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Week 8 of the NFL season saw the debut of a new quarterback, Joe Fagnano. An undrafted rookie out of UConn, Fagnano was forced into action as the Baltimore Ravens emergency quarterback following injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
And it was Fagnano's first snaps in the pros, outside of the preseason action he participated in over the summer.
In other words, "Spooky Season" was granted an extension into November this year. The Ravens have dealt with quarterback issues before, but never to this extent. To put it in perspective, Baltimore is one injury to Fagnano away from playing backup running back Justice Hill at quarterback.
Here's what to know about Fagnano.
Who is Joe Fagnano?
Fagnano is an undrafted rookie quarterback for the Baltimore
Ravens.
The 25-year-old grew up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania – a place best known for being the birthplace of Little League Baseball. Fagnano eventually earned a scholarship at the University of Maine after arriving as a walk-on, appearing in 27 games over four seasons.
Fagnano transferred to UConn ahead of the 2023 season and appeared in 24 games during his three seasons with the Huskies.
He entered the 2026 NFL Draft, but went undrafted and signed with the Ravens – along with Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia. Fagnano ended up securing the third string job during training camp and prompting Baltimore to move on from Pavia, who is now set to join the UFL.
Was Joe Fagnano drafted?
Fagnano was not drafted during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Joe Fagnano college stats
Fagnano played 27 games and started 25 in four seasons at the FCS level with the Maine Black Bears.
He finished his FCS career with a 10-15 record, completed 59.8% of passes for 5,674 passing yards, 46 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Fagnano added 535 rushing yards and five touchdowns as a runner during that time as well.
Following his transfer to UConn, Fagnano made 20 starts and appeared in 24 games. He posted a 13-6 record, completed 64.7% of passes and threw for 5,252 yards, 48 touchdowns and six interceptions. Just like at Maine, Fagnano used his legs to total 223 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Joe Fagnano? Meet the Ravens emergency QB after Jackson, Huntley injuries
