No one could hold a Candle to UConn for Joshua Mickens.
The former Ohio State defensive end is transferring to UConn for the 2026 season, where he will play under Jason Candle in the former Toledo coach's first year leading the Huskies.
UConn has signed Ohio State edge rusher/defensive end transfer Joshua Mickens, his agency @3strandsports tells @mzenitz and @chris_hummer.
— 247Sports Transfer Portal (@247SportsPortal) January 20, 2026
Was a Class of 2023 top-120 overall recruit. https://t.co/IePOmcQgag pic.twitter.com/6oHd6zn4hB
A four-star prospect in the 2023 class, Mickens played sparingly in three seasons with the Buckeyes, recording six tackles and one sack. He will bring two years of eligibility to Storrs.
Mickens was one of 31 Ohio State scholarship players to enter the transfer portal this offseason. He becomes the 26th Buckeye to find a new school, with the latest being offensive lineman Devontae Armstrong (Miami Redhawks), defensive tackle Trajen Odom (Arkansas), offensive guard Jayvon McFadden (Colorado) and offensive tackle Justin Terry (Virginia Tech).
The remaining Ohio State players still in the transfer portal are defensive end Dominic Kirks, safety Keenan Nelson Jr., linebacker Ty Howard, wide receiver Bodpegn Miller and safety Cody Haddad.
