The offseason began earlier than expected for Aggie Nation.

In this reaction-style episode of Aggie Pride, Brock Galvin is joined by Scott Gordon and Dwight Smith to unpack the shockwaves following UC Davis quarterback Caden Pinnick entering the transfer portal. Rather than a traditional season recap, this conversation dives deep into what Pinnick’s decision means for the program, the quarterback room, and the broader landscape of college football.

The trio explores the rapidly changing realities of NIL, the transfer portal, and what this environment is teaching (or not teaching) young men about resilience, development, and long-term decision-making. Drawing from personal experience, institutional knowledge, and first-hand observation, they also look ahead to what comes next for UC Davis under Coach Tim Plough.

The episode closes with a preview of the FCS National Championship and reflections on what UC Davis can learn from programs still playing deep into December and January.

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Framing
Why this is a reaction and preview episode, not a traditional season recap

02:30 – Breaking News: Caden Pinnick Enters the Transfer Portal
Initial reactions and what surprised everyone most

06:00 – Inside the QB Room
From depth to uncertainty: Pinnick, Grant Harper, David Raser, Damon Reister, and what’s left

12:00 – Trainer Cleveland: Next Man Up?
Why the coaching staff has been so high on Cleveland and what his development could look like

16:30 – NIL, the Transfer Portal, and Young Men
Are players being given informed choices, or rushed decisions in a chaotic system?

22:00 – Resilience vs. Opportunity
What staying, transferring, or waiting actually teaches players long-term

28:30 – Coach Plough’s Philosophy Under Pressure
Development, grad transfers, stability, and whether the approach needs to evolve

35:00 – The Role of Collectives & The Aggie Football Fund
Why financial support matters and why it’s complicated

37:30 – FCS National Championship Preview
Montana State vs Illinois State: contrasting program models and what UC Davis can learn

46:00 – Looking Ahead
Offseason storylines, alumni voices, and what Aggie Pride wants to explore next

49:00 – Final Thoughts & Go Ags

• The volatility of modern college football

• Quarterback development vs. portal economics

• NIL as both opportunity and risk

• Resilience, patience, and long-term growth

• What it takes to build a sustainable FCS contender

Have a story worth telling?
Whether you’re an alum, former player, or part of the Aggie football community, we want to hear from you.

📩 Reach out at AggiePridePodcast.com
💛 Support UC Davis football and learn more at AggieFootballFund.com

Aggie Pride: Season Ends, Pride Remains

UC Davis Football Quarterfinal Recap vs Illinois State

In this episode of Aggie Pride, Brock and Dwight are joined by Coach Schmidt and former Aggie Pat Shelton to reflect on a historic season that came to a close with a hard-fought 42–31 loss to Illinois State in the FCS Quarterfinals. Despite the disappointment, the panel dives into what made this year special — from the playoff atmosphere in Davis to the resilience shown by a battered roster that refused to quit. The conversation balances honest football analysis with deep pride in the program’s culture, trajectory, and people.

Featuring: Coach Paul Rosa • Coach Ben McEnroe • Brock Galvin • Dwight Smith • Nick King
Presented by: BPMNJ • Next Level Sports • Larison Real Estate • Moon Real Estate

Part 2 of our playoff-week double feature brings you into a rare, meaningful, and deeply insightful conversation with two longtime coaches — Coach Paul Rosa of Wilcox High School and Coach Ben McEnroe of Heritage Christian — both of whom have sons playing as freshmen for UC Davis.

This episode is about football, yes, but even more about fatherhood, development, culture, and the behind-the-scenes realities of raising young men in the sport. Brock, Dwight, and Nick guide the conversation through origin stories, coaching philosophies, the recruiting process, emotional turning points, and the unique experience of watching their sons take the field in a playoff environment.

You’ll hear stories of scout-team quarterbacking, GA jobs paying $11k, flag-football bans, developmental programs, halftime adjustments, finding joy, and how Davis has lived up to the reputation these coaches knew from decades in the game.

