Sacramento State Seeks NCAA Approval for FBS Football Transition

The university plans to leave the FCS after the 2025 season, aiming to operate as an independent program and position itself for future FBS conference membership.

• 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.

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