Spring ball is winding down and Brock caught up with two of UC Davis football's best — veteran defensive lineman Trent Carrade and wide receiver Sam Gbatu— straight from Coach Plough's office after practice.

Jacob Psyk dropped 9.5 sacks last season and has moved on. So who's next on the Aggie D-line? Trent has an answer — and he's putting Jaden Few's name in the same breath as Zach Kennedy. High praise from a guy who's seen both up close.

In this episode:

• Trent on the D-line's youth movement — Jaden Few, Julian Fernandez, Tyler Parker, Devin Hugal, and what this group can become
• Defensive scheme tweaks under the new staff and what it means for the front seven
• Trent's relationship with Coach Brady — "He'll be at my wedding one day"
• Sam on developing chemistry with new QBs Jackson and Trane heading into the season
• The alumni experience — Jake Maier, Miles Hastings, and what it means to hear from guys who came before
• Games they're looking forward to — San Diego, Idaho, Montana, and the road-heavy start to the season
• The team's mission: break through the quarterfinal ceiling and make a real run

Also: uncrustables, burritos, the Kibbe Dome, and the muscle milk situation in the weight room.

Go Ags. 🐴

Brock sits down with UC Davis Head Football Coach Tim Plough right in the thick of spring ball — in Coach Plough's office with a live view of the practice field. It's a wide-ranging conversation covering the big news of the week, what's happening on the field, new coaching additions, Coach Plough's personal health journey, and an honest breakdown of what it will take financially to win a national championship.

The Connors Twins Are BackThe biggest news of the episode: Miles and Jake — wait, we're talking Rex and Porter Connor — have had their eligibility reinstated by the NCAA. Coach Plough breaks down the full story: the months-long battle, the involvement of Chancellor May, outside legal counsel hired by the university, the work of compliance officers Lydia Sandlin and Kyle Condor, and the emotional phone call when he delivered the news. "The joy that they felt on the phone when I told them a couple of weeks ago — if I could bottle that up..."

Coach Plough, Little League DadBefore football, we open with the other Coach Plough — the one coaching 10-year-olds in Davis Little League while his 7- and 5-year-olds are also on the field. He talks about why he finally said yes to coaching, what the Davis community did to make it possible, and the lessons that cross over between a college sideline and a youth baseball diamond. "You really don't lose. You either win or you learn." (Sound familiar? He used it in both locker rooms.)

The Quarterback RoomA deep look at the competition between newcomer Jackson (transfer) and incumbent Treynor, plus Axel Eason's development. Coach Plough breaks down what he's seen from each guy, a rough Wednesday practice that turned into a great Saturday scrimmage, and the evolution of his own role — from hands-on QB coach to more of a "Yoda in the background." Also: what the walkie-talkie/headset setup is actually about.

The Offensive LinePossibly the most underrated story of the episode. Coach Plough says the O-line is the group he feels best about on the entire roster. Zaire, David Main, AJ Hassan, David Portisano, Jaden Montanez, Jezniah Thurston, and freshman Robert Beverly are all mentioned with genuine enthusiasm. "As physical and athletic as we've ever had."

Players Who Have Popped This SpringCoach Plough goes around the roster with standouts on both sides of the ball:

• Offense: Mateo Perez (new leadership energy), Cohen Parnell (early enrollee WR flashing), Fisher (looking even better than last year)
• Defense: Drew Cofield ("if there's a better corner in the country, I'll be shocked"), Jaden Few (DE wrecking practices), Julian Fernandez (6'6" DT out of Bakersfield, keep your eye on this guy), Jackson Sievers (LB stepping up), Trent Carrad and Rain Mayo anchoring the defense
• Special Teams: Tyler Hughes (punter/kicker having a great camp), new kicker from Missouri

Coach Plough's Health JourneyAn honest and personal conversation about mental health, weight, and what it's taken to get to a healthier place. He traces the arc from post-playing days at Davis, through a difficult stretch at Boise State, to finding balance through Peloton rides with Coach Wilcox at Cal — and now boxing in the weight room with Coach Burke and Cody Von Oppen. He also shares the powerful "coach jumps in the hole" story that has shaped how he approaches player wellbeing.

