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No. 9 UC Davis Debuts Tahoe-Themed Jerseys; Opens Big Sky Play With Visiting Weber State

DAVIS, Calif. – After a record setting crowd of 17,217 watched No. 9 UC Davis football open UC Davis Health Stadium with a win, the Aggies are now set to get Big Sky Conference play with Weber State making the trip on Saturday, Sept. 27.
 
Saturday's game is presented by the UC Davis Clear Center. The Aggies will also be debuting a new set of Tahoe-themed jerseys in partnership with the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC), celebrating their bold scientific breakthroughs with a bold new color (Bold Aqua) and logo.
 
HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW
UC Davis Health Stadium (10,743) | Davis, Calif. | Fan Gameday Information
Sept. 27 – vs. Weber State* | ESPN+/My58 | Listen | Live Stats | @UCDavisfootball
            * - Big Sky Conference Game

GAME NOTES
  • For the 13th time in history UC Davis and Weber State will meet, and its the first time in Davis since 2022. The Aggies took the previous game, 17-16, a 2023 match up in Ogden, Utah but Weber State won the previous game in Davis, 17-12. This also marks the 10th time the two meet as members of the Big Sky Conference, with the first two meetings in 2004 and 2010 acting as non-conference match ups in Ogden.
  • AN AGGIE WIN … Make it two-straight wins and three out of the last four for the Aggies and it also be the second-straight season UC Davis opened its Big Sky slate with a win. It would extend the winning streak against Weber State to two-straight and three out of the last four games would then go the way of the Aggies. The conference win would also give them two straight conference wins dating back to last season's win over Sacramento State in the season finale.
PREVIEWING THE WILDCATS
  • Weber State returned to Stewart Stadium for the home opener last Saturday night and defeated Butler 38-24 in the first ever meeting between the two schools. The Wildcats jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter. Weber State totaled 442 yards of offense, including a season-high 257 yards rushing. 
  • With the win, Weber State closed out the non-conference portion of the schedule with a 2-2 record, including a 2-0 mark against FCS schools. 
  • The Wildcats started the season with back-to-back road losses at James Madison and Arizona, but bounced back with a 42-41 win at McNeese last week. This was the first season ever that Weber State started the year with three straight road games, and now returns to the road for the Big Sky opener. 
  • The Wildcats just can't wait to get on the road again. After stopping home for the home opener at Stewart Stadium last Saturday, it's back on the road for the 'Cats this week.  
  • Weber State is playing four of its first five games on the road this season, one of 11 teams in the country to do so. 
  • WSU is the only team in the nation to play the first four road games in four different time zones (not including Hawaii). The Wildcats will travel more than 5,000 miles in the first four road games. 
  • After Saturday's game, Weber State will have three of the next four games at home. 
SEASON NOTES
  • Rex Connors set the program record for total tackles in the Aggie game at Washington, finishing with eight total tackles in the game to hit the 291 mark for his career. Connors passed Cal Aggie Hall of Famer Kris Spraker who sits at 290 career tackles during his career from 1997-2000. Connors moved into second-place at Utah Tech, passing Jason Hairston who sits at 271 total tackles from 1992-94 and he entered the game at Washington with 279 total tackles.
  • The Ags finally opened UC Davis Health Stadium when they welcome not only Southern Utah but also a record number of 17,217 Aggie fans, students and members of the Davis community. The Aggies did not disappoint, putting on a offensive show on the ground that nearly set a record that has stood since 1993 knocking off SUU 50-34 for the home opening win. As a team the Aggies rushed for 357 yards, the most in a game since 2021.
  • Jordan Fisher and Carter Vargas were explosive on the ground each breaking the century mark against Southern Utah to give UC Davis a pair of 100-yard rushers in a single game for only the eighth time in program history and first time since 2012. In the game Fisher broke out for his second-career 100-yard rushing game finishing with 170 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, while Vargas averaged 22.7 yards per carry on his way to 136 yards and two rushing touchdowns on just six touches.
  • After three games, Jordan Fisher has been averaging a high yardage per carry and his 8.7 yards per carry is evident of that. Nationally that places Fisher second in the country, behind only Montana's Eli Gillman who is averaging 9.1 yards per carry.
  • With Fisher and Vargas each running for 100 yards in the Aggie win over Southern Utah, UC Davis became the sixth team to complete that feat:
            EASTERN ILLINOIS (vs. Dayton, Aug. 28)
            - Cole LaCrue, QB (193 yds)/Charles Kellom, RB (133 yds)
            WEST GEORGIA (vs. Nicholls, Sept. 6)
            - Latrelle Murrell, RB (170 yds)/Davin Wydner, QB (103 yds)
            CHATTANOOGA (vs. Stetson, Sept. 13)
                  - Camden Orth, QB (118 yds)/Journey Wyche, RB (115 yds)/Justus Durant, RB (105 yds)
            LEHIGH (at Bucknell, Sept. 20)
            - Luke Yoder, RB (174 yds)/Jaden Green, RB (127 yds)
            MOREHEAD STATE (vs. Kentucky Christian, Sept. 20)
            - Craig Cunningham, RB (138 yds)/Isaac Stopke, RB (102 yds)
            UC DAVIS (vs. Southern Utah, Sept. 20)
            - Jordan Fisher, RB (170 yds)/Carter Vargas, RB (136 yds)
  • Rex Connors has been all over the field this season, and in two games where the stats have counted the Aggie all-time leader in tackles has averaged 11.5 tackles per game. That places him atop the Big Sky Conference and fifth in the nation
  • An absolute force all night long, Harvard graduate transfer Jacob Psyk set the tone up front for the Aggies in their home opening win over Southern Utah. Psyk set a career-high with seven total tackles, all solo, and he added a pair of sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss. The Crimson big fella also forced two fumbles, and his total numbers earned him Big Sky Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors.
  • True freshman cornerback Drew Cofield has started all three games for the Aggies, including the game in Montgomery that didn't finish. That makes him one of two freshman cornerbacks in the nation that can make that claim and one of three defensive freshmen who have started all their team's games.
TRUE FRESHMEN CORNERBACKS WHO HAVE STARTED ALL GAMES
            Drew Cofield (CB) - UC Davis (three starts)
            Caleb Ricks (CB) - Idaho (four starts)
