When the Sacramento State Hornets step onto the turf at Rynearson Stadium in Michigan on the final weekend of August, they will be doing more than opening a season — they will be stepping onto a stage that has been waiting for them. The game marks the Hornets’ inaugural contest at the Football Bowl Subdivision level, a milestone that aligns with a broader realignment of college football schedules that pushes the start of the campaign deeper into August.
This particular Saturday is part of what the NCAA has dubbed Week 0, a slate of eight FBS matchups that will kick off a 14‑week regular season in which teams will play 12 games over a span that stretches into early December. For Sacramento State, the contest is not only the first of the FBS era but also the first official conference game as a member of the Mid‑American Conference, a partnership that has been in the works for several years.
Among the players expected to make an immediate impact are senior running back Jamar Curtis and junior quarterback Carson Conklin. Curtis capped the 2024 season with 105 rushing yards on 24 carries and a touchdown in his lone full game, while Conklin threw for a career‑high 389 yards and five touchdowns in the Causeway Classic against UC Davis. Both athletes join a small group of FBS backs who have amassed more than 3,000 career rushing yards, underscoring the experience that the Hornets bring to the field.
Adding to the excitement is the arrival of Alonzo Carter, who will take the helm as the 14th head coach in Sacramento State history. Carter’s appointment signals a new direction for a program that has been steadily climbing the Division I ranks, and his strategic vision is already being woven into the team’s preparation for its first FBS test.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN 1320, with a digital stream available on ESPN+. Play‑by‑play duties fall to veteran Mick Tidrow, while former NFL safety Jerod Cherry will provide expert analysis. The coverage will be accessible via the station’s website, mobile app and SiriusXM, ensuring that fans across the country can follow the action in real time.
A New Era Begins
Four former Hornets alumni remain on NFL rosters, adding a layer of narrative intrigue. Defensive back Daron Bland continues to anchor the Dallas Cowboys’ secondary, while versatile defender Marte Mapu, currently listed as injured, is slated to contribute to the Houston Texans. Additional alumni Jackson Slater and Cameron Skattebo are also on active rosters, highlighting the program’s growing footprint in professional football.
As the Hornets gear up for this historic moment, the surrounding buzz reflects both optimism and a realistic appraisal of the challenges ahead. The team’s leadership believes that the experience gained in this opening FBS game will serve as a foundation for future growth, and the broader college football community is watching closely to see how Sacramento State navigates its new conference landscape.