Hornets on the Move: Sacramento State leaves Big Sky for Big West, football future remains uncertain
Hornets on the Move: Sacramento State leaves Big Sky for Big West, football future remains uncertain
The move does not include football, which will remain in the Big Sky Conference. This comes as the university has been attempting to join the Pac-12 or other major conferences.
The Big West, mainly of California-based schools such as UC Davis, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, and UC Irvine, does not sponsor football.
The school will become a full member in the 2026-2027 academic year. Men's soccer and beach volleyball have already been competing in the Big West.
"This move reflects the passion and perseverance of our entire university community," Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood said in a statement. "We believe deeply in the power of athletics to transform lives and are proud to align ourselves with a conference that shares our core values of excellence, integrity and student-centered growth."
Sac State’s football future is in limbo, even as other programs prepare for a new competitive chapter. Cross-town rival UC Davis is moving to the Mountain West Conference for most sports but will also remain in the Big Sky Conference for football.
Wood told ABC10 that he remains “confident” ahead of a crucial NCAA meeting to decide whether the Hornets will be allowed to move up to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest tier in college football.
In September, Sacramento State unveiled plans for a 25,000-seat football and multi-sport stadium, signaling the university’s long-term commitment to elevating its athletic profile.
The facility is being designed by Populus, an architecture firm behind high-profile projects such as Yankee Stadium, Target Field in Minneapolis, and Colorado State’s Canvas Stadium.
That venue has hosted multiple events over the years, including Olympic Trials and NCAA track championships, but lacks the amenities expected of a modern FBS facility. Still, officials have said the project is key to recruiting top-tier athletes and meeting FBS facility requirements.