This is a special, relational, high-wisdom episode for Aggie fans, parents of athletes, and anyone who loves the heart behind football.

• Coach McEnroe on growing up with Texas football DNA and getting his GA start in 1992.

• Coach Rosa on being a college baseball player who unexpectedly fell in love with coaching football.
  

• Cory McEnroe’s path from two-way high school standout to choosing Davis over Princeton, Montana, and Cal Poly — and why “the process” mattered most.

• Brayden Rosa’s late PwO opportunity, the importance of development-driven programs, and choosing a place where measurables aren’t everything.
  

Both coaches independently praise:

• Elite halftime adjustments

• Development of 2s and 3s just like 1s

• Honesty in recruiting

• A culture that produces leaders, not just players

• Old-school, build-from-within philosophy vs the portal arms race
  

Nick asks a standout question about how to support your kid without over-coaching them.
The coaches discuss:

• Cooling-off periods after games

• Not giving their own kids the “coach’s kid advantages” — sometimes to a fault

• Finding joy in this stage

• Letting their sons lead the football conversations now
  

• Brayden Rosa getting his most extended defensive reps yet — boundary safety snaps, multiple tackles, and a two-point breakup.

• The surreal experience of watching your son play in a playoff environment.
  

Coach Rosa:

• Why beating a team twice is hard

• The urgency of a fast start

• Why Davis’ conference prepares them for postseason adversity

Coach McEnroe:

• Detailed breakdown of ISU fronts, pressures, boundary safety blitzes, and personnel

• Offensive comparisons (Baker Mayfield-type QB, talented RB #5, RPO structure)

• Why Davis has the more athletic roster but must stay disciplined
  

Coach Rosa gives heartfelt advice for any parent in the recruiting journey:

• Look beyond football to culture, trust, and player development

• Seek environments that develop character, not just athletics

• UC Davis is already shaping his son into a better teammate and young man
  

• “Football is the ultimate team sport — you need all 22 guys, all the coaches, all the scout players. You can’t do it alone.” — Coach Rosa

• “By the grace of God, I haven’t had another job since 1992.” — Coach McEnroe

• “They’ve followed through on every single thing they said in the recruiting process.” — Coach McEnroe

• “Imagine if we ever played a first half like we play our second halves.” — Coach Rosa

• “There’s no greater joy I’ve ever had in coaching than coaching my son.” — Coach McEnroe

If you’re enjoying these playoff-week episodes:
👍 Like the episode
💬 Comment your thoughts on the coaches’ perspectives
🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss future playoff breakdowns
👕 Grab your Aggie Pride merch and beanies before Saturday

Go Ags. Beat the Redbirds.

In Part 1 of this playoff week double-header, Brock, Dwight, and Nick break down a wild week in Aggie football, the electric on-field postgame show after the Rhode Island win, and the momentum carrying UC Davis into a massive showdown against Illinois State.Nick reflects on the culture that’s forming around Aggie Pride — from fans wearing the rope hats in the stadium to the surreal moment of watching Gunrock sit down during the postgame interview. Dwight shares what it meant to record an episode on the field he once played and coached on. Brock talks about the grind of playoff week, finding joy, and the energy surrounding this team right now.Then the crew dives deep into keys to the game vs. Illinois State:• Stopping the run and making the Redbirds one-dimensional• Offensive line dominance and the evolution of Caden Pinnock• Playmakers who continue to break games open• Special teams execution• Turnovers, injuries, and the emotional X-factors of playoff football• Why Illinois State’s late-season chaos makes them dangerous• Why Davis’ “relentless offense” might be the hidden difference makerThe guys close Part 1 with their official score predictions, sponsored by Buckhorn Grill.Part 2 — featuring coaches Paul Rosa and Ben McEnroe — follows this episode.Topics CoveredReactions to the historic on-field postgame showThe growing Aggie Pride communityKey individual performances and shoutoutsWhat the ESPN broadcast revealed on replayIllinois State scouting notesHow this Davis team is evolving at the perfect timeBrock’s attic-fire story (yes, really)Score predictions for Saturday’s playoff tiltQuotes From the Episode“It felt like a milestone moment for what this podcast has become.” — Dwight“Our offense just scores, scores, scores — it forces teams to stop being who they are.” — Nick“You can’t predict life. You can’t predict football.” — Brock“Shoutout to the diehards — the third-down noise mattered.” — DwightStick Around for Part 2Immediately following this episode is a bonus coaches segment with:• Coach Paul Rosa (Wilcox HS AD, Former FB HC)• Coach Ben McEnroe (Heritage Christian / Former Cal Lutheran HC, and Thousan Oaks HC)Both are fathers of current UC Davis freshmen — and they bring incredible insight into this program, this team, and this moment.Call to ActionIf you’re loving Aggie Pride:👍 Like the episode💬 Drop a comment with who you want as a future on-field guest🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2👕 Check out the Aggie Pride hats, shirts, and merch Go Ags. Beat the Birds.

