UConn Football flips 2026 Toledo CB signee Martece Smith
The UConn football staff have continued to work on the 2026 recruiting cycle quietly despite the 2027 recruiting class drawing new attention.
For most programs festivities surrounding the 2027 class, who are currently juniors in high school, have been rampant. Most programs have completely signed off on the 2026 cycle after shifting efforts towards the transfer portal as of late. However, some programs have continued to work with the 2026 class and UConn is among the active parties.
2026 Morton (IN) three-star cornerback Martece Smith announced his commitment to the Huskies on Instagram. The 6-foot, 165-pound cornerback previously signed with the Toledo Rockets on December 3rd before quietly reopening his recruitment.
Smith is currently rated the 2430th recruit in the class, the 224th cornerback in the class, and the 46th recruit in Indiana. The defender held offers from Bowling Green, Buffalo, Miami (OH), Northern Illinois, UMass, and Western Michigan. Smith ultimately signed with the Rockets after being recruited by the Coach Jason Candle led staff.
Prior to Candle joining the Huskies, Smith did not hold an offer from the Huskies nor had the defender had serious contact with the program. The defensive back will now join UConn as a member of the 2026 class.
The commitment of Smith is both unexpected and beneficial for both parties. UConn lost the majority of the secondary to both the transfer portal and graduation. Cornerback in particular was a position of need for the Huskies. Departures like Cam Chadwick, Osiris Gilbert, Kolubah Pewee Jr., and Chris Hudson weigh heavily.
Smith will immediately add much needed depth to the room for the Huskies during the 2026 season. The cornerback will join a long list of commitments including Zion Paret (FAU), CJ Bell (Iowa), Jayden Davis (Fresno State), and Renick Dorilas (Rutgers). The Huskies also have 2026 class commitments from cornerbacks Shmar Akande and Cason Dash.
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