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3w ago

NCAA Denies Sacramento State’s Transition to FBS Over Lack of Conference Invitation

The decision preserves FCS independent status for Hornets football, opening the door to legal action

Sacramento State running back Marcus Fulcher (9) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against Stanford at Stanford Stadium on Sept. 16, 2023.
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Overview

  • The NCAA Division I Council rejected Sacramento State’s waiver request on June 25, citing the requirement for a formal FBS conference invitation under its bona fide invitation rule.
  • The ruling means Sacramento State will leave the Big Sky and join the Big West in all sports except football, which will compete as an FCS independent in 2026.
  • University president Luke Wood asserted that Sacramento State has met every benchmark for FBS membership and reaffirmed plans to field an FBS team in 2026.
  • Sacramento State has invested heavily in its athletic profile, unveiling designs for a 25,000-seat stadium and securing over $35 million in commitments through the Sac12 NIL collective.
  • Boise State law professor Sam Ehrlich and other experts suggest the university may pursue antitrust litigation challenging the NCAA’s invitation requirement.