A Milestone for the Program
UC Davis football announced a home‑and‑home series with the Harvard Crimson that will begin in 2027 when the Aggies visit Cambridge, Massachusetts, and conclude in 2031 when Harvard returns to Davis. The agreement represents the first time a Big Sky program has faced an Ivy League team on the gridiron, a milestone that signals the Aggies' growing ambition and visibility.
Head coach Tim Plough voiced enthusiasm about the arrangement, emphasizing that the series aligns with the program’s dual focus on athletic performance and academic excellence. "We’re excited to test ourselves against a storied Ivy League opponent," Plough said, "and to showcase that the Aggies compete fiercely both on the field and in the classroom."
The partnership also highlights existing ties between the Aggies and Ivy League institutions. Graduate transfers Jacob Psyk from Harvard and Derrell Smith‑Porter from Dartmouth have previously joined the Davis roster, illustrating a pathway for Ivy League talent to contribute to the Big Sky program.
The 2027 trip to Cambridge will mark the Aggies' tenth game played east of the Mississippi River, underscoring how rarely the team ventures beyond the West Coast. It will also be the first instance of a Big Sky squad traveling to the Northeast to meet an Ivy League opponent, a rarity that adds a narrative layer to the series.
Historical context further enriches the storyline. Cal Poly, another Big Sky member, holds a 1‑1 record against Ivy League teams, having beaten Brown in 2018 but falling to Yale in 2013. Montana State, the third Big Sky program with such experience, defeated the Bulldogs in the 2025 FCS Playoffs, giving the conference a 2‑1 edge all‑time against the Ivy League.
Beyond the on‑field implications, the series reflects a broader trend of non‑Power Five programs seeking competitive challenges outside their traditional regions. For UC Davis, the agreement not only elevates recruiting prospects but also reinforces the university’s commitment to expanding its athletic brand on a national stage.