UC Davis men's soccer kicks off its 2026 season against Sacramento State on Thursday and hosts Cal Poly on Sunday. This season marks the team's inaugural participation in the Mountain West Conference, under the seasoned leadership of Head Coach Dwayne Shaffer, who has achieved 269 career victories. The Aggies’ squad features 28 players, including 16 returning and 12 newcomers, after graduating nine seniors. Shaffer expresses optimism about the team's athleticism and soccer intelligence, setting high expectations for their performance in the new league.

By the Numbers
  • UC Davis finished 2025 with a record of 4-3-2 in Big West play.
  • Shaffer enters his 30th season with the program, currently holding the 17th most NCAA wins among active Division I coaches.
State of Play
  • The Aggies are set to compete in a six-team Mountain West Conference.
  • UC Davis was picked third in the preseason coaches' poll with 15 points.
  • Upcoming matches include away games at Pacific and Stanford before commencing conference play on Sept. 26.
What's Next

Following the pair of initial games, UC Davis will prepare to face other conference rivals, with an emphasis on strong performances against top-ranked teams. Looking ahead, the Aggies aim to build momentum leading into the inaugural Mountain West Men's Soccer Championship in November, potentially impacting their NCAA Tournament aspirations.

Bottom Line

UC Davis men’s soccer is poised for a fresh start as it transitions to the Mountain West Conference, demonstrating promise with its athletic roster and experienced coaching staff. The early season matches will be crucial for establishing the team's identity and competitive edge in a new league setting.