Six UC Davis football players have been named to the 2026 FCS Football Central Preseason All-America team, sharing the second-most selections among FCS programs with South Dakota State. Samuel Gbatu Jr., Porter Connors, and Rex Connors represent the First Team, while Jordan Fisher, Winston Williams, and Drew Cofield are on the Second Team. Gbatu Jr. led the Big Sky Conference last season with impressive stats, while Connors comes back from an injury to reinforce the defense. This recognition underscores UC Davis' competitive standing as one of 40 teams represented in this honor across 11 conferences.

By the Numbers
  • Gbatu Jr. recorded 1,169 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, ranking second in the nation.
  • Jordan Fisher rushed for 1,121 yards, ranking third in the Big Sky and 13th nationally in 2025.
Yes, But

The notable absence of any UC Davis players on the First Team defense may raise concerns among fans about the team's overall defensive strength moving into the season.

State of Play
  • UC Davis is strategically preparing for the upcoming season with multiple key players returning from injury.
  • Tickets for the 2026 season, including mini plans and group packages, are currently available.
What's Next

As the season approaches, UC Davis will look to leverage its standout players to improve upon last year's performance and aim for a deeper run in the playoffs.

Bottom Line

With a strong representation on the Preseason All-America team, UC Davis is in a solid position to compete in the FCS landscape, and their upcoming performances will be crucial for capitalizing on this momentum.