It didn’t always seem like Joe Fagnano possessed NFL potential. Even after he transferred from Maine to UConn, Fagnano’s play didn’t exactly indicate an NFL future was imminent.
But perception unequivocally changed in 2025 when he threw 25 touchdowns and just one interception. A Group of Five All-American, he became a serious contender to be drafted at some point and was invited to the NFL Combine.
Fagnano could be viewed as a developmental quarterback with plenty of upside.
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Joe Fagnano NFL Draft Projection
I project Joe Fagnano will be selected in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. I could see him going to the Pittsburgh Steelers or Arizona Cardinals.
This year’s quarterback class is going to be interesting after Fernando Mendoza, who is the clear favorite to go to the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick. I don’t expect Fagnano will be even a Day 2 pick, but that doesn’t mean NFL teams won’t see him worthy of a selection.
I pick the Steelers and Cardinals as two examples of two different situations Fagnano could end up at. Either he goes to a team that has an aging starter at quarterback, and the team is looking at a potential long-term plan and wants to develop a QB. Or he could go to team that is probably going to struggle and is willing to take a flyer on a young QB late in the draft to see how he performs before investing more resources for a long-term solution in 2027.
Joe Fagnano’s 40 Time & NFL Combine Results
Joe Fagnano ran the 40-yard dash in 4.83 seconds, which ranked seventh out of seven quarterbacks who participated in that drill at the NFL Combine. He also recorded a broad jump of 9 feet, 10 inches and a vertical jump of 35 inches – those marks were fourth among six at his position group. His 20-yard shuttle time of 4.35 seconds was second of four QBs.
Fagnano was measured at 6 feet, 3 inches and 226 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Joe Fagnano Stats & Highlights
Fagnano transferred to UConn from Maine after the 2022 season and drastically improved during his time as a Huskie, eventually becoming a 2025 HERO Sports Group of Five All-American.
Fagnano rarely turned the ball over in college. In 2025, he threw just one interception while totaling 3,132 yards and 25 touchdowns through the air while rushing for 80 yards and three TDs. He passed for 1,631 yards, 20 touchdowns, and four picks as well as 60 yards and a TD in 10 games in 2024. He played in just two games in 2023 after transferring.
Where Is Joe Fagnano From?
Joe Fagnano is from Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Joe Fagnano NFL Draft Profile & Comparison
Joe Fagnano reminds me of another recent G5 quarterback who was drafted recently: Tulane’s Michael Pratt.
Among quarterbacks who had at least 287 dropbacks last year, Fagnano was 16th in the FBS in Pro Football Focus’ grades for overall offense and 18th for his passing.
Fagnano’s poise in the pocket really stands out to me. He reads the field well and can make throws on time or even on the move.
Fagnano’s performance was surely helped by excellent playmakers around him like G5 All-American wide receiver Skyler Bell. But Fagnano made good decisions. He didn’t just rely on Bell to make plays through the air.
Fagnano’s 40 time wasn’t exactly the fastest among other QBs, but he does have the athleticism to buy some time if need be.
I could see Fagnano steadily improving, just like he did in college, and finding a place in the NFL for a while.