Give Day & The Road to $1 MillionThe financial reality of competing for an FCS national championship. Coach Plough lays it all out: the program went from raising ~$400K/year when he arrived to $600K+ last year, and he believes the number needed to win it all is $1 million annually. Right now they're tracking toward ~$800K. He shares the Give Day goals (350 donations unlocks major matching gifts from donors including Nathaniel Hackett and Joe Evero), the success of the recent wine fundraiser (180 people, nearly $150K in one night), and where every dollar actually goes — player nutrition, housing, and NIL.

Lan Larison returns to the Aggie Pride Podcast to talk about life in the NFL, lessons from his rookie season with the New England Patriots, and what comes next in his career.

Lan reflects on the transition from UC Davis football to the professional level, the challenge of learning an NFL offense, and the mindset required to compete for a roster spot. He shares what it was like walking into an NFL locker room, learning from veteran teammates, and experiencing the speed and expectations of the league.

The conversation also dives into Lan’s humility and perspective as his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL became reality. From standing in an NFL huddle realizing “we’re here boys,” to connecting with young fans who now look up to him, Lan discusses the responsibility that comes with being a professional athlete.

Along the way, the guys talk about UC Davis football, Lan’s favorite movies, NFL locker room culture, and the mindset that has carried him from a small town in Idaho to the biggest stage in football.

It’s a fun, honest conversation with one of Aggie football’s most exciting players as he continues his journey in the NFL.

• Lan Larison’s transition from UC Davis to the NFL
• Learning an NFL offense and earning a role on the team
• What he learned from Coach Mike Vrabel and Patriots veterans
• The difference between college football and the NFL business
• Watching teammates prepare and understanding what it takes to win
• The surreal moment realizing he was playing in the NFL
• Being a role model for young athletes and giving back
• Memories from the UC Davis running back room
• Rapid-fire questions on movies, teammates, and NFL moments
• Lan’s thoughts on the future of UC Davis football
• Advice for young athletes chasing big dreams

“Believe in yourself. Nobody knows your journey but you. Put one foot in front of the other every single day.”

In this episode of Aggie Pride, Brock Galvin and Dwight Smith sit down with former UC Davis standout and current Baltimore Ravens linebacker Teddye Buchanan. The conversation traces his football journey from the Bay Area to UC Davis, his breakout season at Cal, and his rookie year in the NFL — along with the mindset, relationships, and habits that shaped him along the way.

Teddye shares how his father introduced him to football at a young age and how playing multiple sports helped shape his instincts and versatility as a linebacker.

He reflects on the recruiting process and why Davis stood out — not just for football, but for its people, culture, and genuine investment in him as a person.

Teddye discusses arriving as a freshman during COVID, learning a complex defensive system, and eventually becoming a playmaker and team leader on defense.

He shares what it was like navigating the transfer portal, preparing for his former team in Week 1, and delivering standout performances — including a defining game at Auburn that elevated his NFL profile.

Teddye explains how he learned to stop trying to “act like an NFL player” and instead lean into the version of himself that got him there.

From draft-day emotions to playing alongside Roquan Smith and meeting legends like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, he reflects on the intensity and privilege of playing in Baltimore’s linebacker tradition.

Teddye talks about drawing as a creative outlet, how art helps him find flow and balance, and the importance of becoming a “total person.”

He shares insights into NFL-level preparation, including meditation, red-light therapy, and optimizing sleep to stay sharp during the long season.

• Staying grounded through rapid success

• The power of relationships and culture

• Growth through discomfort

• Balancing identity beyond football

• Gratitude and perspective at the highest level

• “I realized I just had to be me — that’s what got me here.”

• “The people I met at Davis are people I’ll know for life.”

• “You only get to be a rookie once.”

Follow, rate, and share the podcast to support UC Davis football and the Aggie community.

