Portal Progress & Bowl Game Hype

In today’s episode, we pivot to deliver the latest updates from the UConn football program as the transfer portal continues to shape the team’s future. While a planned Christmas feature highlighting an inspiring young football prospect has been rescheduled due to technical difficulties, we dive into the ten exciting new additions to the Huskies roster through the portal. We’ll analyze these key signings, explore their potential impact, and break down how UConn is gearing up for its upcoming bowl game against North Carolina at Fenway Park. Plus, a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners as we wish you a Merry Christmas and look forward to more UConn action in the New Year.

Show Notes:

Segment 1: The Transfer Portal Additions

• Recap the ten players UConn has signed through the transfer portal.

• Key highlights:

• Sammy Anderson Jr. (DB): A veteran with six seasons of college experience, brings leadership and playmaking to the secondary.

• MJ Flowers (RB): Adds versatility and explosiveness to the running back room with over 850 rushing yards and 347 receiving yards in 2024.

• Trent Jones II (DL): A defensive end from Iowa State with potential to bolster the pass rush.

• Terry Kirksey Jr. (LB): Returns to UConn after a stint at Kansas State, adding depth to the linebacker corps.

• Discussion: UConn’s clear focus on defensive reinforcements and strategic portal usage.

Segment 2: Bowl Game Preview

• Preview of the Fenway Bowl matchup against North Carolina:

• Challenges of facing UNC’s dynamic offense and standout quarterback.

• How the unique Fenway Park venue might impact the game.

• Key players to watch on both sides and UConn’s potential strategies.

• Questions discussed:

• Does playing in New England give UConn a home-field advantage?

• What would a bowl win mean for UConn’s momentum going into 2025?

Segment 3: Holiday Wishes and Program Updates

• A heartfelt thank-you to the Locked On UConn community for their support in making the podcast the #1 college basketball show on the Locked On Network.

• A look ahead to 2025, with UConn poised to continue making strides on and off the field.

• Merry Christmas wishes to all Huskies fans, with a reminder to tune in next year for the rescheduled Christmas feature on a remarkable young football prospect.

Ads:

FanDuel Ad Copy

The NFL Playoffs are just around the corner, but it’s not too late to cash in on the regular season action with FanDuel – America’s Number ONE Sportsbook!

Right now, new customers can finish the season strong with $250 in BONUS BETS if your first $5 bet wins. That’s right—just a $5 wager gets you a chance at $250 in bonus bets.

What makes FanDuel so great? You can bet on everything—who will win, which players will score a touchdown, and even how many points each team will score. It’s fun, fast, and easy to use.

Visit FANDUEL DOT COM to get started. That’s FANDUEL DOT COM for your chance to score $250 in BONUS BETS. Make every moment more with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL!

Gametime Ad Copy

The holidays are the perfect time for live events, and there’s no better way to bring people together than with Gametime.

Gametime makes finding the perfect seats easy with their new feature, Gametime Picks, which filters out the fluff to show you the best deals on tickets. Whether it’s a UConn game or a concert, Gametime ensures you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Here’s what I love:

• All-in pricing so you see your total upfront—no hidden fees.

• Seat views so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

• And if you find tickets for less in the same row and section? The Gametime Guarantee gives you 110% of the difference.

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use the code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to save $20 on your first purchase. That’s LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off. Make every moment count with Gametime—what time is it? Gametime!

🎄 Thank you for tuning in! Happy Holidays and Go Huskies! 🎄

Host Mark Zanetto welcomes Locked On UConn contributor Tyler Remick, a PhD in economics and an avid UConn basketball fan, to dive into the current state of the Big East, UConn’s Quad 1 and Quad 2 opportunities, and the creative nicknames Dan Hurley assigns to his players. With the holiday break in full swing, they discuss whether the Big East has surpassed last year’s dominance and what lies ahead for UConn in 2025.

Segment 1: The Big East’s Current Dominance

Mark and Tyler discuss whether the Big East is even stronger this year than last. They analyze the performances of marquee teams like Marquette, Creighton, and St. John’s and compare this season’s conference standings to prior years. Tyler provides an analytical perspective on what these numbers mean for the league’s strength in the NCAA Tournament. They highlight how these rankings impact UConn’s trajectory and how the Huskies can continue competing at an elite level.

Segment 2: UConn’s Quad Opportunities

Mark and Tyler take a detailed look at UConn’s remaining schedule, breaking down the Quadrant classifications for each game. With 8 Quad 1 games remaining, they discuss the significance of each matchup, emphasizing high-stakes games like Marquette, Villanova, and St. John’s. They also explore how potential fluctuations in NET rankings could shift the Quad classification of games. Tyler offers insights into how UConn can maximize its seeding potential by avoiding Quad 4 losses and performing well in Quad 1 opportunities.

Segment 3: Dan Hurley’s Nicknames and Fan Contributions

In a lighter, interactive segment, Mark and Tyler delve into Dan Hurley’s nicknames for his players. They discuss the creativity behind titles like “Kodiak Bear” for Tarris Reed and “General Hassan” for Hassan Diarra. The duo brainstorm new nicknames for players who don’t have one yet and invite listeners to submit their ideas for the next episode. They reflect on how these nicknames build camaraderie and exemplify Hurley’s connection to his team.

