Sacramento State plays the first FBS game in program history on August 29 at Eastern Michigan — also the Hornets’ first-ever meeting with a MAC opponent after 33 seasons in the FCS. First-year head coach Alonzo Carter inherits a roster with more than 50 new players, a fan base that packed Hornet Stadium during the program’s Big Sky title runs, and, thanks to a June NCAA rule change, immediate eligibility for bowls and the MAC Championship Game.
Several kickoff times are still to be announced and MAC TV windows firm up closer to game week — check back weekly, as this page is updated with times, networks, and results all season.
2026 Team Schedule
Sacramento State Hornets Football Schedule
First FBS season · MAC · Hornet Stadium, Sacramento
FCS Seasons Before Jump
33
Big Sky champs 2019, 2021, 2022
Head Coach
Year 1
Alonzo Carter era begins
Home Games
6
Hornet Stadium, cap. 21,195
Season Opener
Aug 29
at Eastern Michigan, 6:30 PM ET
Full 2026 Sacramento State Football Schedule
| Date |
Opponent |
Time (ET) / TV |
Result |
| Sat, Aug 29 |
at Eastern Michigan |
6:30 PM · ESPN+ |
— |
| Sat, Sept 5 |
vs Mississippi Valley State (FCS) |
9:00 PM · ESPN+ |
— |
| Sat, Sept 12 |
at Fresno State |
9:30 PM · CBSSN |
— |
| Sat, Sept 19 |
vs North Dakota State |
9:30 PM · ESPN |
— |
| Sat, Sept 26 |
vs UMass |
TBA |
— |
| Sat, Oct 3 |
Bye week |
— |
— |
| Sat, Oct 10 |
at Bowling Green |
TBA |
— |
| Sat, Oct 17 |
vs Ohio |
TBA |
— |
| Sat, Oct 24 |
at Ball State |
TBA |
— |
| Fri, Oct 30 |
vs Kent State |
10:30 PM · ESPN2 |
— |
| Wed, Nov 4 |
vs Toledo |
TBA |
— |
| Wed, Nov 11 |
at Central Michigan |
TBA |
— |
| Sat, Nov 21 |
Bye week |
— |
— |
| Sat, Nov 28 |
at Hawaii |
TBA |
— |
Games That Will Decide Sacramento State’s Season
| Game |
Date |
Why It Matters |
| at Eastern Michigan |
Aug 29 |
The program’s first FBS game and first MAC game, all in one Week 0 opener |
| at Fresno State |
Sept 12 |
The one opponent Sac State knows well — a statewide measuring stick |
| vs North Dakota State |
Sept 19 |
Both FBS newcomers, on national ESPN, in Sacramento — the debut season’s showcase |
| vs Kent State |
Oct 30 |
The first taste of home MACtion, a Friday nighter on ESPN2 |
Fast Fact
Sacramento State has previously played only two of its 12 opponents: Fresno State (five times) and North Dakota State (once). The other 10 are all first meetings.
Fast Fact
The June 24, 2026 NCAA vote scrapping the FCS-to-FBS transition penalty means the Hornets can reach a bowl — or the MAC title game at Ford Field — in Year 1.
Fast Fact
The Wednesday games against Toledo and at Central Michigan in November are the first midweek games in program history.
How the Schedule Sets Up
The Hornets ease in with a home date against FCS Mississippi Valley State sandwiched between the EMU opener and the Fresno State trip, then get their signature night on September 19 against fellow newcomer North Dakota State. The MAC draw skips defending champion Western Michigan and Miami (Ohio), and the November 21 bye gives Sac State a breather before the Hawaii finale. Win the winnable ones and the new eligibility rules put a bowl in play immediately — here’s how the College Football Playoff works and how the postseason structure governed by the NCAA treats conference champions.
The Bottom Line
Sacramento State bet big on itself — a record-setting move to the MAC, a new coach, and a rebuilt roster, with the payoff of instant postseason access. The 2026 schedule offers a real path: six home games, a soft opening month, and a marquee ESPN showcase in Week 3. Bookmark this page — times, networks, and results are updated throughout the season.