Brock Galvin and Dwight Smith sit down with UC Davis legend Mike Moroski, aka Coach Mo: former Aggie star quarterback, longtime UC Davis assistant coach, NFL quarterback (Falcons, Oilers, 49ers), and now the head coach at the College of Idaho.

Coach Moe takes listeners from his early days falling in love with football, to the electric 1977 UC Davis vs Nevada Reno game at The Tomb, to lessons learned inside the 49ers organization during the Bill Walsh era. The conversation also dives into his return to UC Davis as a coach, the leap to building a startup program at the College of Idaho, and why relationships, leadership, and fundamentals still beat shortcuts.

• The origin story: youth football, big dreams, and finding the right fit at UC Davis
• The 1977 Nevada Reno showdown at The Tomb and why it still stands out above everything
• What the NFL taught Coach Moe about leadership, standards, and preparation
• The 49ers influence: Ronnie Lott, Bill Walsh, and teaching quarterbacks with methodology
• Coaching at UC Davis: learning the trenches, developing players, and the beauty in the details
• Building College of Idaho football from scratch: culture, community, and belief
• The modern era: NIL, the portal, and what players risk losing when they keep moving
• Program identity: “Yote Steel,” treat people well, and empowering emerging leaders

Mike Moroski is a former UC Davis quarterback, NFL quarterback (including time with the Falcons, Oilers, and 49ers), longtime UC Davis assistant coach, and the head football coach at the College of Idaho. He helped build the College of Idaho football program from the ground up and continues to lead the Yotes with a focus on fundamentals, leadership, and culture.

• “The most exciting competitive situation I’ve ever been in” (1977 Nevada Reno game)
• On the 49ers: leadership from within the team and standards set daily
• On teaching: the West Coast offense as a method for teaching quarterbacks
• “No shortcuts, no complaining” (Yote Steel)
• “It’s their team. It’s not my team.”
• “The magic is the relationships”

• Jim Sochor (Coach Soak)
• Ronnie Lott
• Bill Walsh
• Steve Young
• Jeff Kemp
• Chris Petersen
• Coach Biggs (Bob)
• Ron Gould
• Dan Hawkins
• Tim Plough
• Tim Keene
• Mike Cody
• Ishman Anderson
• Lan Larison

• How elite organizations build leadership and clarity without overcomplicating things
• Why fundamentals and player ownership can flip a season
• How a coach builds a culture when there is no field, no facility, and no blueprint
• Why staying put can still be a competitive advantage in a world built on movement

If you love UC Davis football history and coaching stories, share this episode with an Aggie teammate, alum, or coach. And if you ever find yourself in Idaho, Coach Moe says you’ve got seats at the 50.

this special offseason episode of Aggie Pride, Brock Galvin sits down with UC Davis alum and newly appointed Arizona Cardinals Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

From growing up in an NFL coaching family to eventually suiting up for the Aggies himself, Hackett’s football journey is deeply rooted in Davis. In this wide-ranging conversation, he reflects on:

• His father’s coaching legacy and winning a Rose Bowl three weeks after Nathaniel was born

• Growing up in NFL locker rooms with legends like Joe Montana and Marcus Allen

• His five unforgettable years as an Aggie

• The mentors who shaped him, including Mark Johnson, Lou Bronson, and Bob Biggs

• Sending 50 letters to land his first coaching opportunity

• Why relationships—not schemes—define his coaching philosophy

• What he sees in today’s UC Davis program under Tim Plough

• Why he calls Aggie football a “utopia” in today’s changing college landscape

Hackett opens up about resilience, thick skin in the NFL, empowering players to own the system, and the importance of building culture the right way—even when results take time.

This episode is a reminder that Aggie Pride is more than a slogan. It’s a way of doing football.

This conversation includes discussion of concussions, suicide and mental health. We share these topics with care and hope, but we encourage listeners to take care of themselves while listening. In this powerful and wide ranging conversation, Brock sits downTwith former UC Davis defensive lineman Todd Shaner (Football Class of 82) to reflect on Aggie football in the early 1980s, the influence of legendary coaches, and life long lessons that extended far beyond the field .

