Sacramento State Joins MAC for FBS Football in 2026

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is set to welcome Sacramento State as a football-only member starting in 2026. This marks a big shift in the college football landscape.

Northern Illinois is leaving for the Mountain West, also as a football-only member. With Sacramento State’s entry fee expected to be around $18 million, the Hornets are making a bold move.

The school’s already preparing for the jump—hiring a new head coach and boosting its NIL budget. Here’s a closer look at what this means for Sacramento State and the MAC.

Sacramento State Joins the MAC

Sacramento State will join the MAC as a football-only member starting in 2026. This follows Northern Illinois’ exit to the Mountain West, creating a spot for the Hornets to step in.

According to CBS Sports, this is a huge leap for Sacramento State, moving from the FCS to the FBS level. That’s not something you see every day.

The Financial Commitment

The entry fee for Sacramento State into the MAC is expected to be about $18 million. That’s no small sum—it really shows they’re serious about upping their football game.

They’ve also been aggressive on the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) front, with a budget reportedly “north of $1 million.” That kind of cash matters, especially when you’re stepping into a more competitive conference.

Coaching Changes and Recruiting

To lead this new chapter, Sacramento State brought in Arizona assistant Alonzo Carter as the new head football coach. Carter’s got deep recruiting ties in California and plenty of experience from his time at San Jose State and Arizona.

He replaces Brennan Marion, who left to join Deion Sanders’ staff at Colorado as offensive coordinator. Change is definitely in the air.

Alonzo Carter’s Vision

Carter’s a first-time head coach, but he’s spent the last eight seasons working under Brent Brennan. He’s known for recruiting, building teams, and just getting results at every level.

School president Luke Wood and athletic director Mark Orr have both said Carter’s all about developing student-athletes, on and off the field. That’s a good sign for the program’s future, right?

2026 Football Schedule

The full 2026 football schedule isn’t out yet, but a few games are already on the books. Sacramento State will face:

• Tarleton State
• Maine
• North Alabama
• Fresno State in Week 2, as outlined in the Pac-12 schedule release

These matchups should give the Hornets a chance to test themselves before officially diving into MAC play. It’s a good mix—some familiar faces, some not so much.

Transition from Big Sky to Big West

Last summer, Sacramento State moved all non-football sports from the Big Sky to the Big West Conference. That was part of a bigger plan to boost their athletic programs overall.

The Hornets even tried to get a waiver to join the FBS as an independent, but the NCAA said no. Still, Sacramento State played one last football season in the Big Sky, finishing 7-5 overall and 5-3 in conference.

Final Season in the Big Sky

During that last Big Sky season, Sacramento State put up a solid performance. It was a bit of a transition year, honestly—a chance to gear up for the bigger challenges ahead.

North Dakota State’s Similar Journey

Sacramento State isn’t the only one making the jump to FBS in 2026. North Dakota State, a longtime FCS powerhouse, also announced it’s joining the Mountain West Conference.

This trend—successful FCS programs stepping up—seems to be picking up steam. North Dakota State’s move offers a bit of a blueprint for Sacramento State, though every school’s got its own path.

Implications for the MAC

Sacramento State’s arrival brings some real changes for the MAC. The Hornets fill the gap left by Northern Illinois and add a fresh, competitive edge to the conference.

Their financial prep and smart hires suggest they’re not just there to make up the numbers. If nothing else, it should make the MAC a little more interesting to watch.

Conclusion

Sacramento State’s move to the MAC as a football-only member in 2026 is a pretty big deal for the school—and honestly, for the conference too.

There’s a lot on the line here, with the school making a hefty financial commitment and bringing in some new coaching talent. They’ve also put together a solid NIL budget, which should help them stay competitive.

Jumping into the FBS is no small step. Sacramento State’s hoping to make some noise and really boost its football program.

It’s tough to say exactly how things will play out, but the next few years are bound to be interesting. Who knows—maybe this is the start of something huge for the Hornets.