UC Davis Aggies football is set to engage in a home-and-home series with Harvard, marking an important intersection of Big Sky and Ivy League football. The Aggies will travel to Cambridge on September 18, 2027, with Harvard visiting Davis on September 20, 2031. Head coach Tim Plough emphasizes the significance of facing an Ivy League opponent and the shared commitment to both athletics and academics. This matchup is anticipated to be a meaningful challenge and a long-term fixture for both programs. Notably, this will be UC Davis's first encounter with an Ivy League team on the football field.

By the Numbers
  • UC Davis has played only 10 games east of the Mississippi River, with this marking their first matchup against an Ivy League team.
  • The game in 2027 will be the third-ever matchup between a Big Sky team and an Ivy League opponent, with a current record of 2-1 in favor of the Big Sky.
State of Play
  • The Aggies currently have connections with Ivy League schools, including graduate transfers from Harvard and Dartmouth.
  • UC Davis will transition 16 of their sports to the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2026-27, indicating future competitive shifts.
What's Next

As the series approaches, both teams will likely strategize around game preparations and player development to enhance their performances. This matchup could lead to further collaborations or games with Ivy League schools, expanding competitive opportunities for UC Davis.

Bottom Line

This home-and-home series signifies a noteworthy step for UC Davis football, helping to elevate the program's profile and enrich player experience through competitive challenges against prestigious universities.