Aggie Pride Podcast

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.

Buy a Hat: https://aggiepridepodcast.com/product/aggie-pride-hat-two-tone-tan/

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.