Sacramento State files application to move from FCS to FBS

Following several announcements over the past year that included the development of a new football stadium and tens of millions of dollars raised in NIL funds, Sacramento State is formally filing an application to join the FBS.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Sacramento State will file an application with the NCAA this week to make the jump from the FCS to the FBS in football, where they will become an independent program.

While the school has shown interest in joining the Pac-12 or Mountain West Conference in recent months, Sacramento State will look to join the FBS as an independent with the intention of joining a conference in the future.

Sources: Sacramento State plans to file an application with the NCAA this week to transition from FCS to FBS in football. They plan to do so as an independent. The school has already filed a waiver to transition as an independent in football, which requires NCAA approval. pic.twitter.com/DanhpQALEO

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 2, 2025

Thamel reports that the Hornets’ 2025 season is expected to the be program’s last in the FCS’s Big Sky Conference.

If the move to the FBS is approved, Sacramento State would be postseason ineligible for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, opening the door to that possibility for 2027.

More on Sacramento State Athletics from Sactown Sports

Mike Bibby took the stage at Sacramento State this week as the university introduced him as the next head coach of the men’s basketball program.

Bibby, a longtime member of the Sacramento Kings from 2001-2008, took the stage with Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood and Athletic Director Mark Orr for an introduction that ushered in a new era of Hornets basketball.

“Today is a defining moment for Sacramento State and the city of Sacramento,” Wood said. “Mike Bibby is a name that resonates with every level of basketball… Mike isn’t just a basketball legend, he’s a Sacramento legend. He understands the spirit of this place.”

Following opening remarks from Wood and Orr, Bibby took to the podium after holding up a green-and-gold number 10 Hornets jersey.

“I’ve been coaching my son since he was nine years old, and I never thought that it would come this far,” Bibby said. “Ever since then, the passion that I have to teach kids, get them to be better players, better human beings, has always been in my heart. Coming back to Sacramento to start my second career means the most to me.”

Bibby hopes to turn the page on a rough 2024-25 season for Sacramento State and bump up recruiting efforts ahead of the 2025-26 campaign–and he’s ready for that challenge.

“Broad recruiting. We’re going to try to get the best kids we can here to change the culture. I’m just ready. I’ve been ready for this for a long time.”

You can listen to Mike Bibby’s entire introductory press conference below:

Mike Bibby speaks for the first time as Sacramento State head coach

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Frankie Cartoscelli Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Author Name: Franklin Cartoscelli Bio: Franklin 'Frankie' Cartoscelli is Sactown Sports 1140's Lead Editor, Sacramento Kings beat writer and co-host of the Return of the Roar podcast. Professional Background: Worked in professional sports… Read more