Breaking News: Sacramento State Makes Historic Leap to FBS, Joining MAC as Football-Only Member
In a move that’s shaking up the college football landscape, Sacramento State is set to join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a football-only member, marking a historic transition from the FCS to the FBS level. But here’s where it gets controversial: this shift not only redefines the Hornets’ athletic ambitions but also raises questions about the geographic and logistical challenges of expanding the MAC’s footprint to the West Coast. Could this be the start of a broader realignment trend, or is it a one-off gamble? Let’s dive in.
According to Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, the MAC’s presidents have officially approved Sacramento State’s addition, with the school committing to an $18 million entry fee. The deal is expected to finalize soon, allowing the Hornets to kick off their FBS journey as early as this upcoming season. On3’s Pete Nakos has confirmed the report, solidifying this as one of the most significant moves in college football this year.
And this is the part most people miss: Sacramento State’s transition is the first of its kind for a West Coast university in nearly six decades. The last schools to make this leap were Fresno State and San Diego State in 1969. This historic step underscores the Hornets’ determination to compete at the sport’s highest level, a journey that began in 1954 and has since seen them climb from Division II to FCS before now reaching the FBS.
The timing of this move is particularly intriguing. Last season, under head coach Brennan Marion, the Hornets posted a 7-5 record, including a 5-3 mark in Big Sky play, narrowly missing the FCS Playoffs. Marion has since moved on to become Colorado’s offensive coordinator, leaving the program in the hands of new head coach Alonzo Carter. Carter, formerly the assistant head coach and running backs coach at Arizona, now faces the monumental task of leading Sacramento State into the FBS era. Will he be the right man to navigate this uncharted territory? Only time will tell.
For the MAC, this addition brings the conference’s football membership back to 13 teams, effectively replacing Northern Illinois, which departed for the Mountain West Conference. However, the geographic implications are hard to ignore. With Sacramento State on board, the MAC’s westernmost team is now Western Michigan, located in Kalamazoo, MI—a significant distance from California. This raises questions about travel costs, scheduling logistics, and whether this expansion is sustainable in the long term.
Bold Question for You: Is the MAC’s decision to add Sacramento State a forward-thinking move or a logistical nightmare waiting to happen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
As of now, the MAC has yet to release its 2026 season schedule, but one thing is clear: Sacramento State will be part of the equation. This development is just the latest in a series of conference realignments that continue to reshape college football. Whether this move pays off for both the Hornets and the MAC remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the sport’s landscape will never be the same.
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