Welcome to the 2023 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Leading up to Week 0 games on Aug. 26, HERO Sports will name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Because team rosters are updated at different times across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on last season’s rosters.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2022 rosters.
92: Chubba Maae, DL (Jr.) — UC Davis
Maae’s birth name is James, but he got the nickname Chubba early on. His cousin gave him that moniker when Maae was still a baby. The cousin must have been on to something since Chubba Maae is a fantastic football name, and Maae has delivered with football success.
Maae has been a nightmare for Big Sky offenses to block. The 6-foot-2, 347-pounder is a two-time All-Conference selection.
He arrived at UC Davis with high expectations. The three-star recruit from Long Beach, California, chose UC Davis over offers from Colorado State, Nevada, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Idaho State, and Utah Tech.
In his debut season during the 2021 spring, Maae was named the Big Sky’s Co-Freshman of the Year and earned Second Team All-Conference accolades. In five games, he totaled 12 tackles and one TFL.
The 2021 fall season saw Maae tally 20 tackles and three TFLs. Last year, he recorded 12 tackles, two TFLs, and one sack, earning Third Team All-Big Sky honors. Maae’s 2022 PFF grade of 71.7 was highlighted by his 77.3 run defense grade.
His stats may not catch one’s eye, but Maae’s presence certainly impacts what an offense can do in its run game.
UC Davis finished 6-5 last season, one win shy of likely making the playoffs. The Aggies had a solid argument to get in despite its six D1 wins with its three one-possession losses to Top 5-ranked teams and a 44-26 win over playoff-bound Idaho in Week 11. UC Davis will now get some 2023 preseason Top 25 love as it returns an experienced team led by the Big Sky passing leader Miles Hastings and an improved defense led by All-Conference performers Rex Connors, Zach Kennedy, Teddye Buchanan, Jehiel Budgett, and Maae.
