What Is 2024 UC Davis Aggies football team

Overview

The 2024 UC Davis Aggies football team represents the University of California, Davis in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the Aggies aim to improve upon their 5–7 overall record from the 2023 season under head coach Tim Plough.

With a renewed focus on offensive consistency and defensive discipline, the 2024 roster emphasizes player development and depth. The team returns key contributors from last season, including starting quarterback Miles Hastings and linebacker Jeremiah Logan.

• Conference: The Aggies compete in the Big Sky Conference, which expanded to 13 teams in 2024 with the addition of Idaho, returning from the FBS level.
• Stadium: UC Davis Health Stadium in Davis, California, has a seating capacity of 10,313 and features a FieldTurf playing surface installed in 2019.
• Head Coach:Tim Plough, promoted from offensive coordinator in 2023, enters his second season as head coach after a 5–7 debut campaign.
• 2023 Record: The Aggies finished 5–7 overall and 4–4 in Big Sky play, narrowly missing postseason eligibility.
• Key Returner: Senior quarterback Miles Hastings threw for 2,147 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023 and remains the offensive centerpiece.

How It Works

The UC Davis football program operates within the NCAA Division I FCS framework, balancing academic standards, athletic competition, and scholarship limits. The 2024 season schedule includes eight conference games and four non-conference matchups.

• Schedule Format: The Aggies play a 12-game regular season, with eight games against Big Sky opponents and four non-conference contests.
• Scholarships: FCS programs are allowed up to 63 full scholarships, distributed across the roster, compared to 85 in FBS.
• Postseason: The NCAA FCS playoffs include 24 teams, with automatic bids for conference champions and at-large selections.
• Recruiting: UC Davis focuses on in-state talent, with over 70% of the 2024 roster hailing from California high schools.
• Game Day Operations: Home games are held on Saturdays, typically starting at 4:00 PM or 6:00 PM, with select games broadcast on ESPN+.
• Strength & Conditioning: The team follows a year-round training regimen led by Director of Football Performance Joe DeFranco, emphasizing injury prevention.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2024 UC Davis Aggies compare to select Big Sky Conference peers across key performance and program metrics.

The table highlights UC Davis’s mid-tier standing in the conference. While Montana State dominates recent playoff success, UC Davis aims to close the gap with improved quarterback stability and special teams execution in 2024.

Why It Matters

The 2024 season is pivotal for UC Davis football as it seeks to reestablish competitiveness within the Big Sky and boost fan engagement on campus.

• Recruiting Impact: A winning season could enhance the program’s ability to attract top-tier California high school prospects.
• Conference Stability: With Idaho’s return to FCS, the Big Sky remains a strong 13-team league, increasing scheduling depth.
• Student Engagement: Football games drive campus spirit, with average attendance up 12% from 2022 to 2023.
• Media Exposure: ESPN+ broadcasts increase visibility, helping recruit both athletes and out-of-state students.
• Alumni Support: Success on the field correlates with higher donations to the athletics department and scholarship funds.
• Player Development: The Aggies serve as a pipeline to professional leagues, with three alumni signing NFL contracts since 2020.

As UC Davis invests in athletic infrastructure and coaching continuity, the 2024 season represents a critical step toward sustained FCS relevance and conference contention.