Great interview. Thanks!

Plough clearly explained the Davis approach of recruiting primarily outstanding high school players and keeping them in the program until they graduate versus going after big numbers of transfers each year. Sac State's approach is the exact opposite currently and they have brought in what must be one of the largest numbers of transfers ever seen by an FCS school. This would be a perfect time for you to interview their new head coach, Brennan Marion, where you could compare the pros and cons of these two entirely different approaches to recruiting.

We're definitely thinking the same thing.

...this is a whole new team with players from all over the country. I mean we are hopeful that they will gel, but it could also be a disaster. LOL — Kadeezy

That will be the challenge for sure. Marion may actually have an excess of talent where some of these FBS transfers don't get the playing time they are expecting. However, it feels like, with this much talent, that his team could win even having a less than stellar game.

I think that Sac's strategy is playing out as planned at the moment. They aren't interested in the FCS at all anymore. FCS is small potatoes in their mind's eye. It's like Dr. Wood has said, "It's FBS or bust."

They're all about getting everyone's attention by bringing in a charismatic, up and coming coach and a recruiting class the likes of which no one has ever seen before at an FCS program and then, given their relatively weak FCS schedule this year, they go 12-0 on the season with most or all of their wins being huge blowouts.

If that happens, they feel like FBS conferences will roll out the red carpet and come calling, the fan base will take off like wildfire and that will bring in deep pocketed donors and perhaps an Indian casino sponsorship to build a new stadium and increase NIL money even more.

I think that, given the sheer number of players with exceptional size, speed and athleticism that they have brought in already, anything less than a monster 12-0 season would be a disappointment for them.

I have to think that we must be offering some NIL but who knows? Our athletics program is so much more than just trying to "buy" players. We go after players who value their education and the all of the support they will get for succeeding in school and in their lives after basketball at some point. It seems like all of these recent recruits are good students with high character so those things are probably as important or maybe even more important to them than simply getting paid to play at this level.

I haven't seen anything more about the big man, Jonathan Noudjihidi. I hope we get him signed. I did see a post where he has one of the tallest standing reaches in the nation at 9'2. With that kind of length he could really be a rim protector!

It looks like he has a great inside/outside game. This highlights video is from 2 years ago and he is apparently grown another inch since then. I hope he chooses to be an Aggie!

I'm sure he'll be attending some of Sac's games to see his son play.

I'm also interested to see what upgrades they might propose for the basketball arena and improvements to other sports facilities as well.

I hope that this master plan will be presented to the public soon after it has been completed. An exciting vision of what's ahead for the growth of Aggie Athletics would do wonders for growing the fan base and increasing donor support significantly.

The Ags fell a game short of a .500 season going 27-28 including 13-17 in conference. They were 15-13 at home 12-15 away.

High praise for Ylan Esso-Essis from Jim Les:

"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Ylan to the UC Davis Men's Basketball program," Les said. "Ylan is a highly skilled wing with a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. Standing at 6'8", he brings a dynamic presence to the court—able to handle the ball, create opportunities for himself and his teammates, and stretch the floor with his elite shooting range, making him a serious matchup problem for opponents.

"What sets Ylan apart isn't just his physical tools or offensive versatility—it's his mindset. His passion for the game and relentless work ethic make him a true gym rat, and that hunger to improve is what gives him one of the highest ceilings of any player I've coached in 24 years. We can't wait to see the impact Ylan will make as an Aggie. Welcome to UC Davis, Ylan!"

https://ucdavisaggies.com/news/2025/5/16/ylan-esso-essis-to-join-mens-basketball-program.aspx

Marion adds another former 4 star high school recruit who had offers from many of the top P4 schools in the country. LB/DE Dylan Gooden, who is the son of former MLB pitcher, Dwight Gooden, has transferred to Sac from Maryland. ESPN ranked Gooden as the #29 DE in the nation when he originally committed to Maryland.

Marsh is going to really be challenged this season — Oldbanduhalum

No kidding...I was tongue tied when I told my wife about these new recruits!

It looks like we got us a 3 point shooter with the size to play above the rim as well!

In 2023, Texas A&M WR transfer, Ernest Campbell, ran a 10.22 second 100 meter dash which is the 6th fastest 100 meter time in Texas high school history.

https://aggieswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/aggies/recruiting/2023/07/16/2024-4-star-wide-receiver-ernest-campbell-texas-am-football/77801450007/

There is a video included in the Sac Bee article that I can't find a way to copy and post but Orr also talks about a whole section of seats at one end of the court that will be reserved for donors and VIP's. The video ends by saying that Woods and Orr immediately left to meet with donors in southern California immediately after the tour of the Well.

Who knows...but I think they must have a bucket of it somewhere given all of these 4 and 5 star FBS transfers that Marion has brought in.

I really like the recruiting class that Les has brought in so far and I'm excited to see these new Ags in action this fall. It feels like we are building towards being ready for the move to the MWC in 2026. I wonder if we have any more scholarships available for this year or if we're done now?