It’s a crisp, wintry Saturday in Boston, and the air around Fenway Park is charged with anticipation as the UConn Huskies prepare to face the Army Black Knights in the 2025 Wasabi Fenway Bowl. For UConn, the stakes couldn’t be higher: a shot at their first-ever 10-win campaign in the FBS era, a feat that would etch this year’s squad into the annals of Huskies history. Army, meanwhile, is hungry to end a turbulent season on a high note and spoil UConn’s party at one of baseball’s most iconic venues.
Let’s set the stage. UConn enters the bowl with a 9-3 record, marking the first time in program history that the Huskies have posted back-to-back nine-win seasons. After last year’s emotional bowl triumph over North Carolina, the Huskies are back in Boston, hoping to build on the momentum of a transformative campaign. Their only double-digit win season came back in 1998, and never before in the FBS era have they reached such heights. For a program that’s seen its share of ups and downs, this bowl is more than just a game—it’s a potential turning point.
But it won’t be easy. UConn will look dramatically different on the field. The most notable absence is quarterback Joe Fagnano, who had one of the best seasons in program history but will sit out to focus on his NFL aspirations. The starting quarterback remains a mystery, with redshirt sophomore Tucker McDonald, true freshman Ksaan Farrar, and the more experienced Nick Evers all in the mix. Interim head coach Gordon Sammis, who steps in following Jim Mora Jr.’s move to Colorado State, has played his cards close to the vest. “We’ve got a plan, a couple of guys ready to go,” Sammis told reporters in Boston. “If I have to, I’ll go out there to finish the game. I can still hand it off and not pull something for a couple plays.”
Despite the uncertainty under center, UConn’s offensive firepower remains formidable. The Huskies finished the regular season ranked 16th in points per game, 22nd in total yards, and 15th in yards per play—a remarkable turnaround for a team that struggled to find consistency just a few seasons ago. The offense has been potent all year, racking up 443 total points and coming within striking distance of several school records, including total yards of offense (5,521), passing touchdowns (30), and first downs (263).
One constant in the lineup is consensus All-American receiver Skyler Bell, who also became UConn’s first Biletnikoff Award finalist. Bell faced rumors of a potential opt-out but quickly set the record straight. “I’d be remiss to leave [UConn] and look back at that last game and say, ‘Why didn’t I suit up with my guys one last time?’” Bell said. His presence will be crucial, especially given the quarterback shuffle. Running back Cam Edwards, another key weapon, is expected to play and is projected to rush for more than 85 yards and a touchdown, according to SportsLine’s model. The Huskies’ ground game will also feature Victor Rosa, Mel Brown, Oliver Lundberg-Coleman, and the speedy Terrence Smith, offering plenty of options for whoever lines up at quarterback.
On the other side of the ball, linebacker Bryun Parham—top-10 nationally in sacks with 10.5—anchors a defense that has had its ups and downs, particularly against the run. UConn’s rush defense ranked 114th nationally, allowing 185.5 yards per game. That stat looms large against Army’s vaunted triple-option attack, which averages 245.5 rushing yards per game (fifth nationally) and leads the nation in time of possession at 34:27 per contest. Army’s discipline is another hallmark; the Black Knights are the least penalized team in the country, with just 34 flags this season.
Army comes into the bowl with a 6-6 record, having finished eighth in the American Conference. Their season ended on a sour note with a narrow 17-16 loss to Navy, but the Black Knights have won five of their last eight games. While Army’s offense doesn’t pack the same punch as UConn’s—their national ranks are 97th in scoring, 114th in yards per play, and 116th in total yards—they present a unique challenge with their relentless ground game. Quarterback Dewayne Coleman is expected to combine for nearly 150 yards and two touchdowns, making him a player to watch.
UConn’s defense will need to stay disciplined and physical, especially given the frigid temperatures expected at kickoff—around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Defensive back Cam Chadwick, who remains with the team despite entering the transfer portal, emphasized the importance of finishing strong: “We talked from the beginning about trying to break records and make history, and we’re gonna try to do that one more time and send these guys out the right way because they’ve earned it and they deserve it,” Sammis echoed.
The Huskies will also be without both starting offensive tackles, Ben Murawski and Carsten Casady, who have entered the transfer portal. Their replacements, Ty Chan and Toriyan Johnson, will be tested by an Army front that thrives on discipline and assignment football. Still, Sammis is confident in his team’s resilience and depth.
For some Huskies, the Fenway Bowl marks a poignant farewell. Tight end Louis Hansen, a Needham, Mass. native and former Michigan Wolverine, will play his final collegiate game in front of nearly 100 friends and family. “This is my last game as a college football player, so to be able to do that at home and go through this last week in Boston and be home for the holidays is something really special, and running out there onto a field that I’ve been to countless Red Sox games at, it’s something that I’ll never forget…I’m definitely excited to be able to play my last game close to home,” Hansen said.
The history between these teams is tight. UConn leads the all-time series 5-4 but hasn’t beaten Army away from home since 2005. Army holds a 1-0 advantage in neutral-site games, winning at Yankee Stadium in 2014. The last meeting, in 2022, saw Army prevail 34-17 at Michie Stadium. Both teams bring plenty of motivation and tradition to the table, and with bowl records on the line—UConn sits at 4-4, Army at 8-3—there’s no shortage of pride at stake.
Kickoff is set for 2:15 p.m. on ESPN, with temperatures low and spirits high. The over/under for total points is pegged at 42.5, and many experts expect a high-scoring affair, with projections of both teams combining for more than 50 points. It’s anyone’s guess who will seize the moment, but one thing’s for sure: history is waiting to be written at Fenway Park.
As the Huskies and Black Knights take the field, fans from both sides can savor the spectacle—two proud programs, a historic venue, and everything to play for. Whether UConn claims its elusive 10th win or Army finds redemption, this Fenway Bowl promises to be a classic for the ages.
