Sacramento State to file application for transition from FCS to FBS

Sacramento State is planning to file an application to move from FCS to FBS football, On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed. The program would compete as an independent if it receives NCAA approval.

Sacramento State has put together an aggressive approach to try and get to the FBS ranks. A group notably tried to get the Hornets into the Pac-12 while another round of conference realignment began, raising NIL funds to do so.

All the while, the school made two splash hires. Brennan Marion is now in as head football coach after Sacramento State missed out on Michael Vick, and Reggie Bush interviewed for the job. Mike Bibby also recently took over as head basketball coach. The Hornets currently compete in the Big Sky.

In September, Sacramento State announced plans for a new multi-use football stadium, and the NIL efforts also saw a surge. Local business, community leaders and a local tribe gathered together to raise $35 million in NIL funds, the SAC12 committee announced at the time. The organization later announced it surpassed its $50 million goal, however, reports said that figure is contingent on a bid to the Pac-12 or another FBS conference.

“The $35 million we have secured over the last 24 hours demonstrates the civic and business commitment of all of those in the greater Sacramento region to this effort, an effort we know will pay great dividends to the university’s athletes and students, as well as Hornet fans and businesses across Sacramento,” SAC12 co-chair Josh Wood said last year. “We are thrilled to announce this tremendous first step and will continue to work to reach our stated goal of $50 million.”

After the 2024 football season, Sacramento State head coach Andy Thompson stepped down to take a position on the staff at Stanford. The Hornets also reportedly spoke with former Vick about its head coach opening before he accepted the job at Norfolk State.

While competing at the FCS level in football, Sacramento State has been a member of the Big Sky since making the jump from Division I in 1996. The Hornets have not made an NCAA Tournament appearance at D-I and recently saw head coach David Patrick step down to become the associate head coach at LSU under Matt McMahon. Michael Czepil took over as the interim head coach for the 2024-25 season, and Sacramento State went 7-25 before Bibby was brought aboard as the full-time head coach.