Single game tickets are on sale now. Secure your seats for any of UC Davis' six home games today. Photo courtesy of UC Davis Athletics

DAVIS, CA (MPG) - Now under two weeks until kickoff of week one, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) released its Preseason FCS Coaches Poll on Monday, Aug. 17. UC Davis football has been slotted sixth in the top 25, marking the second time the Aggies have been ranked sixth in a preseason poll this summer.

Davis comes into this poll following a 9-4 record in 2025 that included a 6-2 mark in the Big Sky. In the final poll of last season, the team was ranked eighth in the nation.

The Aggies are one of four teams in the Big Sky Conference featured on this preseason poll, with the defending champions Montana State at No. 1, Montana at No. 2 and Northern Arizona at No. 24.

The 2026 Aggies are set to be loaded across the field, featuring All-Conference and All-American players in all phases of the game.

Leading the way on offense is Walter Payton Preseason Watch List Senior, Samuel Gbatu, Jr. The 2025 Big Sky leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns is back for his fifth season in the blue and gold, looking to leave his mark as the next great receiver for the Aggies.

Defensively, the Conners brothers of Rex and Porter have returned to the field after seeing their senior seasons cut short due to injury. Both men have been named STATS Perform and FCS Football Preseason All-Americans and Rex has been named to the Buck Buchanan Preseason Award Watch List for the third straight season after setting the program record for career tackles last season.

Other notable starters include center Zaire Collier, running back Jordan Fisher, defensive linemen Trent Carrade and Rayne Mayo Jr. and sophomore defensive back Drew Cofield.

The Aggies open the season on the road with the Big Sky opener against Portland State on Aug. 29. The home opener will be versus Stetson on Sept. 19.