UConn freshman wing Braylon Mullins suffered an ankle injury in practice this week, the team announced Friday.
The initial timetable for a return to full competition is approximately six weeks, according to a release, and he will be continuously evaluated throughout his recovery.
UConn, ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, is set to host Michigan State at PeoplesBank Arena in an exhibition on Tuesday ahead of its Nov. 3 season-opener against New Haven. Given the six-week time frame, Mullins will likely return in December.
Set up to succeed, Braylon Mullins is positioned to be UConn’s next great freshman
One of four McDonald’s All-Americans in Dan Hurley’s last three recruiting classes, Mullins was named Big East Preseason Freshman of the Year by the league’s coaches at Big East Media Day on Tuesday. It was the third year in a row in which UConn had the league’s preseason top freshman, following a pair of one-and-done first round picks in Stephon Castle and Liam McNeeley.
The 6-foot-6, Greenfield, Indiana, native started in UConn’s first preseason exhibition against Boston College and scored 12 points in 16 minutes on 4 of 9 shooting from the field. He has expectations to be one of the best freshman shooters in the nation this season.
His absence will test the depth that Hurley has touted all offseason and lead to more playing time for juniors Jaylin Stewart and Jayden Ross. Stewart, who averaged 5.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in 17.8 minutes per game last season and had seven double-figure scoring nights, will likely step in as the starting 3-man.
“The roster is screaming for those wings — Jaylin and Jayden — to really emerge as guys that can lock up on defense and be productive, big wings,” Hurley said after the exhibition at Mohegan Sun.
UConn continues to monitor center Tarris Reed Jr., who missed the first exhibition with a hamstring injury and is hopeful to be available for the season-opener.
Originally Published: October 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM EDT
