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UC Davis (ranked #8 in FCS) faces Mercer (ranked #11) in the FCS Kickoff Classic.
The game takes place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM EDT and will be broadcast on ESPN.
Key players to watch include UC Davis quarterback Caden Pinnick and Mercer quarterback DJ Smith.
Road closures around Cramton Bowl will be in effect from 10:00 PM on Friday, August 22, reopening at approximately 2:00 AM on Sunday, August 24.
This is Mercer’s second appearance in the Kickoff Classic and UC Davis’s first.
Why this matters: This game not only marks the start of the college football season but also provides a platform for both teams to showcase their talent on national television. The performance of key players like Pinnick and Smith could set the tone for their respective seasons.
The UC Davis Aggies and Mercer Bears will clash in the 2025 FCS Kickoff Classic, a highly anticipated season opener. UC Davis, ranked 8th in the FCS, will test their mettle against 11th-ranked Mercer.
Date:: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time:: 7:00 PM EDT
Location:: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama
TV Channel:: ESPN
Live Stream:: Available on Fubo ([
Watch for free!
](https://www.fubo.tv/?ref=yanuki.com))
For UC Davis, the spotlight is on redshirt freshman quarterback Caden Pinnick. His ability to lead the offense will be crucial for the Aggies’ success. Mercer looks to DJ Smith, their experienced quarterback, to guide their team, provided he remains healthy after an injury-marred 2024 season.
UC Davis has two nationally televised games this season, including a Sept. 6th game against Washington on the Big Ten Network and a Nov. 15th game against Montana State on ESPN2. This is Mercer’s only nationally televised game of 2025.
Road closures around Cramton Bowl will begin at 10:00 PM on Friday, August 22, and will lift around 2:00 AM on Sunday, August 24. Shuttles from various parking decks will start at 2:00 PM on game day, with gates opening at 4:00 PM.
When is the UC Davis vs. Mercer game?
Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM EDT.
Where is the game being played?
Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama.
What channel is the game on?
ESPN.
Where can I stream the game?
Fubo ([
Watch for free!
](https://www.fubo.tv/?ref=yanuki.com)).
What time do the road closures around Cramton Bowl begin?
10:00 PM on Friday, August 22.
The UC Davis vs. Mercer game is a key season opener in college football.
Caden Pinnick and DJ Smith are the quarterbacks to watch.
Plan for road closures if attending the game in person.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN and available for streaming on Fubo.
What are your predictions for the UC Davis vs. Mercer game? Who will be the standout player? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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