Connors earns preseason recognition for the third consecutive year after establishing himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the FCS. Photo courtesy of UC Davis Athletics

DAVIS, CA (MPG) - Senior defensive back Rex Connors has been named to the 2026 Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List, Stats Perform announced on the morning of July 14. The Buck Buchanan Award recognizes the top defensive player in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football, with this year's preseason watch list highlighting many of the nation's top defensive standouts entering the 2026 season.

Connors earns preseason recognition for the third consecutive year after establishing himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the FCS.

A team captain in 2025, Connors appeared in four games before suffering a season-ending injury but still delivered standout performances. He recorded a season-high 15 tackles against Utah Tech, earning both Stats Perform FCS National Honorable Mention Defensive Player of the Week and Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week honors following the victory.

Connors also reached one of the most significant milestones in program history during the 2025 season, becoming UC Davis' all-time leading tackler with the 313th tackle of his career against Washington.

Entering his final collegiate season, Connors returns as the leader of an experienced Aggie defense and once again stands among the top candidates for one of the FCS's highest individual honors.

UC Davis opens the 2026 season on Aug. 29 at Portland State.

Single game tickets are on sale now. Secure your seats for any of UC Davis' six home games today. Mini Plans offer a great way to save by bundling multiple games. Choose from two different options and select the games that fit your schedule.

Both Mini Plan options include the Montana game and allow fans to add one or two additional home games at a discounted rate compared to purchasing single-game tickets. All Mini Plan seats are located in Sections 119 or 125 on the west side of UC Davis Health Stadium.

Season tickets start at just $100 for new alumni (2017–26 UC Davis graduates) and $140 for the general public. Season ticket holders also receive a variety of exclusive benefits, including priority access to postseason tickets, select away games and parking.

Additional benefits include a dedicated Aggie Ticket Representative, flexible payment plan options and invitations to exclusive season ticket holder events. Purchase your season tickets today. For more information, email the Aggie Ticket Office at [email protected] or call 530-752-2471.

Group ticket discounts begin with just 10 tickets and provide the perfect opportunity for company outings, family gatherings, birthday celebrations and more.

Create a memorable birthday experience with a player high-five tunnel or reserve a turnkey tailgate space for your group before kickoff. Call the Aggie Ticket Office at 530-752-2471 to customize an unforgettable game-day experience.

For more information about purchasing tailgating or parking for the 2026 season, contact Jordan Kurtz at 530-304-1433 or [email protected].