Recorded right on the field at UC Davis Health Stadium, Brock and Dwight are joined by an all-star panel of Aggie legends — Coach Biggs, Coach Smyte, QB Danny Alfaro, and Tailgate captain David Hultman— to break down UC Davis’ first-round playoff win over Rhode Island.This is raw, in-the-moment celebration and analysis: what went right, how the Aggies responded, who stepped up, and why this team feels dangerous heading into the quarterfinal matchup vs Illinois State.We also share:Player shoutoutsCoaching insightsTailgate recap and call-to-action for next weekReflections on community, culture, and Aggie PrideA note about the overwhelming response to the short documentary Callahan CallsKey Topics1. Rapid Reactions to the WinTale of two halvesThe defense’s near shut-out second halfCaden Pinnick’s legs, leadership, and poiseJordan Fisher’s explosive running gameBig second-quarter momentum swing2. Coaching PerspectiveComplementary footballAdjustments at halftimeThe “next man up” mentality after losing key playersThe team’s belief system and composure3. Player & Unit ShoutoutsScott Nixon (first career touchdown)Jordan Fisher (long TD run out of halftime)Wide receiver room, defensive front, and DB groupCoach Coombs and the defensive staff’s adjustments4. Fan Experience + Tailgate ReportHultman's tailgate culture and community buildingShoutout to the women’s tennis team for showing upBuckhorn next weekCall for all Aggie fans, alumni, and families to pack the stadium on Saturday5. Looking Ahead: Illinois StateWhat the coaches would say in the locker roomHow this team has matured through adversityThe path ahead in the playoffsWhy the group believes UC Davis is built for a run6. Special Notes

• Recognition of podcast sponsors for ESPN Week
• Invitation to watch the short documentary Callahan Calls
• Gratitude for the Aggie community and the response to the film

Featured Guests

• Coach Bob Biggs — UC Davis Hall of Fame Coach
• Coach Steve Smyte— Former UC Davis and Davis HS Coach
• Danny Alfaro — People’s Quarterback
• David Hultman— Tailgate Captain & Community Connector🙌

Thanks to Our Sponsors

• Larison Real Estate
• Jason Moon Real Estate Group
• Scott Judson & BPMNJ.

These partners made our entire ESPN Week coverage possible.

In this episode of Aggie Pride: A UC Davis Football Podcast, Dwight sits down with one of the most electric players in FCS football — Sam Gbatu Jr. Known for his toughness, precision, and quiet swagger, Sam opens up about his journey from Japan to California, his growth as a receiver, and his love for the UC Davis community.

With the Aggies preparing for a primetime playoff matchup on ESPN2, Sam talks finals week, preparation, leadership, confidence, and the decision to return to Davis next season — a move that has the entire Aggie community buzzing.

