Brock catches up with UC Davis football analyst Scott Gordon to break down a rollercoaster Aggie season. From the heartbreaking Idaho State loss to the upcoming must-win stretch against Idaho, Montana State, and Sacramento State, this conversation dives deep into the team’s mentality, coaching, and leadership. Scott shares inside insights from the booth, candid thoughts on the coordinators, and optimism around QB Caden Pinnick’s rise as a freshman leader.
Key Topics Covered:
Scott’s reflections on the podcast’s impact and the UC Davis fan community
What’s working and what’s breaking down defensively for the Aggies
Injuries to key players (Rex & Porter Connors, Ty Richardson, Drew Cofield, Carter Vargas) and their ripple effects
Why special teams miscues continue to haunt UC Davis
The offensive red-zone identity and how Caden Pinnick’s mobility can help
The mental reset after the Idaho State loss — and why the team’s leadership core still believes
Preview of the road matchup at Idaho: the Vandals’ top defensive ends, QB Joshua Wood, RB Elisha Cummings, and the unique challenge of the Kibbie Dome
What it’ll take to win two of the next three games and keep playoff hopes alive
Unsung heroes: tight ends Ian Simpson & Mitchell Dixon, defensive linemen Trent Carrad, Sam Goligoski, Jacob Syke, and kicker Hunter Ridley
Caden Pinnick’s poise, production (70% completion rate, 17 TDs), and why Scott believes “anything can happen” down the stretch
Memorable Quotes:
“Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you respond. I’m looking forward to seeing the 90% now.” — Scott Gordon
“People care — that’s what you want in a program. You’re creating a rabid fan base.” — Scott Gordon
“I still believe anything can happen because of Caden Pinnick.” — Brock Galvin
In this powerful and candid conversation, UC Davis Head Coach Tim Plough joins hosts Dwight Smith and Brock Galvin during the Aggies’ bye week to reflect on leadership, purpose, and the grind of the season. Plough opens up about balancing family life with coaching, his long-term vision for the program, and why he’s committed to Davis despite outside interest from major FBS programs.
He also shares exclusive details about a new UC Davis Football fundraising event coming February 28, 2026 in San Francisco, offering alumni and fans a chance to rally together around the future of Aggie football.
This episode covers it all — belief, legacy, the anchor vs. the sails, player leadership, and how the Aggies are finding ways to win through adversity.
Leadership and Family Balance: How Plough recharges through time with his family and his daily routine for mental and physical health.
Building UC Davis Football: Reflections on progress, vision, and the next steps needed to compete with the top FCS programs.
The Anchor and the Sails: Coach Plough’s metaphor for purpose, priorities, and staying grounded amid external job offers.
Adversity and Resilience: Overcoming season-ending injuries, staying unified, and the “Aggie Pride” mindset that drives the team.
Leadership Council: Spotlight on the seven-player group leading the locker room, including Mitch Dixon, the Conners Twins, Sam Gbatu, Jayden Stanley, and others.
Caden Pinnick’s Rise: How the freshman QB’s work ethic and development have fueled his breakout season.
Exclusive Announcement: Details on the upcoming UC Davis Wine & Football Fundraiser – February 28, 2026 at Local Edition Bar, San Francisco.
Brock Galvin, Dwight Smith, Nick King, and Daniel Alfaro reunite for a packed Aggie Pride homecoming edition after UC Davis defeated Northern Arizona 45–24 at UC Davis Health Stadium. The guys break down the game from every angle — offense, defense, and special teams — while weaving in stories from the alumni tailgate, locker room access, and classic Aggie nostalgia.
Final Score: UC Davis 45, Northern Arizona 24
Record: 5–0 vs. FCS opponents, 3–0 in Big Sky play
Theme: Slow start, strong finish.
The Aggies turned a 10–7 halftime deficit into a dominant second half, putting up 38 unanswered points led by QB Caden Pinnock’s clinical performance.
Caden Pinnock (QB): 25/29, 348 yards, 5 TDs — calm, poised, and in full command of the offense.
Gattu Batu (WR): Breakout statement game with multiple big catches and yards after the catch.
