Full Breakdown
Sacramento State Joins Mid-American Conference as Football-Only Member
2/15/2026, 6:02:04 AM
Major Conference Realignment
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has voted to add Sacramento State as a football-only member starting in 2026. This decision comes as part of a broader trend in college athletics where institutions are paying significant fees to transition to higher competitive levels. Sacramento State will pay an entrance fee of $18 million to the MAC, along with an additional $5 million fee to the NCAA for moving from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The total cost of entry is expected to reach $23 million.
This marks a historic move for Sacramento State, making it the first West Coast football program to transition to the FBS in over 57 years, following the last moves by Fresno State and San Diego State in 1969. The Hornets will replace Northern Illinois, which is leaving the MAC for the Mountain West.
Background and Context
Sacramento State has been pursuing FBS membership for several years, previously attempting to join as an independent after leaving the Big Sky Conference. However, their request for a waiver to play independently was denied by the NCAA. The university's leadership, including President Luke Wood and Athletic Director Mark Orr, has been vocal about their ambitions, emphasizing the need for major college football in the Sacramento region.
The Hornets have a recent history of success in the FCS, including playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023, and a 7-5 record in their final season at the FCS level. They have also made significant investments in their athletic programs, including hiring former NBA player Mike Bibby as the men's basketball coach and planning upgrades to Hornets Stadium.
Key Figures and Leadership
Alonzo Carter has been appointed as the new head coach of the Sacramento State football team, replacing Brennan Marion, who left for a position at the University of Colorado. Carter, who has extensive recruiting ties in California, is expected to lead the program through this pivotal transition to the FBS.
Geographic and Competitive Considerations
The addition of Sacramento State will introduce geographic challenges for the MAC, as the university is located in California, while the majority of MAC schools are situated in the Midwest. This will make Sacramento State the first MAC program in the Pacific Time Zone, with travel distances significantly longer than those for other conference members. The closest MAC opponent, Western Michigan, is approximately 2,180 miles away.
Official Statements and Responses
Luke Wood stated, "We believe our university, our students, and the entire Sacramento region deserve major college football." This sentiment reflects the university's commitment to elevating its athletic profile and enhancing its competitive landscape.
Criticism and Opposition
While the move has been largely welcomed, some critics point to the financial burden of the transition, questioning whether the investment will yield sufficient returns in terms of competitive success and revenue generation. The MAC's decision to expand geographically raises concerns about the sustainability of such a model in the long term.
What's Next
Sacramento State will begin its MAC football schedule in 2026, with adjustments needed to their previously announced 2026 schedule. The MAC is expected to release its schedule in early March, incorporating the Hornets into the league's framework. Meanwhile, Sacramento State's non-football sports will compete in the Big West Conference starting in the 2026-27 academic year.
