The 2025 college football season is set to begin on Saturday, August 23, which means there are just over three months left until kickoff. Most major transfer portal moves are finalized before summer workouts begin, but some late additions are still happening as the season approaches.
UConn is the latest team to make a move, acquiring former USF wide receiver Naiem Simmons from the NCAA transfer portal. Some experts consider this a solid pick for the Huskies.
South Florida Transfer WR Naiem Simmons Set to Bolster UConn’s Offense
Earlier in April, Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported that Naiem Simmons had entered the transfer portal. The former USF wide receiver also stated that he had earned the right to explore new opportunities. Now, months later, he has finally found a new home by committing to the UConn Huskies football program.
USF wide receiver Naiem Simmons has signed with UConn, @On3sports has learned.
Posted 39 catches for 637 yards with 5 touchdowns in 2023.https://t.co/wMrfFrcNOy pic.twitter.com/B5p4nxkz4r
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) May 11, 2025
Simmons joins the struggling UConn team with one year of eligibility. While the timing of his transfer may raise questions, the truth is the New Jersey native missed last season due to a knee injury.
That setback likely disrupted his momentum, making it harder to secure a key role at USF. So, with UConn looking for experienced talent to boost its offense after last year’s struggle, Simmons’ decision makes very much sense.
At UConn, Simmons may get more playing time and a bigger role, which could be beneficial for his career. Analysts consider him an excellent addition to UConn’s offense.
The 5’10” wide receiver originally played for Wagner University, where he led the team in receptions for two seasons before transferring to USF in 2023. During his two seasons at Wagner, Simmons caught 72 passes for 1,067 yards and seven touchdowns.
KEEP READING: Cal Beats Out SEC Interest for USF Transfer Brent Austin In Huge Portal Win
His time at South Florida was also solid. His most notable performance, which everyone remembers, was when he set a program record with 272 receiving yards in a single game against Rice. He also recorded 637 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns for the program.
Now, regarding his injury, there hasn’t been an official update on his recovery. However, his move to UConn suggests that he is ready to return to action. Hopefully, he can make the most of his final season and become a key piece in UConn’s offense.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