Stacy Dobbins (WR): First career touchdown and several highlight plays, including an acrobatic sideline grab.
Jordan Fisher & Carter Vargas: Electric combo in the backfield; big special teams contributions.
Defensive Front: 9 team TFLs, relentless pressure, and a crucial forced fumble recovery by Kalani Riddick to swing momentum.
Jackson Sievers (LB): Emerging as the glue of the defense, filling in for injured starters and earning Before the Big Sky Player of the Game.
Brock: UC Davis is on the rise but must stop the run and establish consistency to become a tier-one FCS program.
Dwight: Emphasizes special teams consistency and the importance of finishing games cleanly.
Nick: Praises the defensive line’s bounce-back performance and calls for improvement in kickoff coverage.
Danny: Notes the need for faster starts and for the team to “put their foot on the gas early.”
Brock: Jackson Sievers (LB, Capistrano Valley HS) — Tough, fast, filling a huge gap for the defense.
Dwight: Stacy Dobbins (WR, St. John Bosco) — First TD, elite burst, and strong blocking.
Nick: The Entire Offensive Line — Protecting Pinnock and opening lanes for the run game.
Danny: Caden Pinnick — The maestro of the offense and potential Walter Payton Award candidate.
Locker room access with Coach Plowright’s fiery pregame speech.
Cameos from UC Davis legends: Taylor Sloat, Bakari Grant, E.J. Brown, Reggie Mason, Jimmy Kunkel, and more.
Shoutout to the Krieger Terrace reception and the growing alumni community.
Dwight’s idea: keep building the “alumni caravan” — show up, reconnect, and represent Aggie Pride.
Brock: “You’ll go through the dark night of your soul — so go through it. Be humble and fearless. Go for it.”
Dwight: “This team iced a game for the first time all year. Build on that.”
Nick: “Nothing beats homecoming, a Froggy’s burger, and a UC Davis win.”
Danny: “The vibe was special — let’s pack the stands and keep showing up for these guys.”
#UCDavisFootball #AggiePridePodcast #Homecoming2025 #GoAgs #FCSFootball #BigSkyFootball #CadenPinnick #GotoGbatu
In this week’s episode, Brock and Dwight sit down with two of the most spirited voices in UC Davis athletics, Michael Lee (current Aggie Pack MC) and Scott Judson (former Aggie Pack MC and past UC Davis Alumni President).
Together, the crew dives into the past, present, and future of Aggie fandom — from the rowdy Toomey Field days and legendary “Aggie Pack Extremists,” to the growing energy around UC Davis Health Stadium.
You’ll hear stories about:
How Michael Lee went from unpaid sports intern to the face of the modern Aggie Pack.
The legacy of the Toomey Field North End Zone and how it built Aggie tradition.
The challenges of rebuilding student engagement post-COVID.
What it means to keep the Aggie Spirit alive — from the student section to alumni tailgates.
Plus: shoutouts to Woodstock’s Pizza, Hunan, and a few well-earned Aggie Pack ego boosts.
Whether you remember the Toomey Tunnel or just showed up for BrewFest, this one’s a fun, nostalgic, and honest look at what makes UC Davis football our community team.
The Aggies keep the Golden Horseshoe in Davis with a gritty 34–27 win over Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo! Brock and Dwight break down the rivalry game, share stories from the road, and highlight the standout performances that defined the night.
Victory in SLO – UC Davis earns its ninth straight win over Cal Poly, keeping the Golden Horseshoe streak alive.
Caden Pinnock’s Breakout Game – Over 300 yards passing, a rushing TD, and absolute command of the offense.
Playmakers Everywhere – Zach Jones’ two touchdowns, big catches from Stacey Dobbins and Ian Simpson, plus tough blocking from the WRs and TEs.
Defense Rising Up – Despite key injuries (Connors brothers, Cam Totten), young players like Jackson Sievers and Jaden Stanley stepped up in big moments.
On the Road in San Luis Obispo – Brock and Dwight talk about the Cal Poly gameday experience, running into Aggie families, and what it’s like celebrating with Aggie fans away from home.
Looking Ahead – With Homecoming on deck and injuries piling up, how will UC Davis respond?