Ad Copy

Ad: Gametime

The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than by gifting unforgettable experiences at live events? With Gametime, finding the best tickets has never been easier. Their Gametime Picks feature filters out the fluff, showing you only incredible deals on great seats.

Looking to catch UConn basketball or another game? You can browse Gametime Picks and find deals like their Super Deal, which offers unbeatable savings on amazing seats. Plus, you can see the view from your seat before you buy.

Make holiday memories that last a lifetime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LockedOnCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Don’t wait—it’s Gametime!

Ad: FanDuel

The NFL playoffs are approaching, but there’s still time to jump into the action with FanDuel, America’s No. 1 sportsbook. Right now, new customers can win $250 in bonus bets with just a $5 wager. That’s right—place a $5 bet and win, and you’ll get $250 to keep the excitement going.

FanDuel makes every moment more thrilling, whether you’re betting on touchdowns, player props, or total points. It’s easy to use, fun, and perfect for first-time bettors.

Head over to FanDuel.com to join today and get started. That’s FanDuel.com for $250 in bonus bets with your first $5 bet. Make every play count with FanDuel, the official sportsbook partner of the NFL.

Call-to-Actions

• Subscribe to Locked On UConn wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube.

• Submit your own creative nicknames for UConn players for a chance to have them featured on the show.

• Follow us for updates on UConn basketball, Big East analysis, and more. Stay locked on, and stay connected!

In this episode of Locked On UConn, host Mark Zanetto is joined by Mitchell Northam from NC Public Radio and an AP Top 25 Women’s Basketball voter to dive deep into the current state of UConn women’s basketball as we head into 2025. As the Huskies prepare to enter the holiday break, the discussion centers on their latest marquee loss and what it means for the program moving forward. With UConn sitting at a critical juncture in their season, this episode provides thoughtful analysis, future projections, and an insider’s perspective on what lies ahead.

The show begins with a heartfelt message of gratitude to the fans for making Locked On UConn the number-one college basketball podcast on the network. Mark also shares how the podcast is giving back through donations to the Husky Ticket Project and Bleeding Blue for Good, supporting NIL initiatives that make a difference. It’s a testament to the UConn faithful community, which supports the Huskies and the show daily.

Segment 1: Another Marquee Loss

Mitchell and Mark start by breaking down UConn’s most recent loss in a high-profile matchup. They analyze the key factors contributing to the defeat, from missed opportunities to defensive lapses. They also discuss how UConn measured up against elite competition and whether injuries or fatigue played a significant role. Mitchell shares his perspective on whether the loss reflects deeper flaws in UConn’s strategy or if it was simply a case of running into a strong opponent. Together, they explore whether these kinds of losses expose vulnerabilities in the Huskies’ playbook.

Segment 2: Do They Have Enough Talent?

The conversation shifts to the talent level on UConn’s roster. Is this team built to compete with the best in the nation? Mark and Mitchell evaluate the depth of the roster, the roles of younger players, and the contributions of the team’s stars. Mitchell compares this team to previous UConn squads under Geno Auriemma, highlighting differences in roster construction and player development. The duo also addresses whether UConn’s current talent pool has what it takes to meet the lofty expectations of the program and its fans.

Segment 3: Future Fixes

In the final segment, the focus turns to solutions. What can UConn do to right the ship and get back on track for the rest of the season? Mark and Mitchell discuss potential adjustments to rotations and strategies, as well as long-term fixes, including recruiting and player development. They emphasize the importance of injury management and how UConn can adapt in the short term while continuing to build for the future. Mitchell gives his insight into the recruiting pipeline and whether it can address the gaps currently evident in the team.

As the episode concludes, Mark reminds listeners that Locked On UConn is committed to delivering daily coverage of UConn basketball—the hoops capital of the world. He encourages fans to stay locked on and connected, emphasizing that UConn isn’t just about getting it done but doing it in a way that no one else can. With the holiday season upon us, this episode serves as both an honest assessment and a rallying call for Huskies fans everywhere. Go Huskies!

Ad: Rocket Money

We all love supporting the Huskies, but do you know how much money you’re wasting on subscriptions you don’t even use? Enter Rocket Money, formerly Truebill. This app makes it easy to see all your subscriptions in one place and cancel the ones you don’t want with just one tap. On average, people save up to $720 a year with Rocket Money.

Stop letting unnecessary subscriptions drain your wallet. Take control of your finances today. Head to RocketMoney.com/LockedOnCollege to get started and start saving money now!

Ad: FanDuel

The NFL Playoffs are just around the corner, but it’s not too late to jump into the action with FanDuel, America’s number one sportsbook. Right now, new customers can score $250 in bonus bets when you win your first $5 wager. That’s right, place a $5 bet, and if you win, you’ll unlock $250 in bonus bets to keep the fun going.

There are so many ways to win with FanDuel: bet on touchdowns, total points, or even your favorite players. It’s easy, it’s exciting, and it’s the perfect way to enhance your sports experience.

Visit FanDuel.com to join today and make every moment more this season. What time is it? It’s FanDuel time!