Sacramento State Football Joins FBS Mid-American Conference

Hornets move up from FCS to FBS, will not be bowl eligible for first two seasons.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 6:31pm by Ben Kaplan

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The Sacramento State football program will join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) starting on July 1, moving up from the FCS to the FBS level. The Hornets, who previously played in the Big Sky Conference, are making a "historic" leap to the national stage according to the university president.

Why it matters

This move to the FBS represents a significant upgrade for Sacramento State's football program, providing more visibility and resources. However, the Hornets will not be bowl eligible for their first two seasons in the MAC as they transition to the higher level of competition.

The details

Sacramento State went 7-5 in 2025, finishing fourth in the Big Sky. The Hornets won three straight conference titles from 2019-2022 under former coach Troy Taylor. The team is now led by new head coach Alonzo Carter, who says the move to the MAC is a "great opportunity" despite the initial bowl eligibility restrictions.

  • Sacramento State will join the Mid-American Conference on July 1, 2026.
  • The Hornets won't be bowl eligible for the 2026 and 2027 seasons as part of the transition.

The players

Luke Wood

President of Sacramento State University.

Alonzo Carter

Head coach of the Sacramento State football team.

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What they’re saying

“This is a historic moment for Sacramento State — a bold leap into the future. Our move to the FBS represents more than a change in classification; it is a declaration of who we are and where we're going. We are elevating our university, our student-athletes, and the entire Greater Sacramento region onto the national stage.”

— Luke Wood, President, Sacramento State University (Sacramento Chronicle)

“Moving to the MAC is a great opportunity for Sacramento State. The MAC has a long history of amazing coaches and players who have achieved success at the highest level of football. We look forward to the challenges in front of us and are excited to guide the Hornets into this new era.”

— Alonzo Carter, Head Coach, Sacramento State Football (Sacramento Chronicle)

What’s next

As part of the transition, Sacramento State will not be eligible for the MAC championship for its first two seasons in the conference.

The takeaway

Sacramento State's move to the FBS Mid-American Conference represents a significant upgrade for the Hornets' football program, providing more national exposure and resources. However, the team will face initial challenges with bowl eligibility restrictions as they adapt to the higher level of competition.