
Sacramento State Hornets Gear Up for Fresno State Showdown
Sacramento State prepares for its first California road game against Fresno State, seeking its first win in six historic meetings while key players shine under new conference affiliations.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Alonzo Carter across Football.

Sacramento State prepares for its first California road game against Fresno State, seeking its first win in six historic meetings while key players shine under new conference affiliations.

Lane Kiffin’s 51‑10 win over Clemson highlighted a strong debut, while coaches such as Eric Morris and Kyle Whittingham faced early setbacks, illustrating the wide range of outcomes among the 31 new college football head coaches.

The MAC slate delivered a 52‑0 shutout, Michigan’s Hail Mary, Nebraska’s blowout, South Carolina’s record heat, and several other striking results that reshaped early‑season narratives.

Sacramento State’s inaugural FBS game ended in a 28‑17 loss to Eastern Michigan, yet defensive heroics and a late offensive surge highlighted the team’s resilience.

The Hornets will play their first FBS game at Rynearson Stadium in Michigan, showcasing key returning players and a national broadcast partnership.
The Hornets' first FBS game against Eastern Michigan marks a milestone for California college football, supported by Southwest Airlines and a $24 million investment.

Veteran coach Alonzo Carter, known for transforming McClymonds High into a national pipeline, now leads Sacramento State's inaugural Football Bowl Subdivision campaign, aiming to leverage his East Bay connections and a history of underdog success.

The Hornets open their first FBS season on August 29 against Eastern Michigan, marking a milestone in the program's ascent and a test of their new coaching direction.

Sacramento State’s football program is transitioning to the FBS after an early Mid‑American Conference invitation, driven by Coach Alonzo Carter’s unconventional tactics, a $7 million NIL boost, and ambitions to heighten student engagement and national exposure.

Arizona’s football program is preparing for the 2026 campaign, focusing on a strengthened ground game led by returning backs and new additions.

The MAC Football Kickoff on July 22 will showcase Sacramento State’s first official appearance in the Mid‑American Conference, featuring a full slate of interviews, media sessions and a preview of the 2026 season.
The Hornets enter the Mid‑American Conference as preseason underdogs, backed by a $23 million five‑year commitment and a mantra of ‘Fast, Violent, Physical.’

The Mid-American Conference will unveil its 2026 football season during a live kickoff event on July 22 at Detroit’s Ford Field, featuring media sessions with coaches, players and conference leadership.
A recent NCAA decision removes the traditional transition hurdle for teams moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision, positioning Sacramento State to qualify for a bowl game as early as this season if the Hornets meet a .500 record.

The NCAA’s decision to scrap a postseason eligibility rule could reshape the future of lower‑division programs eyeing FBS promotion

Upcoming changes in college football conference realignment for 2026 bring historic programs into the FBS, reshape major conferences and introduce new postseason challenges.

The 2026 college football landscape will see North Dakota State and Sacramento State enter the FBS, while the Mountain West, MAC and Pac‑12 undergo major realignments, affecting eligibility, postseason prospects, and historic power dynamics.

Sporting News has unveiled its annual college football head coaching rankings, placing Iowa State's Jimmy Rogers at No. 65. With a championship pedigree and growing confidence within the program, Rogers is poised to rise quickly in next year's edition.