Sacramento State is moving to the MAC. Now, that is something that's going to take some getting used to.
Just a couple of weeks after North Dakota State accepted an offer to join the Mountain West, the Hornets have become the latest team to join the FBS ranks.
I wanted to take some time to explain the move, outlining the pros and cons for both Sac State and the MAC, while also sprinkling in my opinion on how this is going to work long-term for both sides.
Sacramento State Eager to Move to FBS
The Hornets' administration confirmed long ago that it was motivated to make a move to FBS.
Sacramento State has the resources to buy its way in, and that's what it has done so far. The Hornets paid $23 million dollars to become a football-only member of the Mid-American Conference, effective this upcoming season.
University president Luke Wood told Yahoo Sports that this move is “putting the university on the map.” Wood went on to say that the move to FBS will increase the university's exposure both athletically and academically, citing increased visibility as a huge driver of the move.
The agreement is for Sac State to join as a football-only member with a five-year term.
“Today’s exciting announcement is about strengthening our competitive profile and creating value for the membership,” MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said in a release. “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.”
Why Did MAC Add Sacramento State?
The move keeps the MAC at 13 participants, but it does come as a shock that the MAC was so willing and eager to add a middling Big Sky program without defined plans for a home stadium in 2026.
The Hornets announced a new stadium to be built at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds, but it's unclear whether or not those plans will be completed in time for play in 2026.
Former head coach Brennan Marion certainly brought a buzz to Sacramento, as the Hornets rolled out his patented “Go-Go” offense. However, the marriage was short-lived, with Marion abruptly leaving to become the OC at Colorado this offseason.
Alonzo Carter is taking over as head coach, and while he does have some decent coordinator experience at the FBS level, this will be a big step up for him as well.
Sac State has mentioned relying on more power-level “buy games” to fuel funding for the FBS move, so I'll be really interested to see who the Hornets schedule in the non-conference portion of their schedule in the short-term.
Scheduling is an area that needs to get shored up almost immediately because the Hornets had planned on playing as an FCS independent and will unquestionably see most of the scheduled contests adjusted.
How Will Sacramento State Fit in MAC?
The Hornets weren't an overly dominant football power in the Big Sky Conference — unlike North Dakota State, which recently joined the Mountain West.
Sacramento State made occasional FCS Playoff runs, and hidden gems excel at the FBS level after transferring, but the roster needs an overhaul.
Travel nuances will also be something to watch for the Hornets — and now every other team in the MAC.
I anticipate 3-4 wins for the Hornets in MAC play this season, pending the schedule release. I plan to dive in plenty over the summer and assess tricky travel spots, look-ahead situations and more.
Why This is a Good Move for Sacramento State
Overall, this is a good move for the university in the short-term.
I can't envision that Sacramento State will be a long-standing member of the MAC beyond this five-year agreement, but the move gets the Hornets to FBS status and will provide additional exposure for the program.
The MAC is now a coast-to-coast conference with the stability of 13 members for the time being.
Plus, who won't be watching Sac State vs. Ball State on a Wednesday night in the snow as part of peak MACtion in November? I know I will be.
