UConn defeats Lafayette 56-7 in season football opener

2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 8:44 PM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

UConn defeats Lafayette 56-7 in season football opener

Summary

UConn opened its football season with a 56-7 victory over Lafayette College on Saturday in East Hartford. Head coach Jason Candle utilized an extensive roster, featuring 13 different pass-catchers and five running backs, as the team debuted a new coaching staff and numerous roster additions. While the offense produced strong statistics, defensive penalties cost the Huskies a shutout late in the game. Backup quarterback Tucker McDonald contributed 105 passing yards and a touchdown during his extended playing time. Quarterback Jake Merklinger did not dress for the contest due to an unspecified hand injury. Candle emphasized that while the win provided valuable experience, the team must address pre-snap penalties to prepare for a more challenging schedule.

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By the Numbers

•UConn defeated Lafayette 56-7 in the season opener at East Hartford.
•The Huskies utilized 13 different receivers and five running backs.
•Backup quarterback Tucker McDonald threw for 105 yards and a touchdown.
•Defensive penalties cost the team a shutout in the final minutes.
•Quarterback Jake Merklinger was sidelined with a hand injury.

Latest Updates

8:44 PMYahoo Sports — Five takeaways from UConn football’s season opener as it looks ahead to ‘prove it’ game vs. Maryland
10:00 AMYahoo Sports — UConn football notes: Blowout win opens door for bonus experience, more to clean up

What they're saying

"
The most successful UConn football seasons have all included an early-season matchup against an FCS opponent that served as a jump starter for the team and the fanbase. Saturday’s season-opener, a record-breaking 56-7 blowout of Lafayette – a team that didn’t present much resistance at all – was just that in Year One of new head coach Jason Candle. The Huskies’ 49-point margin of victory was ...
— Yahoo Sports

"
EAST HARTFORD – The season couldn’t have opened in a more ideal way for a program in UConn’s situation, having brought in more than 80 new players and an entirely new coaching staff this offseason. In the dominant 56-7 win over FCS opponent Lafayette College, new head coach Jason Candle and his staff was able to see two different quarterbacks throw to 13 different receivers and hand the ball ...
— Yahoo Sports

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