Well, this is another twist in the ever-evolving saga of Sacramento State. For those of you keeping score at home, the Hornets have gone from launching a $50 million Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) fund to scaling back academic programs, all in pursuit of the elusive dream of joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). A dream that, let’s face it, only a handful of programs actually turn a profit from competing at that level (or any level!). Oh, and don’t tell Ohio State, Alabama and Texas (among others!) that a FCS school has a bigger NIL budget than them.
Now here comes the latest chapter.
On Monday, the FBS Oversight Committee formally recommended that the Division I Council deny Sacramento State’s waiver request to move up to the FBS — the highest level of college football. That decision isn’t final yet, but you can feel the direction this is heading.
So, how did Sacramento State respond?
Yes, the Hornets plan to go independent in football, even as an FCS independent, if the FBS bid is officially denied. And don’t be surprised if legal action follows. A lawsuit wouldn’t be shocking, given how committed they seem to this path.
Monday: Denial recommendation.
Tuesday: Leak an announcement to become an independent.
Wednesday: Make the announcement official in a very extravagant way.
Thursday: Find a way to make “Go-Go” work more into their marketing scheme for becoming independent.
Life comes at you fast.
If going to the MWC meant keeping football at FCS level, then we would be golden.
Already in a FBS conference, and the NCAA wouldn’t have had an issue. Just upgrading the program to fit the MWC peer schools.
But we shunned the MWC because Wood was to rabid on PacX. Meanwhile the PacX just laughed.
If the BW is so great, why did Davis move away from that direction? They played chess while Wood played chutes and ladders.
Now Sac is in football hell. We only got $100,000 from BSC, but at least they had a trophy/ring to play for. As an Indy, no postseason, no trophy and only being paid half to play away FBS games.
What about this magical ‘26 schedule Orr had put together? Any contracts signed with FBS teams? More money lost. NIL gone, players gone, coach gone, pride comes before a fall and Sac State fell to the literal bottom.