Aggie families and alumni who showed up in force in SLO
Woodstocks Pizza & a special Ethiopian-inspired old fashioned
Sponsors like BPM & Jay and everyone supporting Aggie Pride
The Aggies move to 4–1 (4–0 vs. FCS) and now look ahead to a huge Homecoming matchup against Northern Arizona.
👉 Follow us on Instagram [@AggiePridePodcast] for recap videos, behind-the-scenes, and new Aggie Pride hats.
🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Shoutouts
Our 6th year Senior Captain, Mitchell Dixon, joins the show to preview the dominant 34-12 win over the Weber State Wildcats. He speaks about the challenge Coach Tim Plough gave the TE Room, how the team is responding to the Winston Williams injury, and what it will take to beat Cal Poly in this weekend's Battle for the Golden Horseshoe.
This week on Aggie Pride: A UC Davis Football Podcast, we bring you a special two-part episode.
First, Brock sits down with Meghan Robinson, Director of Broadcast & Digital Media for the Big Sky Conference. Meghan shares her incredible journey from ESPN’s College GameDay—where she produced some of the show’s most moving features—to leading Big Sky storytelling today. She opens up about:
How a New England Patriots fan from Philly found her way into college football media.
Memorable behind-the-scenes GameDay stories (including Lee Corso, Tom Rinaldi, and the Navy goat 🐐).
The power of storytelling in sports and why FCS football deserves the spotlight.
What excites her most about the 2025 Big Sky season and the players to watch.
Then, Brock is joined by fellow Aggie alums Daniel Alfaro (QB10) and Brad Bispo (TE) for a nostalgic, fun, and football-filled conversation. Together, they:
Share their UC Davis football stories and memories from the locker room to the tunnel.
Reflect on the brotherhood, road trips, and unforgettable games that shaped their time in Aggie blue.
Break down the upcoming UC Davis vs. Weber State matchup—what to expect from both sides of the ball, key players to watch, and what it will take for the Aggies to win.
Roast each other a little along the way (including Brad’s blocking skills and Danny’s QB takes).
Whether you’re here for the inside look at college sports media or the Aggie football nostalgia and game preview, this episode has a little something for everyone.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube for more Aggie Pride content, and follow us on social @AggiePridePod for updates all season long.
In this episode of Aggie Pride, hosts Brock Galvin and Nick King reflect on UC Davis's impressive 50-34 victory over Southern Utah. They discuss personal highlights from the game, including interactions with coaches and alumni, and delve into the game's key moments, standout performances, and the overall atmosphere. The conversation covers the effectiveness of the Aggies' offense, the challenges faced by the defense, and the impact of special teams. They also analyze the performance of quarterback Caden Pinnick and the contributions of freshmen players, concluding with their players of the game and thoughts on the team's future.
UC Davis football is finally back home at UC Davis Health Stadium, and Brock and Nick are breaking down everything you need to know heading into the matchup against Southern Utah. From explosive quarterbacks to defensive playmakers, this episode dives deep into the keys for both sides of the ball.
Southern Utah Recap – A wild first three weeks for the Thunderbirds, including their 50–49 shootout against Northern Arizona.
Offensive Breakdown – Why QB Bronson Barron and RB Joshua Dye make SUU a dangerous opponent, and how their offense mirrors UC Davis with motion, play-action, and rhythm.
Defensive Preview – Spotlighting linebacker Sebastian Adamski, edge rusher Lando Jones, and transfer talent that gives SUU grit despite giving up big points.
Keys to the Game – What UC Davis must do on offense, defense, and special teams to secure the win at home.
Caden Pinnick Factor – Why this could be the week for Aggie fans to see Pinnick’s dual-threat ability shine.
Memories & Rivalry Vibes – Brock and Nick reflect on their playing days against Southern Utah, road trip horror stories, and why this matchup always feels tricky.
Score Predictions – Will the Aggies blow the doors off, or is this a game that comes down to the final drive?
Two special interviews you won’t want to miss:
Carter Vargas – The young Aggie linebacker shares insight on the team’s preparation and mindset.
Ari Osier – Assistant AD and equipment room legend gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps the program running.
