Sacramento State Set To Leave Big Sky Conference In 2026

We need to implement a siren to inform college football fans that conference realignment is realigning.

It's time to sound the alarm (again).

Sacramento State says goodbye to the Big Sky Conference

First reported by Matt Brown with Extra Points, Sacramento State is informing the Big Sky Conference that they intend to leave.

This morning, June 18th, it was confirmed by the Big Sky Conference's Twitter account.

Sacramento State has provided notice to the Big Sky of its intention to withdraw as a member of the conference, effective June 30, 2026. Given the expected nature of this development, the league's membership has begun a strategic process to determine its best course of action moving forward.

This shouldn't come as a surprise. Sac State has been flirting with the idea of jumping up to the FBS ranks for a while.

The surprising part could be the timing. Sac State's announcement comes just a few days after an NCAA Football Oversight Committee suggested denying Sac State's FBS transition waiver.

Matt Brown reported that the Hornets would likely jump to the Big West in all sports except for football, where Sac State will be an FCS independent.

[UPDATE: 6/18 @ 3:38 PM] The Big West Conference officially announced Sacramento State to the Big West.

College Football World Takes Shot At Sacramento State

Sac State's President Luke Wood referred to the FCS as JV football. South Dakota Athletic Director Jon Schemmel didn't forget and decided to tee off on Sac State.

BURN!

It will be very interesting to see what unfolds in the next year for Sacramento State.

Grizzly Football travels to Sacramento on Friday, October 2, for a nationally televised game.