Sacramento State’s football program is set to make its first appearance in the Football Bowl Subdivision this fall, stepping onto the field of the Mid‑American Conference after a decade in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Hornets were tabbed 12th in the league’s preseason poll, a reflection of their underdog status, but the team is eager to overturn those expectations.
A New Chapter for the Hornets
Head coach Alonzo Carter, who took over the program earlier this year, inherits a roster that is largely brand‑new, with only a handful of returning starters. The transition to the FBS carries a financial price tag of more than $23 million over five years, an investment the university hopes will translate into greater visibility and long‑term growth.
The Mid‑American Conference, known for its blend of tradition and excitement, sees the addition of Sacramento State as a chance to expand its footprint. The schedule will pit the Hornets against familiar Mid‑western foes such as Toledo, Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan, while also testing them against programs spread from the Great Lakes to the East Coast.
Carter has instilled a ‘FVP’ philosophy — Fast, Violent, Physical — that will shape the team’s identity. Quarterback Carson Conklin, the 2024 Freshman FCS All‑American, returns to lead the offense, while a rebuilt offensive line anchored by former Rocklin High School tackle Garrison Blank, now at UCLA, aims to provide the groundwork for a ground‑and‑pound attack. Veteran linebackers Derek Houston and Alex Rocha are expected to anchor a defense that could surprise many.
The Hornets’ recruiting base remains the fertile grounds of California, a region that has already produced standout talent like Carson Conklin and has a history of success under former coach Troy Taylor, who guided the team to three Big Sky Conference titles in 2019. That momentum, combined with a new coaching staff, creates a sense of optimism that the program can compete sooner than many anticipate.
Beyond the field, the move to the FBS opens doors for broader exposure, potential broadcast deals and a larger alumni audience. If the Hornets can translate their preparation into wins, the Mid‑American Conference may find a new source of competitive balance and regional interest.