In this episode, Brock is joined by former UC Davis defensive standout and team MVP Bobby Erskine as guest co-host. Together, they walk down memory lane—from Bobby’s recruiting story and early years at Davis to his role on the search committee that helped bring in the next UCD Head Coach. Bobby shares candid stories about playing against NFL talent, the “Lost Boys” defensive unit, and how Aggie Pride has stuck with him long after his playing days.
The episode also features a special guest interview with Defensive Coordinator Matt Coombs, who reflects on:
Building a new-look defense with young and transfer players.
Teaching resilience, fundamentals, and staying calm under pressure.
Preparing to face a Washington team just two years removed from the national championship game.
Returning home to Husky Stadium, where his own love for football began.
Finally, Brock and Bobby break down UC Davis’ matchup with Washington:
Key players to watch, including the Connors brothers and new defensive standouts.
Early season takeaways and what’s impressed so far.
Score predictions and what it will take for the Aggies to compete at a Power 4 level.
In this episode of Aggie Pride, Brock catches up with former UC Davis quarterback and current sideline correspondent Daniel Alfaro. Danny brings his unique perspective as both a player and analyst, sharing what it’s like to travel with the Aggies, sit in on team meetings, and feel the pulse of the program on game day.
Behind the Scenes – Danny breaks down Fast Friday, pregame routines, and the energy that carries the team from meetings to kickoff.
Game Recap – A detailed look at UC Davis’s performance in St. George, including offensive sparks, defensive resilience, and special teams momentum shifts.
QB Room Discipline – Insights into Caden Pinnick’s growth, the pressure of being QB1, and how the coaching staff balances development with game-day execution.
Defensive Adjustments – How the Aggie D stood tall in the second half, dealt with field position battles, and made key stops when it mattered most.
Faith, Adversity & Brotherhood – Danny and Brock reflect on the bigger picture: how Aggie Pride extends beyond the field into life, resilience, and community.
Personal Reflections – From childhood memories of Friday night lights to the ongoing bond between alumni and current players, Danny shares what makes UC Davis special.
This conversation shows how Aggie Pride isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s about the lifelong network, lessons of resilience, and passion for football that stays long after the final whistle.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why This Episode Matters
In this week’s episode of Aggie Pride, Brock and Dwight sit down with two rising stars of the UC Davis defensive line: Sam Goligoski (Serra High School) and Trent Carrade (Marin Catholic). Best friends off the field and impact players on it, Sam and Trent share their football journeys, their bond as roommates, and what fuels their drive as Aggies.
Football Origins – How both Sam and Trent went from undersized high school athletes during COVID to carving out roles as preferred walk-ons at UC Davis.
High School Influences – The life-shaping lessons from legendary Bay Area coaches Patrick Walsh (Serra) and Mazi Moayed (Marin Catholic).
Stepping Into the Spotlight – Reflections on last year’s opportunities, including battling through injuries and sudden call-ups, and how those moments prepared them for bigger roles in 2025.
Mercer Game Chaos – Their first-hand reactions to the bizarre “no contest” opener in Montgomery and how the team is channeling that experience heading into Utah Tech.
Faith, Family, and Brotherhood – The inspirations that drive them daily, from chapel gatherings with teammates to setting examples for their families.
Aggie Pride Defined – What the brotherhood at UC Davis means to them, and how the connection between players, coaches, and community fuels their commitment.
Fan Questions – From Pokémon favorites and In-N-Out orders to the weirdest college food concoctions, Sam and Trent have some fun with questions submitted by Aggie fans.
Sam and Trent represent the next wave of UC Davis football — gritty walk-ons turned difference makers, bonded by shared stories of resilience, faith, and relentless work. Their perspective gives fans an inside look at the defensive line room and the culture of Aggie Pride that continues to grow stronger
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why This Episode Matters
Sam and Trent represent the next wave of UC Davis football — gritty walk-ons turned difference makers, bonded by shared stories of resilience, faith, and relentless work. Their perspective gives fans an inside look at the defensive line room and the culture of Aggie Pride that continues to grow stronger each season.
