A rising FCS powerhouse is ready to take the leap to the FBS. The NIL era has changed the game, making the move more tempting. However, the James Madison Dukes set the standard, dominating since its 2022 jump. In 2024, they became eligible to play in bowl games after joining the Sun Belt Conference. As of now, bigger TV deals, top-tier recruits, and portal talent are fueling the push. So, is this the next program to shake up college football?

On April 3, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Sacramento State is making that bold move. Yes, the Hornets plan to apply for an NCAA transition to the FBS. According to sources, they aim to start as an independent, paving the way for a future conference home. And if all goes as planned, they’ll be playoff-eligible by 2027. So, a new era of Sacramento State football could be on the horizon.

However, in recent years, Sac State has become a name to watch in conference realignment. Well, with a strong market and prime location, the Pac-12 or Mountain West seemed like natural fits. But by moving up as an independent, the message is clear—no invite yet. Still, success at the FBS level could change everything. As of now, if the Hornets prove they belong, the right conference might come calling.

You know, Sacramento State plans to play its final Big Sky season in 2025 before making the FBS leap. Although without a conference invite, they’ll need a waiver, but postseason bans in 2025 and 2026 are likely. So, sitting in a Top 20 media market, the school isn’t holding back—making bold coaching hires and making waves in NIL. Honestly, if the NCAA greenlights the move, the Hornets could be one step closer to shaking up college football.

However, leaving the Big Sky won’t come cheap—Sac State’s exit fee has reportedly jumped from $250,000 to $1 million. But the Hornets are all in. Yes, hiring Brennan Marion as their head coach sent a message, and they wasted no time making noise on the recruiting trail. Well, they landed the nation’s top FCS recruiting class and doubled down with the best FCS transfer haul. So, while momentum is building, the Hornets are flying full speed ahead toward the FBS.

Right now, Sacramento State has been making waves with bold coaching hires, according to Pete Thamel. The Hornets were in talks with NFL legend Michael Vick for the HC job, but he ultimately chose Norfolk State. Instead, they landed offensive mastermind Brennan Marion, fresh off his stint at UNLV. Without delay, Marion secured ex-SEC WR Agiye Hall—a top 50 recruit from Alabama, who also played for UCF and Texas. However, in 2022, Marion coached Hall at Texas under Steve Sarkisian. Now, they’re reunited to help lead Sac State’s FBS rise.

Currently, the FCS-to-FBS pipeline is hotter than ever. In 2023, Jacksonville State and Sam Houston took their first FBS snaps in Conference USA. Then, last year, Kennesaw State joined the party. And up next? Missouri State and Delaware are set to make the jump this season. Let’s be real; as more programs make the leap, Sac State is looking to be the next big name in college football’s growing landscape. And here, enter NIL—the game-changer fueling their FBS leap.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL): The power play reshaping College Football

In September, Sacramento State made a bold statement, unveiling plans for a new multi-use football stadium. At the same time, NIL’s efforts kicked into high gear. Well, local businesses, community leaders, and a local tribe rallied together, raising $35 million in NIL funds through the SAC12 committee.

However, the momentum didn’t stop there. The organization later announced it had surpassed its $50 million goal. And reports suggest that number hinges on an invite to the Pac-12 or another FBS conference. As of now, with big money and big ambitions, the Hornets are pushing hard to make its mark.

Here, according to Thamel, Sacramento State has been aggressive in securing NIL funding to fuel their FBS move. So, it’s understandable by now that they aren’t just making the jump—they’re making sure they can compete. However, they plan to start as an independent, but that’s just the beginning. And over the next few seasons, the goal is clear—find the right conference and make a statement on the big stage.