DAVIS, Calif. – Over the course of a football game, special teams can play a big factor in the difference between winning and losing. Entering 2025 UC Davis football boasts a special teams unit that can claim an All-American kicker, a strong collection of returners and a competitive room of punters making the Aggie special teams a force to reckon with.
 
"I want our specialists to have ice in their veins and be able to handle all the big moments," said special teams coordinator Taylor Chapatte. "We want them to be calm, cool and collected. We've got playmakers and because of that I feel the entire unit is going to be explosive."
 
The big name returning for the Aggies is preseason All-American kicker Hunter Ridley. Ridley has had a busy summer of accolades, earning STATS Perform Second Team Preseason All-American honors along with being named Big Sky Preseason All-Conference. the Aggie primary kicker was also nominated for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. He was named a 2024 Fred Mitchell Award finalist after going 16-for-18 in field goals and hitting 56 PATs during the 2024 campaign.
 
"Hunter was lights out for us last year and he is a big part of what we were able to get done on special teams last year," said Chapatte. "He is the leader of the group and we are excited to see how he does this season."
 
At punter the Aggies brought in transfer Dylan Mauro (Southwestern Oklahoma State/UTEP) to battle things out with returning punter Cade Cox. Cox made 12 punts for an average of 34.6 yards per punt during the 2024 season, placing two inside the 20. While Mauro placed 19 punts inside the 20 while totaling 2,764 total yards during his 2024 campaign at Southwestern Oklahoma State.
 
"We brought in Dylan and he has been battling it out with Cade who returns from last year's team," added Chapatte. "Both are key parts and it's been great watching the two of them fight to earn the job during camp."
 
The Aggies return returners Samuel Gbatu, Jr. and Matteo Perez. The two Ags combined for seven kick returns for 107 yards and Perez brought back 20 punts during the 2024 season.
 
"Our metaphor on special teams is 'Juice' because our unit provides a big charge for the team," said Chapatte. "We're going to win games on special teams this season, and it's going to be exciting to watch."
 
UC Davis opens 2025 on Aug. 23 in Montgomery, Ala., when they face No. 12 Mercer in the 2025 FCS Kickoff Classic. That game is set to kickoff at 4 p.m. PT and will be aired on ESPN and can be heard on Sactown Sports 1140. The Aggies open UC Davis Health Stadium on Sept. 20 when Southern Utah visits Davis for a 7 p.m. kick.
 
SEASON TICKETS: Season tickets are on sale now, and fans can head here to secure their spot in Shredville for the 2025 season. Tickets start as low as $100 for new alumni and $140 for the general public.

GROUP TICKETS: Football group ticket discounts start at 10 or more tickets and provide a great opportunity for gatherings and parties to enjoy Aggie football. If you'd like to create an unforgettable experience with your group, the Aggie Ticket Office is here to help you customize your day! Fans can head to THIS LINK to purchase their group ticket packages.
 
MINI PLANS: Mini Plans are a great way for Aggie fans to save on tickets by bundling multiple games. Choose from 2 different options to get the biggest bang for your buck, and fans get to pick the games that work the best for you. The Pick Any 2 or Pick Any 3 Plans allow fans to pick and choose which games they want to attend at a discounted rate versus buying single-game tickets. Both plans can be purchased here.
 
SINGLE GAME TICKETS: Single game tickets are on sale now and fans can secure their spot at one five home games for as little as $13 a ticket. HEAD HERE to buy single game tickets today.