Todd shares his unique journey from junior college to Davis, what it was like playing under Jim Sochor and Fred Arp, and how those experiences shaped his leadership style in a successful career in brewing and management.

But this episode goes deeper.

Todd opens up about fatherhood, loss, concussion awareness, and why he chose to participate in clinical research through the Boston University CTE Center. He speaks candidly about the emotional realities of contact sports and his hope that football can continue safely for future generations.

The conversation also covers:

• ​Arp’s Army and defensive line culture in the early 80s
• ​Ken O’Brien, Bo Eason, and UC Davis’ rise to national prominence
• ​The transition from player to coach to father
• ​Supporting the Aggies from the East Coast
• ​The future of UC Davis football and potential FBS movement

This is more than a football episode.It is about legacy, resilience, and staying connected to something bigger than yourself.

• ​Growing up in Washington
• ​Leaving junior college to walk on at UC Davis
• ​Receiving a letter from defensive line coach Fred Arp
• ​Playing undersized but competing at a high level
• ​Being part of the foundation that led to a national championship appearance
• ​Leadership through dignity and intelligence
• ​Treating players like adults
• ​Carrying those principles into corporate management
• ​Coaching defensive line at Davis
• ​Coaching his own sons
• ​The difficulty of transitioning away from competitive sports
• ​Personal family impact
• ​Participation in research with the Boston University CTE Center
• ​The difference between big hits and repeated smaller impacts
• ​Why awareness matters without fear
• ​Wanting the game to become safer, not disappear
• ​Attending the Mercer game
• ​Watching games from the East Coast on ESPN Plus
• ​Belief in Coach Plough and the direction of the program
• ​Thoughts on potential FBS movement
• ​“Arp’s Army” and shade drills
• ​A practice story involving Ken O’Brien and a raised arm
• ​The evolution of tackling techniques over generations
• ​Watching the Aggies while living 3000 miles away

Todd represents a bridge between generations of Aggie football. His story reminds us that the program’s strength has always been about more than wins. It is about mentorship, integrity, and lifelong community.

For former players, this episode will feel familiar.For parents, it will feel honest.For current players, it is a reminder of the legacy they carry.

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ​Share it with a former teammate
• ​Leave a five star review
• ​Support UC Davis Football in whatever way you can

Go Ags.

Recorded in San Francisco during Super Bowl weekend, this episode of Aggie Pride blends breaking FCS news, UC Davis football momentum, and a powerful in-person conversation with longtime campus minister Will Clear.🏈 Segment 1: FCS Landscape ShiftNorth Dakota State to the Mountain WestThe Bison are officially heading to the Mountain West Conference.What this means for UC Davis and the FCS hierarchy.The financial implications of conference movement.Does this create a clearer path for the Aggies to rise?Is FBS in UC Davis’ Future?Revisiting the “first right of refusal” clause.Sacramento State and Tarleton State as potential movers.Timelines and realistic expectations.Why Davis may be the least likely — but still in the mix.🐻 Big Sky Coaching ShakeupsBobby Hauck Leaves MontanaHis public comments on NIL and the state of college football.What this means for the Grizzlies.Does this open the door further for Davis?The Big Sky Power ShiftMontana State reloading.South Dakota State’s trajectory.Where UC Davis now stands nationally.🐴 Tim Plough’s ExtensionFive-year contract extension through 2031.What this signals about stability and long-term belief.Confidence for recruits, alumni, and current players.Why this feels like a defining moment for the program.🌉 Live from San Francisco: Super Bowl BreakfastBrock sits down in person with Will Klier, longtime campus minister at UC Davis and supporter of Aggie athletics.Highlights from the Morning:Christian McCaffrey receiving the Bart Starr Award.Stories of faith, adversity, and identity beyond football.Bryant Young’s powerful testimony about grief and purpose.The intersection of influence, platform, and faith.💛 Faith & Football at UC DavisWill shares:His 20+ year journey serving student-athletes.What pregame chapel means to players.Conversations around identity, pressure, injury, and purpose.Unique life moments — including officiating a wedding on Alcatraz.🌅 A New ChapterWill and his wife will be launching a new campus ministry at Cal State Fullerton this summer, while continuing strong ties to Davis.Themes of:Calling and transition.“Let There Be Light” — the UC motto.Finding joy beyond wins and losses.🔑 Episode ThemesIdentity beyond performanceLeadership stabilityThe future of FCS footballFaith in the public squareCommunity impact🎧 Sponsor SpotlightNext Level SportsYouth flag football at UC Davis Health Stadium.Coached by current Aggie players.Skill-building, mentorship, and community.Learn more at: nextlevelsports.com🏆 Final TakeThis isn’t a quiet offseason.Between conference realignment, coaching shifts, Tim Plough’s extension, and rising national respect — UC Davis football is positioned at a pivotal moment.And beyond the field, stories like Will’s remind us why Aggie Pride runs deeper than wins.