The Aggies were up 23–17 with 7:30 left when the FCS Kickoff in Montgomery was called a no contest after lightning delays. Mother Nature won the night, but UC Davis showed plenty worth talking about.
In this episode, Brock is joined by Nick King — UC Davis alum, former All Big Sky Honoree , and Team Defensive Player of the Year — for an in-depth breakdown and reaction show.
Game Day Experience – Nick’s fan perspective from kickoff confusion to watching the game with fellow Aggies.
Quarterback Spotlight – Freshman Caden Pinnick’s breakout first half, dual-threat ability, and what Mercer did to slow him down.
Defensive Breakdown – Strong linebacker play from Porter Connors, standout moments from freshman CB Drew Cofield, and Nick’s expert analysis of the D-Line unit.
Running Game & Offense – The three-back rotation, Jordan Fisher’s explosive playmaking, and questions about pass protection.
Special Teams & Momentum Shifts – How missed field goals and blocked kicks shaped the second half.
The No Contest Decision – Why the ADs landed on option four, and how this impacts UC Davis moving forward.
Looking Ahead – Concerns and optimism for the Utah Tech matchup and the rest of the season.
Defense: Porter Connors – physical, tone-setting linebacker play.
Offense: Jordan Fisher – impact as both a runner and special teams spark.
Whether you’re a diehard Aggie, Big Sky follower, or just love college football chaos, this episode has everything — analysis, laughs, and plenty of Aggie Pride.
👉 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
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What we cover in this episode:Players of the Game (sponsored segment):
In this week’s episode of Aggie Pride: A UC Davis Football Podcast, Brock and Dwight are joined by Anthony Soto — former UC Davis wideout and current Offensive Coordinator at Mercer.
We cover:
Soto’s journey from Aggie receiver to D2 coach and now OC at Mercer
Coaching philosophies shaped by UC Davis greats like Pat McCann
Inside look at Mercer’s program, culture, and offensive identity
Key names to watch for the Bears on Saturday, including RBs CJ Miller and Tavius Eisen
A breakdown of UC Davis’ two-deep, from Caden Pinnick at QB to a deep RB room
How both programs mirror each other heading into the FCS Kickoff on national TV
Plus:
Our Buckhorn Grill Score Predictions
Fan questions from Instagram and Aggie Sports Talk
A giveaway update (hats are 🔥 — order at AggiePridePodcast.com)
In this episode of Aggie Pride, Brock and Dwight sit down with Sacramento Bee Hall of Fame sportswriter Joe Davidson, a legendary voice in Northern California athletics. From decades of covering high school football and UC Davis athletics to NBA seasons with the Kings, Joe shares stories, insight, and history only he can recall—often down to the exact year and score.
We talk about:
Joe’s journey from small-town athlete to one of the most trusted names in local sports journalism
The growth of Northern California high school football, from Folsom’s rise to Grant’s proud tradition
UC Davis football’s evolution under Dan Hawkins and Tim Plough
Big Sky and FCS storylines to watch this season
Sac State’s bold moves, Jaden Rashada’s arrival, and the “Go-Go” offense
Why curiosity fuels great storytelling — and what keeps Joe passionate after decades in the business
Notable Moments:
How a student referendum once saved UC Davis and Sac State football from being cut
The “family” approach to recruiting that sets UC Davis apart
Joe’s Hall of Fame induction and the relationships behind his reporting
Predictions for the 2024 high school season, including dark horse contenders
Inside look at the future of the Causeway Classic rivalry
Links & Resources:
Follow Joe Davidson on X (Twitter): @SacBee_JoeD
Follow us on Instagram: @ucdavisfootballpodcast
Watch on YouTube: @AggiePridePOD
Former UC Davis quarterback Miles Hastings joins Brock and Dwight for an in-depth 2025 season preview. Fresh off his transition from the gridiron to quarterback coaching, Miles opens up about his post-football journey, his brief CFL experience, and how he’s finding purpose mentoring the next generation.
