The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is set to welcome Sacramento State as a football-only member starting in 2026, according to sources. This move marks a significant step for Sacramento State, as it will be the first West Coast football program to join the highest level of competition in over a generation. The cost of entry is substantial, with an estimated $18 million entrance fee and a total of $23 million, including an additional $5 million to the NCAA for the transition. This trend of schools paying to move up in leagues is not new, as SMU, Cal, and Stanford have also made similar moves. However, Sacramento State's journey has been relentless, with the NCAA denying a waiver to play as an independent last year. The school's persistence has paid off, and they will now join the MAC in 2026, with a two-year transition period before becoming eligible for the postseason. This move is part of a broader trend in college sports, where smaller leagues are struggling to retain top talent due to the waiving of transfer rules and the ability of schools to pay players through NIL and revenue share. Sacramento State's recent success in the FCS, including wins in the FCS playoffs in 2022 and 2023, and the hiring of Arizona assistant Alonzo Carter as their fourth coach since 2022, further highlights their determination to succeed at the highest level. The school's athletic director, Mark Orr, and president, Luke Wood, are leveraging the area's top 20 television market, with plans to pursue high-profile names in both football and basketball. Sacramento State's non-football sports will be housed in the Big West, which they will join in 2026-27. This addition to the MAC will keep the conference at 13 schools, replacing Northern Illinois, which is leaving for the Mountain West in football next year.
