A fiber optic connector assembly comprising a connector housing, at least one multi-fiber ferrule maintained within the connector housing, the at least one multi-fiber ferrule defining a front end for presenting at least one optical fiber for optical connection with at least one other mating ferrule and a rear end for inserting the at least one optical fiber into the ferrule, and a biasing member maintained within the connector housing operable for providing a biasing force to the multi-fiber ferrule, wherein the biasing force is not applied to the rear end of the multi-fiber ferrule. A connector assembly including a 72 fiber ferrule and force centering structure for applying on-axis force to the ferrule, while preventing off-axis forces generated by a biasing spring from being applied to the ferrule.