Aggie Pride Podcast

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.

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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

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!

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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