hard to compare since they’ve only gone to this extended give ‘day’ the past couple years. This is the most ‘gifts’ that I can remember. Last year was the first that they offered lower level gifts that opened with 30-50 donors. Seems like we’re ahead of the past and the number of higher end gifts at 300-350 is much higher.

It should ramp up the end of next week. Plenty of time for everyone to add another email address!

I guess posting that you’re actually staying with your team is a thing now. I’ve seen Chappell, Sevilla, Rawlins, and Fagbemi all say they are returning. Go Ags!

My wife and i gave. Go Ags!

Saw a bit of practice. I truly believe we have a top 5 cornerback tandem in the nation. Cofield and Richardson are legit. @SG you’re spot on, two man race at QB with the nicest throw coming from Cleeland (70 yard play action corner route to Gbatu). Slight changes in scheme, I’d expect less pass plays with moving pockets like last year. Idaho safety transfer looked solid at FS

Just did my part. Go Ags!

$3500 challenge completed. 13 more donors to compete $5000 challenge.

Makes zero sense.

Quick updates from practice 4/8:

1. QB's look like head to head battle between Treynor Cleeland and Jackson Kollack. Kollack looks the part of a big time QB. Throws a pretty ball. Carries a bit of a swagger. . Cleeland has a strong arm, but missed some throws. Pretty good athlete. Can scramble. Eason looks 3rd string and left...looks like he pulled a hammy.

2. Offensive line is shaky. LT today was a problem, blown by and pushed around.. Def can tell this might be our weakest link on the team. Curious who the starting LT will be. Center had a number of bad snaps which resulted in QB's having to pick up the ball on the ground resulting in sack, blown up play, or scramble.

3. Drew Cofield with two great plays today. A great over the shoulder INT and a big tackle later in the flat. Both got sidelines hyped.

4. Keep an eye on Brayden Rosa #37 who was making plays all over the field. Had a nice sack. Very quick with a high motor.

5. Julian Fernandez made a great INT pick six. He is one big kid. The defense looks really good, but that's usually the case early in practice. Still, the overall talent on defense looks improved. Adding Rex and Porter will only make them stronger.

-SG

Every year, I want to start watching Davis baseball, but the video quality has been bad or I can hear the announcer’s audio getting repeated and I have to hear him say things twice.

If it’s not on ESPN+, is there really no way to watch the game? I see the “Live Stats” option on their schedule, but it’s not the same.

i’m a student but i donated what i could as well!! let’s get those bigger rewards

Remember, it’s the number of donations that really matter here. If you want to donate $50, better to use two email addresses and donate $25 each.

350 donations unlocks a $250k gift. So, give often!

You can donate to the UC Davis football program via this link.
https://giveto.ucdavis.edu/schools/UniversityofCaliforniaDavis/give-day-2026/pages/athletics/football/?a=1

There are large donations that will be unlocked if a certain number of donations are reached by April 18th.

*I updated the link*

My dad was in charge of production for the Atlas rocket at General Dynamics in San Diego. I remember him getting all of us up very early on Mercury/Gemini/Apollo launch days to watch the launch. It was like a family religious ritual. Almost as important as Mass on Sundays.

Give Day is officially April 17-18, so this is the early period - they’ll make the big push closer to that day. I’m guessing they’ll make it easy to donate at the Spring Game.

There’s a big gift ($250k) that gets unlocked with the 350 donors AgAlum mentioned. There are several other lesser ones that open up as the numbers grow. As others mention, the amount doesn’t matter (give $25!), just the number. And you can be anonymous if you like.

yes you can donate anonymously. I just donated. I hope they advertise this well. A thread should be made for this

This was the Artemis II launch breaking through the clouds from my house about 60 miles west of Cape Canaveral. Compared to the routine Delta and Falcon launches, the SLS rockets leave the launchpad very fast. I suppose kids science textbooks will be getting a new earthrise photo soon.

