UConn Football suffered a significant blow when promising quarterback Cole Welliver announced he’s entering the NCAA transfer portal. The 6-foot-7, 220-pound signal-caller from Flower Mound, Texas, shared the news via social media just before the spring portal window opened.
“Thank you Husky Nation 🙏🏻”
— Cole Welliver (@ColeWelliver), April 15, 2025
A 5.5-rated three-star recruit out of Liberty Christian High School, where he played under former NFL great Jason Witten, Welliver chose UConn over offers from Arizona State, Colorado, Washington State, and UTSA as part of the 2024 recruiting class.
Though his freshman campaign saw limited snaps—completing 2-of-4 passes for 10 yards against Merrimack while maintaining his redshirt—Welliver’s physical attributes and potential made him one of the Huskies’ most exciting long-term prospects. With four full years of eligibility still ahead, his departure leaves UConn fans imagining what might’ve been.
The blow is compounded by the loss of fellow freshman quarterback Caleb Smith, who is also entering the portal, depleting what was once seen as a cornerstone of UConn’s future at the position.
Despite head coach Jim Mora’s efforts to revamp the roster—with 18 transfers and eight early enrollees joining for spring practice—the departure of two young quarterbacks underscores the uncertainty that still surrounds the program.
UConn’s QB depth now includes new addition K’saan Farra and returning players Joe Fagnano, Nick Evers, Tucker McDonald, and Jake Tripptree. But replacing Welliver’s upside won’t be simple—his rare size, arm strength, and background made him a valuable asset who will now continue his development elsewhere.
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