Former Lawrence Central star Mickens will transfer from Ohio State to UConn

Former Lawrence Central football star Joshua Mickens plans to transfer to UConn.

The 6-3, 250-pound Mickens, a defensive end, was the No. 1 prospect in the state in the graduating class of 2023, signing with Ohio State in December of 2022. Mickens, who had previously been committed to LSU, played sporadically in his time with the Buckeyes. In 12 games in 2024 and ’25, he finished with six tackles and one sack.

Lawrence Central coach Will Patterson confirmed a CBS Sports report that Mickens was headed to UConn, which recently hired former Toledo coach Jason Candle. Mickens, a four-star prospect coming out of high school, has two years of eligibility remaining.

Decatur Central quarterback Bo Polston is also headed to UConn, switching his commitment from Toledo after Candle’s coaching move. The Huskies have hit the transfer portal hard after last year’s 9-4 season. Jim Mora Jr. left as UConn’s coach after the season for Colorado State.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter. And be sure to subscribe to our new IndyStarTV: Preps YouTube channel.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Former Lawrence Central star Josh Mickens will transfer from Ohio State to UConn