Sacramento State has officially released its 2026‑27 men’s basketball schedule, a milestone that signals the Hornets’ inaugural campaign in the Big West Conference. The announcement comes as the program prepares for a rigorous slate of 22 conference contests and 17 home games at the iconic Golden 1 Center.
A New Chapter for the Hornets
The schedule opens with a much‑anticipated showdown against Division II powerhouse Jessup University on November 2, setting the tone for a season that will also feature the historic rivalry game against UC Davis on November 14, the 124th meeting of the long‑standing feud.
Key dates include the final regular‑season battle against Cal Poly on March 6, while the Big West Tournament is slated for March 10‑13 in Nevada. Sacramento State will also serve as the venue for the first two rounds of the 2027 NCAA Tournament, bringing national attention to the campus and the surrounding community.
Head coach Mike Bibby, who guided the team to its highest scoring average of 77.7 points per game last season, will enter his second year at the helm with his entire coaching staff retained. The program’s day‑to‑day operations are overseen by Shaquille O'Neal, who doubles as general manager and mentor, while his son Shaqir O'Neal, a 2025 dunk‑contest champion, returns after starting all 31 games last year.
The roster blends experience with fresh talent. Returning standouts such as Mikey Williams, Arman Madi, Romari Robinson, Taj Glover and Zach Anderson will be joined by newcomers including Larry Hughes II, son of former NBA guard Larry Hughes, and international prospects from Brazil, Greece, Serbia and Slovenia. The team’s depth reflects a global recruitment effort that also sees players from the United States and Canada.
Beyond the court, the university’s partnership with State Farm, the official sponsor, underscores community engagement, while collaborations with the Big Sky Conference and NCAA highlight the broader athletic ecosystem. Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere as the Hornets aim to translate their historic 16‑player roster into a competitive force.