Sacramento State Joins Mid-American Conference Exclusively for Football
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has officially welcomed Sacramento State as a football-only affiliate member, effective July 1, 2026. This partnership will last for five years, enhancing the competitive landscape of the conference.
Sacramento State’s Athletic Achievements
Sacramento State boasts a strong football pedigree, having captured seven conference titles. Notably, they achieved three consecutive Big Sky Championships from 2019 to 2022. In addition, Sacramento State was one of only 12 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs to secure at least seven victories in five of the last six seasons.
- Four NCAA FCS Playoff appearances
- Ranked in the top-25 for 50 weeks
MAC Leadership Comments
MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher remarked on the strategic value that Sacramento State brings to the conference. “This addition demonstrates our commitment to competitive excellence and the growth of our institutions,” he stated.
Geoffrey S. Mearns, Chair of the Council of Presidents and President of Ball State University, emphasized the importance of this partnership in creating a more competitive framework for the MAC.
Significant Developments for Sacramento State
Founded in 1947, Sacramento State is the only public university located in California’s capital, which has the world’s fourth-largest economy. It has evolved into a key center for research and community engagement. The university currently enrolls nearly 31,000 students.
Dr. Luke Wood, President of Sacramento State, described this move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a historic opportunity. He expressed that this transition signifies a commitment to elevating the university and its student-athletes.
Future Prospects
Mark Orr, Sacramento State’s Director of Athletics, expressed enthusiasm for the new possibilities this affiliation presents. With this advancement, student-athletes will have the chance to compete at the highest levels in college football, gaining visibility on a national stage.
Orr highlighted that this development is about more than just football. It aims to attract future students and foster community partnerships that will benefit Sacramento State for years to come.
About Sacramento State
Sacramento State is recognized as the sixth-largest campus within the California State University system. It has achieved notable rankings, including:
- Ninth-most transformative college by Money.com
- Second-most diverse campus in the Western United States by the Wall Street Journal
The athletics program features 21 intercollegiate teams, which have collectively won over 100 conference titles since moving to NCAA Division I.
Mid-American Conference Overview
The Mid-American Conference, established in 1946, is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and consists of 13 full-time members. The MAC sponsors championships in 23 sports and is recognized as a member of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
For further details about Sacramento State and its athletic programs, visit El-Balad.