The crew dives into:
Miles’ reflections on his UC Davis career and lessons for current Aggies
The mindset and preparation needed in the QB room this season
Big Sky team-by-team takes, from Montana State’s elite coaching to NAU’s rising talent
Why healthy competition matters — and how the Aggies can make a title run
Favorite memories, from rivalry wins to unforgettable comebacks
Whether you’re an Aggie diehard or just love behind-the-scenes football insight, this episode delivers a mix of nostalgia, honest analysis, and fired-up energy for the season ahead.
Listen in and get ready for Aggie football — Go Ags!
🔗 Links:
Support the podcast: Subscribe
Follow us on Instagram: @ucdavisfootballpodcast
Watch on YouTube: @AggiePridePOD
In this episode of the Aggie Pride podcast, host Brock Galvin engages with UC Davis football's offensive coordinator Paul Shelton and grad transfer Jacob Psyk. They discuss the culture of UC Davis football, the importance of authenticity in coaching, personal growth through adversity, and the dynamics of team relationships. Shelton shares insights on building a strong offensive strategy, while Psyk reflects on his journey from Harvard to UC Davis, emphasizing the balance between academics and athletics. The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement and the expectations for the upcoming season.
🔗 Links:
Support the podcast: Subscribe
Follow us on Instagram: @ucdavisfootballpodcast
Watch on YouTube: @AggiePridePOD
🔗 Links:
Support the podcast: Subscribe
Follow us on Instagram: @ucdavisfootballpodcast
Watch on YouTube: @AggiePridePOD
Leave a review on Spotify/Apple
In this special episode of Aggie Pride: A UC Davis Football Podcast, we sit down with four former Aggie football players who traded shoulder pads for stethoscopes—and never lost their love for the game.
Bob Krieger, Jim Howard, Bob Kincade, and Eric Smith reflect on their time at UC Davis, the discipline and community that shaped them, and how football forged their path to success in medicine, finance, and beyond. From the legacy of Coach Sochor to the rigors of balancing pre-med with practice, these stories are raw, funny, inspiring, and uniquely Aggie.
🔹 Why UC Davis shaped more than just athletes
🔹 The legendary white coat football photo
🔹 Lessons in leadership, loyalty, and late-night study sessions
🔹 How football helped launch careers in orthopedics, internal medicine, and finance
🔹 Saxophones, team skits, and Friday night jam sessions
🔹 Advice for future Aggies—from the classroom to the clinic
Whether you're a UC Davis alum, a football fan, or just love a good story about grit and growth—this episode is for you.
👉 Subscribe, share, and tag a teammate who should hear this one.
Go Ags.
🔗 Links:
Support the podcast: Subscribe
Follow us on Instagram: @ucdavisfootballpodcast
Watch on YouTube: @AggiePridePOD
Leave a review on Spotify/Apple
National FCS analyst Sam Herder joins Aggie Pride to talk all things 2025 college football—playoff predictions, Big Sky surprises, and the path ahead for UC Davis.
In this episode:
Who’s rising (and who’s falling) in the Big Sky
Early projected playoff bracket talk: seeded teams, Big Sky vs MVFC, and where the Big Sky stacks up
Players and programs poised for breakout seasons
Where UC Davis fits in the national conversation
Plus, Sam shares what he’s watching as fall camps heat up across the country.
🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
🔗 Links:
Support the podcast: Subscribe
Follow us on Instagram: @ucdavisfootballpodcast
Watch on YouTube: @AggiePridePOD
Leave a review on Spotify/Apple
Bakari Grant is a legend on and off the field. From Pop Warner to UC Davis, from the CFL to co-founding a business changing senior and veteran care—his story is about grit, vision, and purpose.
In this episode, Dwight sits down with Bakari to talk about:
– Growing up in Oakland and what football meant
– Earning a scholarship to Davis… through basketball highlights
– That iconic Hail Mary catch 🔥
– Lessons from a long CFL career and finally winning the Grey Cup
– His current mission: building dignified housing through Wellnest, a powerful new solution for aging-in-place and veteran care
Bakari embodies what it means to be built different. A must-listen for anyone who cares about Aggie football—and building a life of meaning after the game.
🎧 Subscribe, share, and support the pod.
📩 For sponsorship inquiries or to get involved, email: aggiepridepodcast@gmail.com
👇 Learn more about Wellnest: https://www.wearewellnest.com/