Hero Sports, a leading analytics platform for collegiate athletics, has unveiled its 2026 preseason rankings for FCS wide receivers, spotlighting two UC Davis standouts who are poised to drive the Aggies’ offense.
Top Returning Receivers
Samuel Gbatu, Jr., a senior who compiled 2,312 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns over his first four seasons, lands at No. 3 on the list. His achievements earned him second‑team All‑American honors from both FCS Football Central and the American Football Coaches Association.
Stacy Dobbins, another returning starter, is ranked 18th nationally after a breakout 2025 campaign that produced a career‑high 701 yards on 58 catches and four touchdowns. He capped the season with a 121‑yard, two‑score performance in the FCS Quarterfinals against Illinois State.
A Program Making Its Mark
The presence of two Aggies in the top 25 reflects a broader resurgence for UC Davis football. The program joins just two others nationwide that boast multiple representatives on the list, underscoring the impact of recent recruiting and coaching initiatives.
Both players will be central figures when fall camp opens on July 29. Their preparation will culminate in the season opener on August 29, when the Aggies host Portland State in a non‑conference matchup to begin the 2026 schedule.
Looking Ahead
With the preseason accolades already recorded, the coaching staff emphasizes that the rankings are only a starting point. The focus now is on translating individual excellence into team success as the Aggies aim to contend for a Big Sky title and a deep playoff run.