There was a comment regarding not going public with this announcement until a certain date. They made a point of saying it was off the record.
Importantly, they need 350 donors to donate any amount on give day which is 4/17 i believe. Apparently the head count is important to open up a larger gift. Donate something, even just lunch money :).

wow, equestrian total operational expenses is more than basketball! Im sure their supporters will complain that it false and such. Seems like it was an easy cost to cut unfortunately.

I watched part of a pod-cast interview with Taylor Hicks about her picking UCD. Amongst the other things (family-oriented, great staff, etc), she mentioned that she was able to talk with Coach Plough (she said the football coach, so I assume Plough rather than an assistant), who told her that Coach Gross has only had one player enter the portal, and that was someone who had already graduated (Shine). Hicks said this really drove home the point that Davis was the place for her. Nothing shocking, but I thought it was cool seeing other coaches helping out in the recruiting process.

With the imminent opening of the transfer portal (Apr. 6-20), and the beginning of regular signing period (Apr. 15), fans of UCD Women’s Basketball can engage in some fantasy roster building for next year’s team. Good sites to hunt for the next Mackenzie Trpic or Tova Sabel are the On3 2025-26 Women's Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker (https://www.on3.com/her/news/on3-2025-26-womens-basketball-transfer-portal-tracker/) and the WBB Blog (https://wbbblog.com/).

With seniors Vic Baker, Nya Epps and Megan Norris graduating, there are production and leadership gaps to fill. Epps was a premier defensive presence on the perimeter, and developed into a dependable double digit scorer. Norris leaves as the best rebounder in school history, as well as a superior defender, reliable scorer and passer. Both were strong voices in the locker room and on the court. The Aggies also lose super-sub Baker, who always brought competitive fire and could play four positions.

Head Coach Jen Gross and her staff have solid building blocks returning, especially in the backcourt, with soon-to-be juniors Ryann Bennett and Avery Sussex. Both ranked near the top of the Big West in scoring, assists, and steals. With a year of starting and playing together behind them, the future should be even better. A third returning starter, transfer forward Tegan Young, improved her overall stat line relative to her first 2 seasons at Manhattan University, despite learning a new system and adjusting to the faster pace typical of play in the Big West.

Other returnees are forwards Emmy Ersdala and Theoni Tsami and guards Sophie Lentfer and Carrington Davis, all freshman this last year. Ersdala and Lentfer saw significant playing time in almost every game, and both showed flashes of the players they might become. Tsami and Davis saw fewer minutes, but showed promise.

Then there’s the question mark. Sahana Kanagasabay missed all of last season, reinjuring her knee in the opening game. Does Sahana return, and if so, how much can she contribute?

Finally, the 2026 recruiting class currently consists of post Marta Forsline, forward Rebecca Donnelly, and guards Anna Bassett, Layla Dixon and Taylor Hicks. With 2 additional scholarship spots available - 3 if Kanagasabay doesn’t return - UCD could add to their recruiting class.

One would think that a priority is at least one additional post player through the transfer portal - two if the plan is to redshirt Marta Forsline. Asking a freshman post to master the nuances of Jen Gross’ Princeton offense, as well Joe Terramoto’s team defensive concepts, and be a starter in the Mountain West would be a pretty big ask. And last seasons’ backup posts, Tegan Young and Theoni Tsami were adequate in VERY short relief of Norris, despite lack of size. They would be badly - and unfairly - overmatched in the Mountain West.

At the minimum, Davis would benefit from a bigger version of 2022-23 transfer forward Tess Sussman to give Forsline time to develop, as well as create some depth at the position. Sussman started all 30 games, averaged 7 points and 6 boards in 26 minutes a contest, and provided leadership. There are already some intriguing players in the portal, as well as others who’ve announced their intention to enter.

As i have stated many, many times my objections to Bossy, Cow, Cow - i am firmly against any type of cow logo/uniform. we are SO much more than that now.

I’be been going monthly since Plough started. It’s a really fun lunch, allows you to get to know the coach and interact with a bunch of Aggie “regulars.”
It started out as just a few of us having coffee and donuts in the Bruce Edwards room with coach then it evolved into lunch at Froggys. As more people started joining, they had to move it to Sudwurks. Now, there’s lots of new faces with a packed room!

