Sacramento State is currently a member of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), competing in the Big Sky Conference. In the 2024 football season, the Hornets struggled, finishing with a 3–9 overall record and a 1–7 mark in conference play, tying for last place in the Big Sky. Despite the lackluster season, Sacramento State is pursuing a move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), aiming to become an independent program—similar to how Notre Dame operates.
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In today’s evolving landscape of college athletics, programs are increasingly focused on reaching the highest level, and with the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, financial backing can often outweigh traditional factors like history and facilities. Schools that can secure NIL funding have a better chance of attracting top talent, regardless of past success. This potential transition to FBS status would be a monumental step for Sacramento State’s athletic department.
Becoming an FBS program would open doors to future conference affiliation, which could bring in lucrative television revenue and significantly raise the school’s athletic profile. Additionally, Sacramento presents an appealing market, with only one major professional sports team—the NBA’s Sacramento Kings—offering a unique opportunity to capture a strong local fanbase. One possibility for future conference alignment could be with the Mountain West or a restructured Pac-12.
After the dissolution of the Pac-12 due to widespread conference realignment, only Oregon State and Washington State remained without a home. Though those two schools reached a temporary scheduling agreement with the Mountain West, a long-term plan remains uncertain. This fluid situation could present an opportunity for Sacramento State to position itself within a new version of a western U.S. football conference. The university has already taken major steps in anticipation of this shift, making high-profile coaching hires in both football and basketball.
Brennan Marion, the former offensive coordinator at UNLV, has been named the new head football coach. In basketball, Sacramento State made headlines by hiring Mike Bibby, a former Sacramento Kings star (2001–2008), as head coach—adding a local and recognizable face to the program. For now, the Hornets plan to compete at the FCS level for the 2025 season, which they hope will be their final year before moving up.
If the transition is approved, Sacramento State would face a mandatory postseason ban in football for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, becoming eligible for FBS postseason play in 2027. College athletics is constantly evolving, especially with the influence of football. Sacramento State’s push to join the FBS is undoubtedly a football-driven decision, but the long-term benefits could elevate the entire athletic department and increase the university’s visibility on the national stage.
