DAVIS, Calif. — With fall just around the corner, No. 5 UC Davis football has landed four players on the STATS Perform FCS Preseason All-American Team, with Samuel Gbatu, Jr. and Rex Connors landing on the First Team, Winston Williams making it onto the Second Team, and Porter Connors rounding it out on the Third Team.

In a list dominated by Big Sky teams, the Aggies rank second among their conference in selections.

After leading the team in receptions in 2025, Gbatu Jr. enters year five looking for more. As a senior, he led both the Aggies and the Big Sky in receiving yards while also leading the conference in receiving touchdowns with 11 and receiving yards per game with 89.9. His 11 touchdowns also tied him for third most in program history for the most in a single season. With seven 100+ receiving yard games, he was named an All-Big Sky First Team selection at season's end while also being named an AFCA and FCS Football Central All-American as a First Teamer and Second Teamer respectively. 

Following a season cut short by injury in 2025, Rex looks to leave a legacy in Davis during his final year in 2026. In four games a season ago, he surpassed a program record with 291 career tackles, set during a nationally televised game up in Washington on Sept. 6. The four-time Preseason All-American made 45 total tackles, having 10 or more in a game twice, including 15 against future conference opponent Utah Tech on Aug. 30. For his efforts, he was awarded the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week and STATS Perform FCS National Honorable Mention Defensive Player of the Week.

After just three games a year ago, Williams looks to return to his All-Big Sky First Team form from 2024 as a fifth year senior. Last season, he had five catches for 45 yards while adding a touchdown in the team's home opener against Southern Utah on Sept. 20.

Porter, whose season was also cut short due to injury last year, is back after collecting 25 tackles and one fumble recovery in four games played. The 2024 Big Sky Second Team honoree made a season-high 10 tackles while recovering a fumble against Utah Tech on Aug. 30.

The Aggies open the season Aug. 29 up in Portland for the Big Sky opener against Portland State. Shredville will be open for business on Sept. 19 when Stetson comes to town.

BUY 2026 MINI PLANS

Mini Plans are a great way for Aggie fans to save on tickets by bundling multiple games. Choose from two different options to get the biggest bang for your buck, and pick the games that work best for you.

Both Mini Plan options give fans tickets to the game against Montana and allow them to choose any one or two additional games they want to attend at a discounted rate versus buying single-game tickets. All mini plan seats will be located in section 119 or 125 on the West side of UC Davis Health Stadium.

BUY 2026 SEASON TICKETS

Season tickets start as low as $100 for new alumni (2017-26 UC Davis graduates) and $140 for the general public. Fans can also expect a variety of perks, including priority access to postseason tickets, select away games and parking. All season ticket holders receive a dedicated Aggie Ticket Representative who oversees their account, flexible payment plan options and access to exclusive season ticket holder events. Get your season tickets today by heading here, emailing the Aggie Ticket Office at aggietickets@ucdavis.edu or by calling the ticket office at (530) 752-2471.

BUY 2026 GROUP TICKETS

Football group ticket discounts start at just 10 tickets and provide a great opportunity for company outings, family gatherings, and parties to enjoy Aggie football together. Create the birthday experience of a lifetime with a player high-five tunnel or enjoy a personal tailgate space prior to the game with your colleagues that's already set up and ready for you! Give the Aggie Ticket Office a call at 530-752-2471, and our team can help customize an unforgettable experience for your group. Fans can head to THIS LINK to purchase their group ticket packages.

BUY 2026 TAILGATE/PARKING SPOTS

Fans can head to THIS LINK or reach out to Jordan Kurtz at 530-304-1433 or at jkurtz@ucdavis.edu for more information on purchasing tailgating or parking spots for the upcoming season.

ABOUT UC DAVIS ATHLETICS: 

UC Davis, ranked No. 2 among public universities by the Wall Street Journal in the value of a college degree, is home to 40,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 employees. Ranked top in the United States in agriculture and forestry as well as No. 1 in veterinary medicine, UC Davis is located in a true California college town nestled between world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. Over 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports, with 16 sports transitioning to the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2026–27. 

For more information, visit https://ucdavisaggies.com/.