It’s Super Bowl week, and we’re diving deep into UC Davis football with longtime Sacramento Bee columnist Joe Davidson, alongside returning co-host Dwight. From recruiting philosophy to transfer portal chaos, quarterback turnover, Big Sky power shifts, and Sacramento high school football, this episode covers it all.

Joe brings decades of perspective on Northern California football and helps frame where UC Davis stands in a rapidly changing college football landscape.

UC Davis Football & Recruiting

• Reaction to QB Caden Pinnick's transfer and what it says about today’s portal era

• Coach Tim Plough’s development-first recruiting philosophy

• Why UC Davis continues to prioritize high school recruiting over portal volume

• Early thoughts on the Aggies’ 2026 roster and quarterback competition

• Portal “plug-and-play” vs long-term program building

Big Sky Conference & Coaching

• Impact of Bobby Hauck stepping down at Montana

• How NIL and the transfer portal are wearing down old-school coaches

• Why Tim Plough’s approach may be more sustainable long-term

Skill Positions & Roster Breakdown

• Freshmen who could see the field early

• New wide receiver and running back additions

• Offensive and defensive line depth as the key to postseason success

• Transfers “coming home” to California to finish their careers

Sacramento High School Football

• Standout NorCal recruits to watch

• Why great players still get found regardless of school prestige

• How the portal is shrinking traditional signing classes

• Reality checks for families navigating the recruiting process

Super Bowl Talk

• Patriots vs Seahawks breakdown

• FCS and Big Sky representation on NFL rosters

• Score predictions and game-day vibes

• Why UC Davis may be built better than ever for the portal era

• The hidden risks of entering the transfer portal too early

• Why California remains the most important recruiting base in the FCS

• A surprisingly favorable early look at UC Davis’ upcoming schedule

If you love UC Davis football, Big Sky coverage, and smart conversations about the future of college football, Aggie Pride is your home.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

Brock Galvin and Nick King dive headfirst into the chaos of transfer portal season, unpacking what it really means for UC Davis football and the FCS landscape as a whole. From surprise departures and massive returners to NIL realities and program culture, this episode is equal parts therapy session and strategic breakdown.

• The emotional whiplash of transfer portal season and why it feels like reality TV

• Why Drew Cofield and Winston Williams returning matters more than headlines

• Carter Vargas to Cal and what it says about UC Davis player development

• The quarterback conversation: mobility, upside, and what Plough might prioritize next

• Defensive line turnover and the challenge of reloading vs rebuilding

• NIL, collectives, and revenue sharing explained in plain English

• How UC Davis can compete without billionaire donors

• Alumni impact beyond money: careers, mentorship, and long-term value

• The FCS National Championship spectacle and why it still matters

• Remembering winter conditioning, leadership moments, and the grind of January football

As college football continues to shift under our feet, the guys zoom out to ask a bigger question: how does a program like UC Davis stay competitive without losing its soul? The answer lives somewhere between culture, development, and the people who choose to stay.

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