Overview

• Sacramento State has filed a waiver and plans to apply to the NCAA this week for a transition from FCS to FBS football as an independent program.
• The Hornets intend to play their final FCS season in 2025, with postseason eligibility resuming in 2027 if the application is approved.
• This move is part of a broader strategy to secure future FBS conference membership, leveraging Sacramento's status as a top 20 media market and investments in athletics.
• Recent hires, including Brennan Marion as football head coach and Mike Bibby as basketball head coach, highlight the university's commitment to enhancing its athletic programs.
• The transition reflects financial challenges, such as a Big Sky exit fee increase from $250,000 to $1 million, and follows a disappointing 3-9 football season in 2024.