The Mid‑American Conference’s annual Football Kickoff will take place on July 22 at Ford Field in Detroit, marking the first official appearance of Sacramento State in the league. The event brings together 13 member schools for a day of media engagements, photo shoots and a preview of the upcoming season.
A Hornet‑Led Debut
Representing the Hornets will be head coach Alonzo Carter, quarterback Carson Conklin and linebacker Derek Houston. Their presence underscores the university’s ambition to compete at the highest level of collegiate football and to introduce new talent to a national audience.
The kickoff will be streamed live on ESPN+ from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pacific Time. Veteran broadcasters Michael Reghi and Dustin Fox will host the proceedings, guiding viewers through interviews with coaches, student‑athletes and staff from each participating institution.
Mid‑American Conference Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher will open the ceremony with an address at 8 a.m. PT, setting the tone for what conference officials describe as a transformative moment for the league’s football identity.
The day’s schedule includes a series of media interviews, photo opportunities and social‑media content creation, all designed to highlight the unique stories of each program. Sacramento State’s participation is expected to generate heightened interest among fans and recruits alike.
Looking ahead, the Hornets will open their 2026 season on August 29 at Eastern Michigan in a conference showdown. The matchup promises a fresh contest between two programs eager to make early statements in the MAC.
The excitement will continue when the MAC Championship returns to Ford Field on December 5, giving the league another chance to showcase its talent on a marquee stage.