needed more outreach, and the portal wasn’t as big of a deal quite yet.

Right now the only priority should be the roster and coaching staff. Once that’s complete I do hope he starts being more visible

I think Mora was doing more of that in the Spring, not Christmas.

 

[Milo65]

I know this happens when coaches leave but damn does this feel demoralizing for next season

We don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. It’s clear that coach Candle wants his guys on the coaching staff. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s having similar conversations with some of the players.

 

[RSTuthill]

Right now the only priority should be the roster and coaching staff. Once that’s complete I do hope he starts being more visible

And getting the family settled.

 

[Bandito2025]

I guess this is turning into an annual occurrence. Hopefully once he gets things going Candle's often alluded to loyalty will keep more of the guys he develops than previous coaches.

With the NIL it’s making players want to test the waters to see how much they can make. It will be a yearly occurrence for all the teams unfortunately.

 

[ZooCougar]

I think Mora was doing more of that in the Spring, not Christmas.

Mora was basically in the witness protection program during the off-season. I often wondered if he was even at Spring Practice.

 

[jmsjoejms]

Using UConn Football Roster - 2025 | Storrs Central as the basis for the roster and counting Transfers, Graduate, Senior (RS) and Seniors as out I get 59 out 59 staying (details below)

 

[zmart]

Unfortunately, of those 59, 25 are Walk-Ons.

 

[ArtTheFan]

Unfortunately, of those 59, 25 are Walk-Ons.

So what? I doubt walk-ons are bad. Maybe it is time to show the new coaching staff that they should get a scholarship...

Or maybe they get a scholarship in a non athletic area.

 

[zmart]

Really!!

 

[Tdaley]

It is fair to say that our roster has been gutted by Mora leaving and the new world the Portal. Candle has a big rebuild in front of him. The next few weeks will be interesting!

 

[Purple Stein]

I wish Candle would step up and be more visible. I’d don’t like this incognito mode. One thing I’ll give Mora is he hit the ground running in terms of PR and sold us hard. The job is mighty complex these days and being out in front engaging stakeholders is one of the keys to garnering support which, in turn, helps enable success. Not digging the silence at all. Just sayin. I’d don’t have time for the patience BS anymore. We’ve been through enough circuses.

You want him standing on top of the ball in Times Square or something?

If there's something to complain about after the portal closes in a couple of weeks, fine. But right now this feels like complaining for the sake of complaining.

 

[ZooCougar]

So what? I doubt walk-ons are bad. Maybe it is time to show the new coaching staff that they should get a scholarship...

Or maybe they get a scholarship in a non athletic area.

Are you for real?

 

[giddyup]

You want him standing on top of the ball in Times Square or something?

If there's something to complain about after the portal closes in a couple of weeks, fine. But right now this feels like complaining for the sake of complaining.

No. It’s just an observation. I’m not sold on Candle or any guy until they start performing. Been through 8 HCs (perm and temp) since Holtz. We also have had the luxury of having some the greatest BB coaches in the history of college basketball. So, you observe a few things along the way. It concerns me greatly when you have an HC not engaging the core fan base, especially after the turd dropped at Fenway. Not impressed, sorry.