MAC to Add Sacramento State for 2026 Football Season

Sacramento State to pay $18 million entry fee to join FBS conference

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Mid-American Conference (MAC) will add Sacramento State as a football-only member starting in the 2026 season, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Sacramento State, which has long desired to move up from the FCS level, will pay an $18 million entry fee to join the MAC, along with a $5 million NCAA fee for the transition.

Why it matters

This move is part of the ongoing conference realignment in college football, as smaller programs seek to elevate to the higher-profile FBS level. The addition of Sacramento State will keep the MAC at 13 football members, while the Mountain West Conference recently announced plans to add North Dakota State, another FCS program looking to make the jump.

The details

Sacramento State had a 38-13 record from 2019 to 2023, including a 12-1 season in 2022 under head coach Troy Taylor. The Hornets will not be eligible for the postseason for the first two years after joining the MAC, per NCAA transition rules, though they could play in a bowl game if there are not enough bowl-eligible teams.

  • Sacramento State will join the MAC for the 2026 football season.
  • The Mountain West Conference announced plans to add North Dakota State the previous week.

The players

Sacramento State

An FCS football program that has long desired to move up to the FBS level.

Mid-American Conference (MAC)

A Division I FBS college athletic conference that will add Sacramento State as a football-only member.

Troy Taylor

The head coach of Sacramento State, who led the team to a 12-1 record in 2022.

Alonzo Carter

The new head coach of Sacramento State, hired this offseason after the previous coach, Brennan Marion, took the Colorado offensive coordinator job.

Mountain West Conference

Another FBS conference that recently announced plans to add North Dakota State, another FCS program looking to move up.

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What’s next

Sacramento State will not be eligible for the postseason for the first two years after joining the MAC, though they could play in a bowl game if there are not enough bowl-eligible teams.

The takeaway

This move highlights the ongoing trend of smaller FCS programs seeking to elevate to the higher-profile FBS level, as they look to raise their national profile and compete at the highest level of college football.