After an unlikely college football journey that ended as a standout at UConn, and then joining the NFL as an undrafted rookie, Joe Fagnano is on the roster for the Baltimore Ravens.
Fagnano began his college career in 2019 as a walk-on at FCS Maine. He quickly earned a scholarship and then playing time after the incumbent starter was injured, starting games against Richmond and Liberty, among others.
In 2023, Fagnano followed Nick Charlton to UConn. Charlton was the Maine head coach and became the OC
for Jim Mora’s Huskies and Fagnano transferred to earn a starting role. He was up against high level recruits or big NIL additions throughout his time as a Husky, but he persevered and ended up setting the program’s passing records in 2025.
In his final year as a Husky, Fagnano completed 69 percent of his passes for 28 touchdowns with just one interception the whole season. He earned an NFL Combine invite for his efforts but went undrafted, choosing to sign with the Ravens though he was not actively recruited as a UDFA. He was a mini-camp invitee.
Diego Pavia, the Heisman semifinalist from Vanderbilt, was also in camp but was cut in the summer. Fagnano signed through the preseason and then wowed in three opportunities on the field, leading the NFL in passing yards over the three week exhibition period. The Ravens had the option to waive him and try to stash him on the practice squad, but after that preseason performance, it seemed likely that another team would try to pick him up. They’ve rostered him because they’re clearly excited for his potential, even though he’s a 25-year-old rookie.
Elsewhere around the league, fourth-round pick Skyler Bell is on the Bills’ roster after a late, great preseason debut. DT Travis Jones is still thriving on the Ravens. OTs Matthew Peart and Ryan Van Demark are entering their 7th and 5th NFL seasons, respectively, and DT Foley Fatukasi signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason for his 8th season.
Former Huskies Chase Lundt, Louis Hansen, Justin Joly, Cam Ross, Zavier Scott, Nate Carter, Keelan Marion, Nathan Voorhis, and Valentin Senn were cut on the final day, but should have a strong shot at making a practice squad.
