The Sacramento State Hornets will be featured in at least five televised games during the 2026 college football season, marking the most extensive national broadcast slate in program history.
The matches will be spread across three major networks — ESPN, ESPN2 and CBS Sports Network — with key matchups against Fresno State, North Dakota State and Kent State highlighted.
A Historic Broadcast Milestone
Director of Athletics Mark Orr said the exposure offers a platform to showcase the university and the city of Sacramento to a nationwide audience.
The first home game against Kent State on Oct. 30 will be aired on ESPN2, while the contest at Fresno State will debut the Hornets on CBS Sports Network.
A mid‑week MACtion double‑header against Toledo and Central Michigan is also slated for broadcast on ESPN2, ESPNU or CBS Sports Network, and the season opener will stream on ESPN+.
The upcoming season also represents a transition for both Sacramento State and North Dakota State as they move to the Football Bowl Subdivision, rekindling a rivalry that dates back to the 1988 NCAA Division II semifinals.
With the new broadcast agreements, the Hornets hope to build momentum as they prepare for their inaugural FBS campaign.
The schedule not only underscores the growing reputation of the Hornets program but also reflects the increasing interest of national networks in the West Coast and Midwest markets.