UConn Football Showcases New Faces in Spring Game

Fans get first look at Huskies under new head coach Jason Candle

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:37pm

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UConn football held its annual Spring Game on Saturday, giving fans a glimpse of the team's new-look roster and coaching staff under first-year head coach Jason Candle. While the day was more of a dress rehearsal than a competitive scrimmage, it provided an early opportunity to see some of the program's key additions, including Tennessee transfer quarterback Jake Merklinger and running back Trey Cornist from Central Michigan.

Why it matters

With around 70 new players and an almost entirely new coaching staff, UConn's football program is in a major transition phase. The Spring Game allowed Candle to evaluate his team's progress and get the community engaged as the Huskies look to rebound from a difficult 2025 season.

The details

The Spring Game featured limited contact and constant rotation of the offensive and defensive units as Candle continues to evaluate his roster. Merklinger, the favorite to win the starting QB job, took part in early drills but did not play the full scrimmage. Instead, Tucker McDonald, Kalieb Osborne and Tyler Smith rotated at quarterback. Candle said he wants to see the leadership and 'football IQ' of his QBs develop further before naming a starter. Running back Trey Cornist, a transfer from Central Michigan, stood out with his size and versatility, while receiver Ryder Treadway, another Toledo transfer, made several impressive catches. On defense, linebacker John Lista made plays in the backfield and intercepted a pass.

  • The Spring Game took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • UConn's spring practices began on March 3, 2026.

The players

Jason Candle

UConn's new head football coach, just four months into the job.

Jake Merklinger

Tennessee transfer quarterback who is the favorite to win the starting job.

Trey Cornist

Transfer running back from Central Michigan who stood out with his size and versatility.

Ryder Treadway

Toledo transfer receiver who made several impressive catches during the Spring Game.

John Lista

Redshirt senior linebacker from Penn who made plays in the backfield and intercepted a pass.

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What they’re saying

“That was one of 15 (spring practices). That's a small snapshot of what 15 practices were. I think that we've improved steadily from the beginning of spring ball (March 3), but I'm not naive enough to think that we're a finished product here.”

— Jason Candle, Head Coach

“Trey's a big-bodied back that does a great job in pass protection, catches it pretty well out of the backfield for his size. Look, I'm not here to coach guys on what to do after they get the ball in their hands when they go run with it, so he's good at that too. He could be a three-down back.”

— Jason Candle, Head Coach

“He's been great. He's a veteran player that's played a lot of football, highly intelligent guy, throwback type of player. Not afraid to put his face on you and get in the fight. You have to have guys on defense that have an edge and that are willing to do that. He's gonna be a major part of what we've got moving forward.”

— Jason Candle, Head Coach

What’s next

Candle said the team will now move into the next phase of the offseason, turning more of the leadership over to the players as they prepare for summer workouts and fall camp.

The takeaway

UConn's football program is in a major transition period, with a new head coach, dozens of new players, and a focus on rebuilding the team's identity and culture. The Spring Game gave fans a first look at the changes, highlighting key additions like Trey Cornist and Ryder Treadway while also showcasing the leadership and experience of veterans like linebacker John Lista.