UC Davis football's head coach Tim Plough, along with players Sam Gbatu Jr. and Drew Cofield, will represent the team at the 2026 Big Sky Football Kickoff Weekend in Spokane, Wash., from July 25-27. This marks Gbatu Jr.'s second consecutive appearance and Cofield's first at this major preseason event, which signifies the official start of the college football season. They will be featured live on ESPN+ on July 27, with specific times announced later. The Aggies recently reached the NCAA Division I Playoff Quarterfinals for the second year in a row, showcasing a strong competitive history. This season, they will host ESPN2 for the first time during a regular season game against Eastern Washington on October 3.

By the Numbers
  • UC Davis has finished in the top eight of the NCAA playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
  • Season tickets are available starting at $100 for new alumni (2017-26 graduates) and $140 for the general public.
State of Play
  • The Aggies begin their season on August 29 against Portland State in a Big Sky matchup.
  • The team opens UC Davis Health Stadium on September 19 against Stetson.
What's Next

Moving forward, UC Davis is gearing up for its highly anticipated season opener and looks to build on its playoff success. With multiple televised games on ESPN networks, visibility for the program is set to increase. The results of the Big Sky Kickoff Weekend may also impact team morale and performance as they head into the regular season.

Bottom Line

UC Davis football is poised for a promising season with key players showcasing their talents at the Big Sky Football Kickoff Weekend, enhancing the program's profile. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as the team aims to leverage its recent successful playoff runs into a strong performance for the upcoming season.