• Growing up in Japan and discovering football

• His bond with family and influence of Coach Bells

• How confidence is built through preparation

• Film study, weekly prep, and developing mastery at receiver

• Leadership in the WR room and mentoring younger players

• Key mentors like CJ Hutton, Chaz Davis, Lance Babb, and others

• Why he chose to stay at UC Davis despite transfer-era pressures

• Relationship with Coach Plough and Coach Trey

• In-game adjustments, working with Caden, and the value of iPads on the sideline

• Favorite routes, toughest DB matchups, and slot development

• What the team feels heading into the playoffs

• A message to Aggie Nation

• Favorite DB matchups: Tiko, Marquis, Drew, Ty

• Favorite route: Take 4 (deep post)

• Most improved area: Playing the slot + reading defenses

• Favorite food in Davis: Alibaba, Guads, and a new ramen spot by Trader Joe’s

A heartfelt shout-out to his parents, siblings, teammates, and the Aggie community — plus a call to pack UC Davis Health Stadium for Saturday night’s playoff game.

🎧 Aggie Pride: A UC Davis Football Podcast
Available on: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

In this episode, Brock sits down with former UC Davis quarterback Brock Johnson for a deep, insightful, and funny conversation about football, family legacy, mental health, and building a massive business in his 20s. The two Brocks talk QB rooms, pressure, perfectionism, Tim Plough stories, Instagram growth, and how football shaped every part of Brock Johnson’s professional success today.

You’ll hear:

• Growing up in a three-generation quarterback family

• His grandfather becoming one of the winningest coaches in California

• Life as a Mission Viejo quarterback under intense expectations

• Starting 0–2 and then never losing again in high school

• Transferring from Georgetown to UC Davis and joining the Hawkins/Plough era

• Becoming Tim Plough’s “assistant” for a year and how that changed everything

• How therapy helped him uncouple his identity from football

• Learning to let go of perfectionism and people-pleasing

• What he learned from big “valley moments” between Georgetown and Davis

• Why “Find Joy” is tattooed on his ribs and how it became his life mantra

• Starting his first business as a college freshman

• How UC Davis compliance supported his entrepreneurial path

• What he learned from posting every day and embracing “cringe”

• How he stays mentally healthy on social media (don’t read the comments!)

• Brock’s take on Caden Pinnick

• Why this year’s Aggie team has “dudes” he wishes he played with

• Love for Tim Plough’s creativity and wrinkles on offense

• Score prediction for Saturday: 26–14 UC Davis (with at least one missed PAT, obviously)

Brock closes the episode with two words that changed his life: Find Joy.
Detach from outcomes. Control your effort. Live in the moments that spark you. That’s his challenge to players, fans, parents, creators—everyone listening.

Follow Brock on IG if you've been living under a rock: https://www.instagram.com/brock11johnson/

Watch Callahan Calls: https://youtu.be/Bn1j0wQCS6E

In this special ESPN Week episode, Brock sits down with former UC Davis running back Trever Facey—a player whose story, heart, and resilience run far deeper than anything that happened on the field.

Trever shares his journey from small-town Northern California to the UC Davis backfield, his tight bonds with legends like Ulonzo Gilliam, Lan Larison, PJ Dixon, and Jeremiah Chukwudobe, and how the running back room shaped him as both an athlete and a man.

But this conversation goes beyond football.

Trever opens up about the loss of his father, the profound grief he walked through, and the healing and hope he’s found in the years since. He and Brock revisit their 24-hour one-day documentary shoot—returning to the exact place his father passed—and reflect on faith, legacy, and the belief that life is worth living, even in the darkest seasons.

The episode also hits on:

• Trever’s path as an ICU nurse at Vanderbilt Medical Center

• His dream of becoming a CRNA (and his goal to attend UC Davis’ new program)

• The parallels between football and critical-care nursing

• Why relationships, mentorship, and community matter

• The possibility of UC Davis making a playoff run all the way to… Nashville

• And yes—Turkey Bowl highlights, hamstring pulls, and staying “young” in the mid-20s

This is one of the most emotional and meaningful conversations of our season. If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, loss, or thoughts of suicide, Trever reminds listeners they are not alone and that hope is real.

