MAC Welcomes Sacramento State: A West Coast Football Program Makes History
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has made a significant decision to welcome FCS Sacramento State as a football-only member starting in 2026. The anticipated cost of entry for Sacramento State is $18 million, with an additional $5 million payment to the NCAA. This move will make Sacramento State the first West Coast football program in a generation to transition to the highest level of football.
Sacramento State has been actively pursuing this opportunity, with President Luke Wood expressing the belief that their university and region deserve major college football. This addition will maintain the MAC's membership at 13 schools, filling the gap left by Northern Illinois, which is moving to the Mountain West conference for football.
The trend of schools paying fees to move up in leagues is evident, with examples like SMU, Cal, and Stanford making similar decisions in the past. The recent move by Sacramento State follows North Dakota State's transition to the Mountain West, highlighting the financial investments required for such changes in conference alignment.
Amidst challenges in retaining top talent in football and men's basketball, smaller leagues like the MAC and Mountain West are facing financial constraints. Sacramento State's success in the FCS playoffs in 2022 and 2023 adds to their appeal as they prepare for this transition. With the hiring of Arizona assistant Alonzo Carter as their fourth coach since 2022, Sacramento State is gearing up for a new chapter in their football program.
In conclusion, Sacramento State's entry into the MAC as a football-only member signifies a significant milestone for the university and the conference. This strategic move underscores the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and the financial considerations involved in conference realignment.