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Sacramento State Joins MAC as First West Coast FBS Team

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sacramento State will join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a football-only member starting in 2026, following MAC approval on February 14, 2026.
The university will pay an $18 million entry fee and a $5 million NCAA transition fee.
Sacramento State will be the first West Coast university to move from FCS to FBS in 57 years, replacing Northern Illinois in the MAC.
The Hornets finished their last FCS season with a 7-5 record, while all other sports will remain in the Big Sky Conference.
An official announcement is expected soon.

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Story summary

Sacramento State will join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a football-only member starting in 2026, following MAC approval on February 14, 2026.
The university will pay an $18 million entry fee and a $5 million NCAA transition fee.
Sacramento State will be the first West Coast university to move from FCS to FBS in 57 years, replacing Northern Illinois in the MAC.
The Hornets finished their last FCS season with a 7-5 record, while all other sports will remain in the Big Sky Conference.
An official announcement is expected soon.