I noticed the date too and I am hoping it isn’t a joke. I don’t see coach Plough making this a joke though.

"I PROMISE THIS IS THE LUNCH TO BE AT….BIG NEWS"
"Our goals are clear and we need everyone to be a part of it"

hm... what could this be?

There is a whole world of equestrian folks out there. My daughter had her heart set on Davis because of the NCAA equestrian program (in addition to animal science). We are not rich (a few on here have alluded to equestrian folks being rich / spoiled). We don't even own a damn horse.

She's now got her heart set on Cal Poly and other schools in the west (the CP program isn't an NCAA program yet, but its on a trajectory to become one).

Davis is a self-proclaimed Ag school with the best Vet school in the nation. It is also destination for large animal (horses!) medical care for folks nation-wide. Its odd to me that a University like this does not prioritize a sport like equestrian.

I’m not sure if it was reported already on here but the twins are officially back for next season. They’re working on Matteo’s case now as it is the exact same.

Before closing the book on the 2025-26 season a few final milestones of note.
Megan Norris leaves with the following team records:
Career Rebounds (1079); Season Rebounds (425); Season Rebounds per Game (12.5).
Also 11th all time in Career Points (1298) and tied for 4th in Career Blocked Shots (147). 2nd player
in program history to record 1,000 or more points and 1,000 or more rebounds.
20 double doubles might be a team record, though not listed in the current record book. Ditto 30 for
her career.
Avery Sussex's 236 Attempted 3-pointers are an Aggie season record, while her 82 made 3's put her 3rd on the season list in that category.
Ryann Bennett's 137 assists this season put her tied for 5th in that category with Courtney Eaton.
If both Bennett and Sussex duplicate their assist totals for this season for each of the next 2, they will both be near the top of the career assist list. And both have the potential to make it well onto other single season and career lists as well. Great pair of guards going forward!!
Finally, Jen Gross now sits at 281 career wins as head coach. Bob Hamilton's UCD career coaching record is 301. IF the Aggies can pull off a 4th consecutive 20 win season their first year in the Mountain West - maybe a tall order - Gross could tie or surpass Ham.
The program's 3rd consecutive 20 or more-win season mark the second time in Gross' career the program has accomplished that. Jorja Hoehn had 2 streak of four 20 or more wins - the second of which stretched to 5 total, with Sandy Simpson coaching the 1996-97 season in Hoehn's absence. Jorja returned for the following year, her last.

To tag onto your post, Les is as close to an alumni type - very committed to UCD - as we're likely to get. He wants to be here. And Dr. Mike (I believe) recently pointed out in another thread how much he obviously cares about his players. As well as the stability Zythe mentioned, those are value-adders at a mid-major.

Les has his weaknesses, which several have pointed out. But I think John Madden had it correct - teams shouldn't let go of a coach unless they have a better guy already lined up. Moving on from Jim Les to search for a better guy isn't a wise move.

Hawaii looks horrible. Some good upsets but hate how this looks for the big west.

I personally think Hawaii was great in the big west because of their size. Size for a mid major will never be a strength in MM. they aren’t built well for this tourney.

Hayden John listed as the third best transfer safety in FCS. On Sports Illustrated FCS football Central.

“3. Hayden John (UC Davis)
John played over 550 snaps for the Vandals as a redshirt sophomore last season. He finished with 53 tackles, 1 INT, and 5 pass breakups in 11 games. He graded out as one of the best tackling safeties in the Big Sky, posting a 90.1 tackling grade via PFF. His familiarity with the Big Sky makes this an even more impactful addition for the Aggies, who need immediate starters in the secondary.”

Both Rex and Porter are listed on the spring roster....

I’m expecting good news

UCD received an AT Large bid to the 2026 WNIT. Bracket out later today.

UCSD going dancing as a 14 seed; will play TCU.
Irvine will be in the WBIT (the new NCAA consolation tourney), unseeded, playing San Diego State.

Davis got invited to the WNIT; haven't seen a bracket yet. Could potentially play against future conference-mate Air Force, which would be funny.