Trever’s Instagram: @faceytrever
(Reach out—he genuinely means it.)

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available:
📞 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
You are seen. You are loved. You are not alone.

UC Davis quarterback legend Jake Maier joins Aggie Pride during ESPN Week to break down the Aggies’ playoff run, share wisdom from the CFL, and give a detailed look at quarterback Caden Pinnick’s development. Fresh off a Grey Cup championship, Jake talks life in the CFL, fatherhood, quarterback coaching, and what makes this year’s Aggie team special.

What We Cover:

• Jake’s unforgettable CFL season and life after winning the Grey Cup

• Coaching young QBs and raising his daughter during football season

• Insight on Caden Pinnick’s growth, confidence, and late-game clutch moments

• Grant Harper, the QB room dynamic, and what real leadership looks like

• How Davis stacks up stylistically vs. Rhode Island

• Why this team plays with more heart and toughness than any in recent years

• Jake’s message to Aggie fans, parents, players, and alumni

• His official score prediction for Saturday

Prediction:
Jake calls it: Aggies 31 – Rhode Island 21

Sponsors:
Brought to you exclusively this week by
The Larison Real Estate Group, BPMNJ, and Moon Real Estate Group

Coach Plough on the Bye Week, Sac State, Rhode Island, & ESPN2 History

In this special post-Thanksgiving episode, Brock and Danny sit down with Head Coach Tim Plough to break down a massive week for UC Davis Football: the win over Sac State, the program’s second straight top-8 seed, the healing impact of the bye week, and the historic upcoming first-ever home ESPN2 playoff game at UC Davis.

The guys dive deep into:

• How the bye created space for rest, recovery, and much-needed family time

• Why the team desperately needed a reset after playing for weeks with only ~50 healthy players

• Why even though no major injured players are returning, the team feels rejuvenated and locked in

• Why Coach Plough calls it one of the greatest Causeway Classics ever

• The defensive masterclass vs. an explosive offense

• Caden Pinnick’s most poised, complete performance of the season

• Mitch & Jaden’s emotional trophy moment with Coach

• Why that win meant so much culturally, personally, and programmatically

• What national exposure means for UC Davis, the program, and recruiting

• Why this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase Shredville

• A direct call to students, alumni, parents, locals, and the Sacramento/Bay Area community:
  “Every seat matters. Don’t let this opportunity go to waste.”

• Alumni buying student tickets so the game can be free for students

• Strengths of Rhode Island’s offense: experienced QB, explosive receivers, slippery RB

• Defensive keys to slowing their QB’s improvisation

• Offensive keys for Davis: protect the ball, run efficiently, spread it out

• Why special teams will quietly be decisive

• How he’s balancing his natural playmaking with learning the offense

• Why his Sac State performance was a breakthrough

• What “four or five missing touchdowns per game” really means

• Why Coach believes Pinnick’s ceiling could be national-championship level

Coach Plough announces on the pod:

• ⭐ Sam Gbatu Jr. is officially returning for 2026

• ⭐ Grant Gerritsen is returning as well

• Why Sam’s decision reflects the culture UC Davis has built

• How these players could’ve chased big NIL elsewhere, but chose Davis

Coach Plough shares a powerful closing reflection on:

• Why he and his family sacrifice for this program

• What it means to represent every alum who ever wore the gold helmet

• Why the “army is growing”

• Why Saturday is a defining moment for UC Davis athletics

• UC Davis Student Tickets: Free (thanks to alumni donors)

• Saturday Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT — ESPN2 National Broadcast

• Location: Shredville (UC Davis Health Stadium)

Thank you to our generous sponsors, BPMNJ, Moon Real Estate Group, and Larison Real Estate