The Aggies finished 2024 No. 5 in the nation after going 11-3 and making a deep run into the NCAA FCS Playoffs, reaching the quarterfinals for only the second time in program history while going 7-1 in Big Sky play.

DAVIS, CA (MPG) – University of California, Davis’ returning senior tight end Winston Williams has been named the second-best returning tight end in the nation by HERO Sports as part of its 2025 Football Championship Series season preview.
 
Williams was a 2024 First Team All-Big Sky Conference honoree and he ended the season leading all Big Sky tight ends in touchdown receptions, finishing second in the nation for most receiving touchdowns by a tight end.

When the 2024 season came to an end, Williams had racked up career numbers finishing with 265 receiving yards on 34 receptions, snagging six touchdowns while averaging 19.0 yards per game.
 
Aggie senior Ian Simpson joined Williams on the list, coming in at No. 24, giving the Aggies a pair among the Top 25 returning tight ends in the nation.

In other football news, UC Davis football has been ranked among the best in the nation, this time No. 11 in the country as part of the 2025 HERO Sports FCS Preseason Top 25 Media Poll.
 
The Aggies are among five Big Sky teams represented in the poll, and the No. 11 ranking places UC Davis as the third highest team in the conference to earn a ranking. No. 2 Montana State, No. 7 Montana, No. 10 Idaho and No. 12 Sacramento State all joined the Aggies inside the Top 25.
 
This season, the Aggies open 2025 in Montgomery, Alabama in a ranked match up against No. 12 Mercer on ESPN as part of the FCS Kickoff Classic and they will make key trips to Washington, No. 10 Idaho while hosting Causeway Classic rivals No. 12 Sacramento State on Nov. 22 to wrap up the regular season.

The game at Washington is set for the BIG 10 Network and the game at Montana State is scheduled to be picked up by a linear ESPN network and, along with the season opener on ESPN, the Aggies will play a program record three games on national television this year.

Winston Williams has been named the second-best returning tight end in the nation by HERO Sports as part of its 2025 Football Championship Series season preview. Photo courtesy of UC Davis Athletics

The Aggies finished 2024 No. 5 in the nation after going 11-3 and making a deep run into the NCAA FCS Playoffs, reaching the quarterfinals for only the second time in program history while going 7-1 in Big Sky play.
 
Second-year head coach and 2024 Eddie Robinson Award finalist Tim Plough and the Aggies return a collection of starters, including All-American safety Rex Connors, 2024 Fred Mitchell Award finalist Hunter Ridley and All-Big Sky Conference honorees Williams, Eli Simonson and Ernesto Nava.

UC Davis also signed and secure a strong collection of incoming freshmen and transfers from other programs to fill out a strong and competitive roster.

Season tickets are on sale now, and fans can head here to secure their spot in Shredville for the 2025 season. Tickets start at $100 for new alumni and $140 for the general public.

Football group ticket discounts start at 10 or more tickets and provide a great opportunity for gatherings and parties to enjoy Aggie football.

Create an unforgettable experience with a group by reaching out to the Aggie Ticket Office to customize your day at 530-752-2471. Fans can head to ucdavisaggies.evenue.net/events/FBS to purchase their group ticket packages. The Aggie Ticket Office is located at 1 Shields Ave., UC Davis Health Stadium, Davis and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.