2026 was a great year for Aggie basketball with both the Men's and Women's teams having successful seasons. While the championship in Vegas didn't lead to March Madness glory, both teams finished with positive records and momentum heading into the 2027 season. This upcoming season will present big challenges paired with overwhelming excitement as the Aggies head into their first season as members of the Mountain West Conference. While leaving our UC and CSU friends in the Big West will be an adjustment, the Mountain West provides new opportunities for the Aggies on a bigger national stage. Hopefully the Ags can still play some non-conference games against Big West members. I wanted to open this thread for general discussion about this next season, conference conversations and general rumblings about the future of Aggie basketball.

For quick reference, here is a list of some general info on our new conference competitors in the MW:

United States Air Force Academy
- Enrollment: ~4,100
- Fun Fact: Every student is a cadet receives a full scholarship with mandatory military service.
- Joined Mountain West: 1999 (founding member)
- Basketball Arena: Clune Arena (Capacity: 5,858)

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Enrollment: ~19,000
- Fun Fact: The only Division I basketball school located outside the continental United States.
- Joined Mountain West: 2012 (football-only), becoming a full member in 2026
- Basketball Arena: Stan Sheriff Center (Capacity: 10,300)

University of Nevada, Reno
- Enrollment: ~21,000
- Fun Fact: First university founded in the state of Nevada.
- Joined Mountain West: 2012
- Basketball Arena: Lawlor Events Center (Capacity: 12,000)

University of New Mexico
- Enrollment: ~21,000
- Fun Fact: “The Pit” is considered one of the loudest environments in college basketball.
- Joined Mountain West: 1999 (founding member)
- Basketball Arena: University Arena “The Pit” (Capacity: 15,411)

San José State University
- Enrollment: ~36,000
- Fun Fact: Founded in 1857, it is the oldest public university on the West Coast.
- Joined Mountain West: 2013
- Basketball Arena: Provident Credit Union Event Center (Capacity: ~5,000)

University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Enrollment: ~31,000
- Fun Fact: Won the 1990 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship under coach Jerry Tarkanian.
- Joined Mountain West: 1999 (founding member)
- Basketball Arena: Thomas & Mack Center (Capacity: ~18,000)

University of Texas at El Paso
- Enrollment: ~24,000
- Fun Fact: Won the 1966 NCAA Championship with the first all-Black starting lineup to win the title.
- Joining Mountain West: 2026
- Basketball Arena: Don Haskins Center (Capacity: 12,222)

University of Wyoming
- Enrollment: ~12,000
- Fun Fact: Located at over 7,000 feet elevation, making it he highest Division 1 campuses.
- Joined Mountain West: 1999 (founding member)
- Basketball Arena: Arena-Auditorium (Capacity: ~11,600)

Grand Canyon University
- Enrollment: ~25,000 on campus (100,000+ including online)
- Fun Fact: Known for one of the energetic student sections called the “Havocs.”
- Joined Mountain West: 2025
- Basketball Arena: Global Credit Union Arena (Capacity: 7,500)

University of California, Davis
- Enrollment: ~39,000
- Fun Fact: The UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory, located on the Bodega Bay coast, is the oldest marine lab on the U.S. West Coast still in operation.
- Joining the Mountain West: 2026
- Basketball Arena: University Credit Union Center (Capacity: 6,003)

It’s funny with basketball - I think because we sit closer to the action and you can see/hear the players so well (compared to football), we develop a bit of a bond with the players. Makes it painful to see them go through a battle like last night, really hard to see a ‘kid’ like Niko sitting on the bench crying after giving his heart and soul to the program. Hope we can keep this group together and bring in a few new key players for the step up In competition.

Les was humble and proud of his team's effort and noted how proud he was of them for battling through a lot of key injuries that took its toll on the team late in the season and in the BW Tournament. He congratulated Dedrique Taylor and Fullerton on win their while Taylor said nothing about the Aggies.

Tim said the spring game will be on picnic day. They have it worked out with campus to have the parade end at the stadium and the game starting right after that.