  • 20 years ago, on Sept. 17, 2005, the 0-2 UC Davis Aggies traveled a few hours down the road to Stanford for its first matchup against the Cardinal in program history. The Aggies had only recently made the transition from Division II to Division I and entered the game 0-2 after close losses to open the season. It meant no difference, despite early turnovers that led directly to Stanford scores, the Aggies held their own up front and on both sides of the ball to keep things close. In the final two minutes Jon Grant took his Aggie offense down the field to set up a game winning score. The pass, caught by Blaise Smith in the corner of the end zone, capped off a great play called by head coach Bob Biggs to give the Aggies a win they still talk about on G Street
  • With 15 tackles at Utah Tech, Rex Connors was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week. Connors finished with eight solo tackles and seven assisted tackles to lead the defense in St. George. The Aggie defensive back also makes it two-straight season an Aggie has won the first week's edition of the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week, joining his brother Porter after his standout performance at California in the 2024 season opener
  • Part of the reason the Aggies came back from 17 down at Utah Tech was because of the second half performance by redshirt freshman quarterback Caden Pinnick and he was named the Stats Perform FCS National Freshman Player of the Week. Pinnick went 21-for-31, finishing with 253 total passing yards, three passing touchdowns and 14 yards rushing. In the second half Pinnick threw for 159 yards and three touchdowns to power the Aggies to 24 second half points. He became the first Aggie to earn national freshman honors since Nick Eaton earned the nod during the 2019 season
  • In the Aggie's second shot at getting 2025 started, UC Davis traveled to St. George, Utah and late in the third quarter they were trailing by 17 points. It was there they got rolling, scoring back-to-back touchdowns while holding Utah Tech to a three-and-out sandwiched in-between to get within three points late in the third quarter. A Hunter Ridley field goal near the end of the quarter tied things up and set UC Davis up to finish off its biggest comeback since 2018. Pinnick then hit Samuel Gbatu Jr., for a 60-yard touchdown that put the Aggies ahead for good. Nate Rutchena then sealed the game with an interception to lock up a win that featured 24-unanswered points
  • UC Davis and North Dakota State announced on Sept. 1, 2025 a home and home series starting in 2028. The Aggies will head to Fargo, N.D. to face the Bison in 2028 before the series moves to Davis, Calif., in 2029. It is a rematch of former Great West Conference foes and when they meet in 2028 it will be the 12th time in history and the first since 2019.
  • UC Davis, for the first time since 2006, opens its first three games away from Davis, California. After the Aggies visit Montgomery, they will travel to St. George, Utah to face Utah Tech before heading to Seattle, Washington to face the Washington Huskies. This year marks the third time in program history the Aggies have begun their season away from home for so long, spending the opening three weekends away in 2006 and 1978
TEAMS PLAYING AT LEAST FIRST THREE GAMES ON ROAD SINCE 2006
            - UC Davis (2025)
            - East Texas A&M (2025)
            - Southeastern Louisiana (2021; 2023)
            - Duquesne (2017)
            - Tarleton State (2013)
            - Charleston Southern (2008; 2009; 2011)
  • Returning for 2025 is talented safety Rex Connors, and he brings with him a collection of 2024 honors that have evolved into 2025 preseason accolades. Connors ended 2024 as a four-time All-American, first team All-Big Sky Conference honors and his 74 solo tackles set a program record. This season he comes in ranked as the No. 1 returning safety by HERO Sports and he has already earned multiple preseason All-American honors. Connors also became the first Aggie to be named the Big Sky Preseason Defensive Player of the Year to go along with Preseason All-Conference honors
  • UC Davis returns all its starting offensive linemen from the 2024 team, making them one of three teams in the nation that can make that claim. The Ags return tackles Eli Simonson and Ernesto Nava to go along with interior starters Zaire Collier (center), Jace Rodriguez and David Porotesano. David Main, once back from injury, will make the Ags six deep on the offensive line. The collection of talent meant that HERO Sports named the Aggie offensive line as the fourth best returning line in the nation
TEAMS RETURNING ALL FIVE STARTING OFFENSIVE LINEMEN IN FCS
            - UC Davis (Big Sky)
            - Charleston Southern (Big South)
            - North Carolina Central (MEAC)
  • Entering 2025 the Aggies have been finding themselves individually on several All-American lists, with five Aggies earning honors. Rex Connors (first team), Winston Williams (second team), Hunter Ridley (second team) and Porter Connors (third team) earned the honor from Stats Perform. While FCS Football Central added Jacob Psyk (second team) to a collection that saw Connors and Ridley earn first team honors, Williams earn second team honors and Porter bring home third team honors. It's the most preseason All-Americans in program history 
FAN EXPERINCE (AG DAY/JR. AGGIETTE CHEER CLINIC/FIRST YEAR FIELD STORM/CHICANX&LATINX HERITAGE MONTH): For the Big Sky opener fans and students can expect a full plate of events and giveaways when they come to Shredville. It is also the popular First Year Field Storm for the incoming UC Davis students.
  • AG DAY (PRESENTED BY THE UC DAVIS CLEAR CENTER): Come early to check out the live animals and agricultural booths outside Gate One
  • FIRST YEAR FIELD STORM (PRESENTED BY SOL AT WEST VILLAGE): All first year Aggies will lead the team out of the tunnel to start the game
  • JR. AGGIETTE CHEER CLINIC: Watch all of our Jr. Aggiettes perform live on the field with our cheer and dance teams
  • CHICANX&LATINX HERITAGE CELEBRATION: Swing by the tables on the east concourse to learn more about our campus organizations
  • FRATERNITY TAILGATE: Join the UC Davis fraternities out on Tailgate Town pregame at Bob Biggs Practice field to get tot know the members
  • HALFTIME KIDS RUN: The always popular halftime kids run is back! Fans are encouraged to meet behind the North Endzone towards the end of the first half to run across the field
  • AGGIE STEAM ENGINE: A staple of football for years, the steam engine has been restored to amplify every Aggie score!
MOBILE TICKET REMINDER: Fans are asked to download your mobile tickets prior to traveling to campus to avoid potential connectivity issues at UC Davis Health Stadium. Follow this LINK for more information on how to access your mobile tickets ahead of game time!
 
