The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is adding Sacramento State as a football-only affiliate member, starting July 1, 2026. This move is meant to boost the MAC’s competitive profile and add more value for its schools.
Sacramento State’s football program has a solid reputation. The school brings a history of success and a commitment to growing and innovating in the sport.
This partnership could push both Sacramento State and the MAC to new levels in college football. It’s a big step for both sides.
Strengthening the Mid-American Conference
Let’s be honest—the MAC’s decision to include Sacramento State is all about staying sharp and competitive. Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said the goal is to “strengthen our competitive profile and create value for the membership.”
Sacramento State’s football team has shown real consistency. That makes them a strong addition to the conference.
Sacramento State’s Football Legacy
Sacramento State has built a tough football program over the years. The Hornets have captured seven conference titles, including a streak of three Big Sky championships from 2019 to 2022.
They’ve also made four NCAA FCS Playoff appearances and kept a top-25 ranking for 50 weeks. That’s not something you see every day.
Geoffrey S. Mearns, Chair of the Council of Presidents and President of Ball State University, said, “this partnership will immediately strengthen the Mid-American Conference’s competitiveness, and it will provide flexibility for the future.”
He called the move proactive and innovative, showing the MAC still has staying power.
Leadership and Vision
Bringing Sacramento State into the MAC shows the conference isn’t afraid to look ahead. Scott Wetherbee, Chair of the MAC Council of Directors of Athletics and Vice President/Director of Athletics at Eastern Michigan University, praised Commissioner Steinbrecher’s creative thinking.
He pointed out how Steinbrecher keeps finding ways to make the conference stronger for everyone involved.
Benefits for Sacramento State
For Sacramento State, joining the MAC is a bold leap forward. Dr. Luke Wood, President of Sacramento State, said this is more than a change in classification—it’s a statement about who they are and where they’re headed.
He expects the partnership to put the university, its athletes, and the whole Greater Sacramento region on a bigger stage.
“This is bigger than football. It’s about opportunity, visibility, and momentum. It’s about attracting the next generation of students, fueling enrollment and innovation, and building partnerships that will transform Sacramento State for decades to come,” said Dr. Wood.
Academic and Athletic Excellence
Sacramento State stands out not just in sports, but academically too. With nearly 31,000 students, it’s the sixth-largest campus in the California State University system.
The university was ranked the ninth-most transformative college by Money.com and the second-most diverse campus in the Western U.S. by the Wall Street Journal.
Commitment to Student-Athletes
The Hornet athletics program fields 21 intercollegiate teams. Together, they’ve won over 100 conference titles since joining NCAA Division I in the mid-1990s.
Sacramento State’s student-athletes have posted over a 3.0 GPA for the past decade. That’s no small feat, balancing sports and academics.
A Historic Moment
Mark Orr, Director of Athletics at Sacramento State, called this a historic moment. He said this move gives their football student-athletes, coaches, and staff a chance to show what they can do at the highest level, in front of national audiences.
“I am grateful to Commissioner Steinbrecher, the University Presidents, and all the dedicated staff that played a pivotal role in making this possible,” Orr said. “The support for our football program continues to expand, and we are so proud to bring FBS football to Sacramento.”
About Sacramento State
Sacramento State was founded in 1947. Since then, it’s grown into a major center for research, innovation, and community engagement in the region.
The campus, right along the American River, is both accessible and welcoming. Sacramento State’s focus on excellence shows up in both its academics and its athletic achievements.
About the Mid-American Conference
The Mid-American Conference started back in 1946. It’s an NCAA Division I conference with 13 members and hosts 23 championships.
It’s also part of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)—one of just ten conferences in that group. The main office is in Cleveland, Ohio, where it supports all 13 full-time members.
Now, Sacramento State is joining as a football-only member. Honestly, that’s expected to give the conference a solid boost and maybe shake things up a bit.
Want to dig deeper? Head over to GetSomeMACtion.com or just follow @MACSports on your favorite social platform.
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