Who is Joe Fagnano? Meet undrafted rookie QB making first start for Ravens – The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for an unusual challenge as they turn to an unexpected name at quarterback: Joe Fagnano. The undrafted rookie is set to make his first NFL start against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night, November 5, after injuries left Baltimore without its top two quarterbacks. For a player who was not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft and initially had to earn an opportunity through a rookie minicamp tryout, this is an extraordinary turn of events.x
Fagnano was originally expected to spend his first professional season learning behind two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and experienced backup Tyler Huntley. Instead, he suddenly finds himself responsible for leading a struggling Ravens offense in a nationally televised game. Baltimore is hoping the rookie can deliver a composed performance and help the team end its losing streak. His journey to this opportunity is a reminder that an NFL career does not always begin with a high draft pick or a major college reputation.
Who Is Joe Fagnano?
Joe Fagnano is a 25-year-old quarterback from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, who played college football at the University of Maine and the University of Connecticut. Standing approximately 6-foot-3 and weighing around 230 pounds, he has the physical profile of a traditional pocket passer. He wears No. 12 for Baltimore and entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie in 2026.
Unlike highly recruited prospects who arrive in college with national attention, Fagnano had to work his way into the spotlight. He began his college career as a walk-on at Maine in 2019, where he gradually earned opportunities and eventually became a productive starter. After four seasons with the Black Bears, he transferred to UConn in search of a chance to compete at a higher level.
His journey was not straightforward. Injuries interrupted his progress, and he needed additional time in college to develop his game. However, that experience helped him become a more mature quarterback. By the time he reached his final season at UConn, Fagnano had established himself as one of the most efficient passers in college football.
The Ravens’ interest in him initially came through a tryout opportunity rather than a guaranteed contract. Baltimore was the only NFL team to offer him that chance after the draft, according to NFL.com. He made the most of it, eventually earning a place on the team’s initial 53-man roster.
From Maine Walk-On to UConn Standout
Fagnano’s football story began at the University of Maine, where he joined the program as a walk-on. He was not considered a major national prospect coming out of high school, but his performances quickly helped him earn recognition. He worked his way into the quarterback rotation, received a scholarship, and became an important part of the Black Bears’ offense.
His early college career showed that he could handle pressure and take advantage of unexpected opportunities. When Maine’s starting quarterback suffered an injury in 2019, Fagnano stepped in and made an immediate impression. He later developed into a reliable starter, recording 50 total touchdowns and 12 interceptions during his time with the program.Who is Joe Fagnano
In 2023, he moved to UConn, hoping to demonstrate that his abilities could translate against stronger competition. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury limited his first season with the Huskies. He eventually returned and continued developing, benefiting from the additional playing time and experience.
His breakthrough came in 2025. Fagnano completed 285 of 413 passes for 3,448 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just one interception. Those numbers highlighted his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to protect the football. His performance also helped UConn finish with a 9-3 record, making his final college season the strongest argument for an NFL opportunity.
Why Did the Ravens Sign an Undrafted Quarterback?
Going undrafted can be a difficult experience for any aspiring NFL player, especially a quarterback. Even after producing an excellent final college season, Fagnano did not hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft. He also did not immediately receive the kind of free-agent offers that many players hope for after the draft.
Baltimore eventually gave him a chance to attend rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. That opportunity was far from a guarantee of a professional contract, but Fagnano used the experience to demonstrate his ability. He officially joined the Ravens as a college free agent and began competing for a place in the quarterback room.
His preseason performances made a significant difference. Fagnano led the NFL with 509 passing yards during the preseason, completing 74.7% of his attempts while recording three touchdown passes and one interception. His accuracy and composure helped convince the coaching staff that he deserved a roster spot.
The Ravens included him on their initial 53-man roster in August, placing him behind Jackson and Huntley. It was a major achievement for a player who had entered the organization as a minicamp tryout candidate. At that point, few could have expected he would be asked to start a regular-season game so soon. Who is Joe Fagnano
How Injuries Put Fagnano in the Starting Role
The circumstances surrounding Fagnano’s first NFL start developed quickly during Baltimore’s Week 8 game against the Buffalo Bills. Jackson had just returned from an earlier injury when he hurt his right thumb on the opening offensive play. The quarterback left the game, forcing Huntley to take over.
However, Huntley also suffered an injury, leaving Baltimore with no choice but to turn to its third-string quarterback. Fagnano entered the game and made his NFL debut under difficult circumstances. He completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and threw an interception. He also lost a fumble, giving him a challenging introduction to professional football.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Fagnano now has the opportunity to start against Jacksonville. Jackson is dealing with a thumb injury, while Huntley has a toe injury that is expected to keep him out for an extended period. The Ravens also added quarterback Kedon Slovis to their active roster and Austin Reed to the practice squad as they addressed their depth problems.
Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed that Fagnano would start Thursday. Minter praised the rookie’s calm demeanor, experience, and ability to operate the offense during the preseason. Fagnano has also been dealing with an ankle issue, making his preparation even more challenging.
What Can Ravens Fans Expect From Him?
Fagnano’s biggest challenge will be managing the offense against a talented Jacksonville defense. Making a first NFL start is difficult under normal circumstances, but doing it on a short week after an unexpected promotion adds another layer of pressure. He will have limited preparation time and must quickly build rhythm with his teammates.
Baltimore will likely look for ways to make his job manageable. That could mean emphasizing short, efficient passes, using play-action opportunities, and relying heavily on the running game. Derrick Henry could become especially important because a productive ground attack would help take pressure off the rookie quarterback.
Fagnano does not need to produce spectacular statistics to give Baltimore a chance. Protecting the football, making sensible decisions, recognizing defensive pressure, and keeping the offense on schedule will be important priorities. The Ravens have experienced offensive players who can help him settle into the game, but the quarterback must still demonstrate confidence and discipline.
His college experience could become an advantage. Fagnano is older than many first-year NFL players and has spent several seasons facing different defensive schemes. His 2025 performance at UConn also showed that he can make accurate throws without regularly putting the ball in danger. Whether he can reproduce that efficiency against NFL defenders remains the biggest question. Who is Joe Fagnano
A Career-Changing Opportunity
Fagnano’s first NFL start is a remarkable milestone for someone whose professional future looked uncertain only a few months ago. He went from an undrafted college quarterback who needed a tryout invitation to a player expected to lead one of the NFL’s most recognizable franchises in a primetime matchup.
The situation is not ideal for Baltimore. Losing Jackson and Huntley creates a serious problem for a team that needs consistency at quarterback. Nevertheless, Fagnano has earned the opportunity through his work in training camp and an impressive preseason. His coaches believe he has the preparation and temperament to handle the responsibility. Who is Joe Fagnano
Whether this becomes a one-game opportunity or the beginning of a longer NFL career will depend on what happens next. The Ravens are also preparing for the potential arrival of veteran Jacoby Brissett, which could change the quarterback situation after Thursday’s game. Still, Fagnano has a chance to make an impression before that decision takes shape.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Joe Fagnano. His journey from a Maine walk-on to an undrafted rookie starting quarterback shows how quickly circumstances can change in professional football. The challenge against Jacksonville will be demanding, but it also gives him something every young quarterback wants: a genuine opportunity to prove that he belongs in the NFL.
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