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.
 
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Players Mentioned

Zaire  Collier

#52 Zaire Collier

OL
6' 4"
Junior
Porter Connors

#39 Porter Connors

LB
6' 1"
Senior
Rex Connors

#4 Rex Connors

DB
6' 1"
Senior
Jordan Fisher

#20 Jordan Fisher

RB
5' 8"
Junior
David Main

#55 David Main

OL
6' 4"
Senior
Caden Pinnick

#12 Caden Pinnick

QB
6' 0"
Redshirt Freshman
David Porotesano

#65 David Porotesano

OL
6' 3"
Sophomore
Hunter Ridley

#43 Hunter Ridley

K
6' 1"
Senior
Jace Rodriguez

#64 Jace Rodriguez

OL
6' 5"
Redshirt Junior
Carter Vargas

#1 Carter Vargas

RB
6' 0"
Redshirt Freshman

Players Mentioned

Zaire  Collier

#52 Zaire Collier

6' 4"
Junior
OL
Porter Connors

#39 Porter Connors

6' 1"
Senior
LB
Rex Connors

#4 Rex Connors

6' 1"
Senior
DB
Jordan Fisher

#20 Jordan Fisher

5' 8"
Junior
RB
David Main

#55 David Main

6' 4"
Senior
OL
Caden Pinnick

#12 Caden Pinnick

6' 0"
Redshirt Freshman
QB
David Porotesano

#65 David Porotesano

6' 3"
Sophomore
OL
Hunter Ridley

#43 Hunter Ridley

6' 1"
Senior
K
Jace Rodriguez

#64 Jace Rodriguez

6' 5"
Redshirt Junior
OL
Carter Vargas

#1 Carter Vargas

6' 0"
Redshirt Freshman
RB