Skyler Bell was UCONN's top reciever last season with 860 yards and five touchdowns. His big season reportedly led Michigan to try to lure him to Ann Arbor with a whopping 500k deal says Jim Mora, UCONN's head coach. Bell is remaining at UCONN and has worked this offseason to make an even bigger splash for his senior season.
Bell is a former Wisconsin Badger who spent three seasons in Madison, appearing in 26 total games. He was one of the most electric weapons that Luke Fickell had in 2022, and the anticipation for his 2023 jump was palpable. However, the offense struggled to utilize him, and while his usage increased, his production decreased.
Skyler Bell was offered $500k to transfer to Michigan, @CoachJimMoraFB confirms.
— Colonel Calhoun (@CalhounColonel) August 20, 2025
Turned it down to stay at UConn. Is now “yoked up” and super twitchy. Excited for what’s to come this year.
Jim Mora claims that Skyler Bell was offered 500k this offseason to go to Michigan
Related: Former Badger star named Notre Dame captain: "Blessed to lead this team"
It's hard to know exactly how the transfer portal went for Bell when he entered it after the 2024 season. However, according to Mora, he had a big offer sitting on the table from the Wolverines. He opted to turn it down and return to UCONN. Mora did not say how much the Huskies chose to counter that offer.
This is big news for another former Badger receiver. First, we hear about Will Pauling, who is now a captain for Notre Dame, and then Bell, who is primed to be the No. 1 receiver for the Huskies. It's hard to read, but it's what happens when the offense floundered for the last few seasons, especially when there was a coaching change at the top of the offense.
Players will move on and find success elsewhere. While it's bittersweet to read about the success of former Badgers at other universities, it does seem like Fickell and new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes have a handle on the offense with some impressive play-makers replacing those that left.