UC Davis football linebacker Porter Connors has been named 10th-best returning linebacker by Hero Sports among this year’s batch in the Football Championship Subdivision. Photo courtesy of UC Davis Athletics

DAVIS, CA (MPG) - Hero Sports has named UC Davis football linebacker Porter Connors the 10th-best returning linebacker among this year’s batch in the Football Championship Subdivision, placing one of the best defenders in the nation squarely in the middle of a deep and talented Aggie defensive unit.

Already a three-time preseason All-American, Connors’ 2025 campaign was cut short by injury after just four games, but in that short stretch he recorded 25 tackles (15 solo), two tackles for loss and the Aggie linebacker recovered one fumble. Against Utah Tech he made 10 total tackles, in what would be the first official game of the season, and he made eight tackles in the Aggie win over Southern Utah.

2024 acted as a breakout year for Connors, finishing that season with 86 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, four passes defended, one fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown. Over his career Connors has amassed 163 total tackles, he’s snagged five interceptions, made 11.5 tackles for loss and he has recovered three fumbles.

UC Davis opens 2026 fall camp on July 29 and will kick off the 2026 season on August 29 in a Big Sky showdown at Portland State. The Aggies will open UC Davis Health Stadium on Sept. 19 when Stetson makes the cross-country trip to Davis.

Buy 2026 Season Tickets

Season tickets start as low as $100 for new alumni (2017-26 UC Davis graduates) and $140 for the general public. Fans can expect a large collection of perks that include priority access to postseason tickets, select away games and parking. All season ticket holders get a dedicated Aggie Ticket Representative that oversees their account, flexible payment plan options and access to exclusive season ticket holder events. Get your season tickets today by visiting ucdavisaggies.evenue.net/list/FB?path=football, emailing the Aggie ticket office at [email protected] or by calling the ticket office at 530-752-2471.