The Baltimore Ravens will have a new starting quarterback Thursday night, with undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano preparing to make his first NFL start against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium.

Fagnano has gone from an overlooked college prospect to the most important player on Baltimore's offense in less than six months. With Lamar Jackson sidelined by a thumb injury and Tyler Huntley out for the season with a turf toe injury, the former UConn standout will lead a Ravens team trying to end a three-game losing streak. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed Tuesday that Fagnano will start against Jacksonville, making him the second undrafted rookie quarterback in franchise history to start an NFL game.

Here are five things to know about Baltimore's newest starting quarterback.

Joe Fagnano player profile

Joe Fagnano

BALTIMORE RAVENS · NO. 12

1. Fagnano was a walk-on at Maine before becoming a college standout

Fagnano began his college career at Maine, where he developed from an FCS walk-on into a productive starting quarterback. The Williamsport, Pennsylvania, native spent four seasons with the Black Bears before transferring to UConn in 2023. His first season with the Huskies was interrupted by a shoulder injury, but Fagnano eventually emerged as one of the program's most accomplished passers.

Across 51 collegiate games at Maine and UConn, he threw for 10,926 yards, 94 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.

2. He threw 28 touchdowns and just one interception in 2025

Fagnano delivered his best college season in 2025, completing 285 of 413 passes for 3,448 yards, 28 touchdowns and just one interception. His 161.03 passing efficiency rating established a UConn school record, while his single interception was the fewest in program history for a quarterback in a season. Fagnano was also a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award and helped the Huskies finish 9-3. His accuracy and ability to protect the football are particularly important for a Baltimore offense that cannot afford unnecessary turnovers against Jacksonville.

3. Fagnano led the NFL in passing yards during the preseason

Despite going undrafted, Fagnano earned a roster spot after an impressive preseason performance. He led the NFL with 509 preseason passing yards and completed 49 of 75 attempts, throwing three touchdowns and one interception.

General manager Eric DeCosta rewarded Fagnano with a spot on Baltimore's initial 53-man roster, giving the Ravens an unexpected third quarterback. His preseason performance also helped establish confidence among the coaching staff before injuries forced him into a starting role.

4. His wife helps him study Baltimore's playbook at home

Fagnano has developed an unusual preparation routine with his wife, Lydia, who helps him rehearse plays in their living room. The rookie quarterback revealed that his wife reads plays aloud during their walkthrough sessions, helping him prepare for different situations. His preparation has impressed teammates, including wide receiver Zay Flowers, who has praised Fagnano's knowledge of the offense.

That familiarity could prove valuable Thursday, especially as offensive coordinator Declan Doyle tries to simplify the game plan for an inexperienced starter.

5. He'll become the second undrafted rookie QB to start for Baltimore

Fagnano joins Anthony Brown, who started against Cincinnati in 2022, as the only undrafted rookie quarterbacks to start a game in Ravens franchise history. Fagnano made his NFL debut Sunday against Buffalo, completing 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and an interception after injuries to Jackson and Huntley.

He also suffered an ankle injury but participated fully in Tuesday's practice. Now, he'll face a Jacksonville defense ranked second in the NFL in scoring defense. Baltimore enters Thursday at 4-4, and Fagnano's ability to protect the football, manage the offense, and lean on Derrick Henry could determine whether the Ravens can end their losing streak.

For a quarterback who began his college career as a walk-on, Thursday represents the biggest opportunity of his football career.