UC Davis’ Rex Connors Named Big Sky Defensive Player Of The Week

UC Davis football senior defensive back Rex Connors was a force in the secondary during the Aggies' comeback win at Utah Tech.

BY UC DAVIS ATHLETICS

Sep 2, 2025, 6:48 AM

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Picking up where he left off last season, UC Davis football senior defensive back Rex Connors was a force in the secondary during the Aggies’ comeback win at Utah Tech, and his 15 total tackles have earned him Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week honors for the opening weekend.

Connors totaled eight solo tackles and seven assisted tackles to go along with a pass breakup to earn his player of the week honors. It’s the first time the 2025 Big Sky Preseason Defensive Player of the Year has earned Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week honors since 2022, when he earned the honor twice.

With the 15 tackles, Connors now sits 12 tackles away from hitting a mark of 291 career tackles, which will set the career program record for total tackles.

The Aggie defensive back also makes it two-straight seasons an Aggie has won the first week’s edition of the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week, joining his brother Porter after his standout performance at California in the 2024 season opener.

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

GROUP TICKETS: Football group ticket discounts start at 10 or more tickets and provide a great opportunity for gatherings and parties to enjoy Aggie football. If you’d like to create an unforgettable experience with your group, the Aggie Ticket Office is here to help you customize your day! Fans can head to THIS LINK to purchase their group ticket packages.

MINI PLANS: Mini Plans are a great way for Aggie fans to save on tickets by bundling multiple games. Choose from 2 different options to get the biggest bang for your buck, and fans get to pick the games that work the best for you. The Pick Any 2 or Pick Any 3 Plans allow fans to pick and choose which games they want to attend at a discounted rate versus buying single-game tickets. Both plans can be purchased here.

SINGLE GAME TICKETS: Single-game UC Davis football tickets are on sale now, and fans can secure their spot at one of five home games for as little as $13 a ticket. HEAD HERE to buy single-game tickets today.

More on UC Davis football

Score: No. 8 UC Davis football 31, Utah Tech 24
Location: St. George, Utah (Greater Zion Stadium)
Records: UC Davis 1-0, Utah Tech 0-1

The short story: After trailing as much as 24-7 early in the second half, No. 8 UC Davis football used quick scores and a Drew Coefield momentum flipping interception to power back at Utah Tech to win the 2025 season opener on the road in thrilling fashion.

The Aggies scored 24 unanswered points in the second half, capped off by Samuel Gbatu Jr. scoring on a 60-yard touchdown reception from Caden Pinnick.

UC Davis football then held off a late drive by Utah Tech, sealing the win with an interception by Nate Rutchena.