Sacramento State Set to Join FBS in 2026

The Hornets will pay an $18 million entrance fee to join the Mid-American Conference as a football-only member.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Mid-American Conference (MAC) has voted to formally add FCS program Sacramento State as a football-only member starting in 2026. The Hornets will pay an $18 million entrance fee as part of the deal, which is expected to be announced soon.

Why it matters

The addition of Sacramento State to the FBS increases the total number of college football teams at the highest level from 137 to 138. While North Dakota State's move from the FCS to the FBS is expected to be a smooth transition, Sacramento State may face more challenges as they look to compete at the FBS level for the first time.

The details

Sacramento State will replace Northern Illinois in the MAC, as the Huskies are set to join the revamped Mountain West in 2026. The Hornets have had moderate success at the FCS level, making the playoffs three times under former head coach Troy Taylor from 2019-2022. However, they have struggled to maintain consistency, going just 7-5 last season after Taylor's departure.

  • The MAC has voted to formally add Sacramento State as a football-only member starting in 2026.
  • The $18 million entrance fee deal is expected to be announced in the upcoming days.

The players

Pete Thamel

An ESPN reporter who broke the news of Sacramento State's move to the FBS.

Troy Taylor

The former Sacramento State head coach who led the Hornets to three straight playoff appearances from 2019-2022.

Alonzo Carter

The current Sacramento State head coach who will be tasked with leading the Hornets in their transition to the FBS.

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What they’re saying

“Sources: The MAC has voted to formally add FCS Sacramento State into the league as a football-only member starting in 2026. The cost of entrance is expected to be $18 million and a deal is expected to be announced in the upcoming days.”

— Pete Thamel, ESPN Reporter (X)

What’s next

The $18 million entrance fee deal between the MAC and Sacramento State is expected to be announced in the coming days.

The takeaway

Sacramento State's move to the FBS represents the continued expansion of college football's highest level, but the Hornets may face an uphill battle as they look to compete with established FBS programs. The team's recent struggles at the FCS level suggest they have work to do in order to be competitive in the MAC.