Logo courtesy of UC Davis Athletics

DAVIS, CA (MPG) - Special teams can change a game in an instant through field position, timely execution and explosive plays. A well-placed punt can pin an opponent deep. A clean operation can turn a late drive into points. One crease in the return game can immediately shift field position and momentum.

As UC Davis prepares for the 2026 season, the Aggies enter with experience at several important spots alongside new faces stepping into key roles within the unit.

“Our group is going to be a group that hangs its hat on its work ethic, and we are a group that’s going to play with a lot of confidence,” special teams coordinator Cody vonAppen said.

That group includes veteran long snapper Joseph Adema, sophomore long snapper Conner Hergert and junior punter Dylan Mauro, along with a collection of young specialists preparing to contribute.

The most established returning specialist is Mauro, who handled nearly all of the Aggies’ punting responsibilities during his first season in Davis.

Mauro punted 40 times for 1,774 yards in 2025, averaging 44.4 yards per attempt. Nine of those punts traveled at least 50 yards, 13 landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and 16 resulted in fair catches. His season included a career-long 67-yard punt against Southern Utah and a 58-yard average against Idaho State.

Mauro also contributed beyond traditional punts. He completed his only passing attempt for 27 yards and converted a two-point attempt on the ground against Southern Utah, giving UC Davis another option when an opportunity presents itself.

The Aggies also return Adema, who provided consistency throughout the 2025 season. The senior served as the primary long snapper on field goals, point-after attempts and punts, giving UC Davis an experienced presence at a position where precision and reliability are essential.

Hergert adds another option at long snapper as the Aggies continue building depth throughout the specialist group.

Placekicker represents the unit’s largest transition following the departure of Hunter Ridley. Ridley accounted for a team-leading 89 points last season, converting 14 field goals and 47 point-after attempts.

UC Davis’ group of kickers includes sophomore kicker and punter Tyler Hughes, sophomore Missouri transfer Robert “Robbie” Meyer and freshman Daniel Amoako, a product of Summit High School in the Inland Empire. While the group is young in terms of collegiate game experience, fall camp provided each player with opportunities to perform under pressure and establish consistency.

“Our job is to recruit and develop young men to reach their potential,” vonAppen said. “I think you do that by connecting with them on and off the field—just being there for them, mentoring them throughout and creating a culture where they can be themselves and do their best work.”

UC Davis opened the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, after press time, when the Aggies visited Portland State.