Sacramento State is joining the MAC for football-only, beginning in the 2026 season. The release states it is a five-year term.
Sac State is departing the FCS and the Big Sky Conference after this academic year. The Hornets are joining the Big West Conference for its other sports.
As part of the move from FCS to FBS, Sac State will pay a $5 million transition fee to the NCAA.
It also comes with steep fees to the MAC:
The school is paying an $18 million entry fee, with $6 million due in Year 1, per Ross Dellenger. Sac State is also taking no conference distributions and will cover the air travel costs of visiting MAC teams.
“Today’s exciting announcement is about strengthening our competitive profile and creating value for the membership,” MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said. “We were presented with an opportunity to add an institution with demonstrated success in football, a record of investment and commitment to the continued growth of the institution and community. Sacramento State is ready and poised for this next step. I welcome the Hornets to the Mid-American Conference and expect they will become a competitive and contributing member to the long history and legacy of one of the oldest Division I conferences.”
The Hornets are the 13th member of the MAC. The conference also includes Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (OH), Ohio, Toledo, UMass, and Western Michigan.
“This is a historic moment for Sacramento State — a bold leap into the future,” Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood said. “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 — committed to competing, leading, and winning at the highest level. This is bigger than football. It’s about opportunity, visibility, and momentum. It’s about attracting the next generation of students, fueling enrollment and innovation, and building partnerships that will transform Sacramento State for decades to come. Together, we are proving that belief, vision, and hard work can redefine what’s possible. We extend our sincere gratitude to the MAC Commissioner and the MAC university presidents for their leadership, trust, and confidence in our program. The future is bright, the mission is clear, and the climb continues.”
“This is a special day for Sacramento State. I am ecstatic for our football student-athletes, coaches, and staff who work so hard to represent our University,” Sacramento State Director of Athletics Mark Orr said. “Our student athletes will now have the opportunity to showcase their talent on the highest level of college football in front of national audiences. I am grateful to Commissioner Steinbrecher, the University Presidents, and all the dedicated staff that played a pivotal role in making this possible. The support for our football program continues to expand, and we are so proud to bring FBS football to Sacramento.”