The Zo Era Begins: Alonzo Carter Lays Out His Vision for Sac State Football

Sacramento State football is entering a new chapter under a new head coach

The Zo Era has officially arrived at Sacramento State.

In Episode 2 of Stingers Up: The Sacramento State Football Podcast, Sactown Sports’ Jason Ross caught up with new Hornets head coach Alonzo Carter at MAC Media Day, where Carter discussed the program’s historic move to the FBS, his vision for Sacramento State football, and the identity he wants his team to establish immediately.

For Carter, the opportunity to lead Sacramento State football into the Mid-American Conference is the realization of a dream that began years ago.

“It’s just a blessing, man. It’s just really surreal,” Carter told Ross. “I’m just very grateful.”

(Sacramento State football)

More on Alonzo Carter & Sacramento State football

Carter acknowledged the significance of Sacramento State joining the MAC while emphasizing that his team does not intend to simply participate in its new conference. The Hornets want to establish themselves as a physical, difficult opponent from the start.

“We’re not going to just lay down,” Carter said. “We don’t want to be somebody’s pushover on schedule.”

That mentality is at the heart of Carter’s “Green Line” philosophy, which he described as playing “100 miles an hour, 100 percent of the time.” The first-year head coach wants Sacramento State football to be relentless, physical, and aggressive every time it takes the field.

Carter also has a simple message for his players: prove it.

“You can talk about this all day, all night. You still got to go on the field and prove it,” Carter said.

That message becomes even more important after the Hornets were picked 12th out of 13 teams in the MAC preseason coaches poll. Rather than shy away from the outside expectations, Carter sees the ranking as another opportunity for his team to embrace its underdog mentality.

“I’m a winner,” Carter said. “Every program I’ve touched and have had my hands on have been able to win at the highest levels.”

Carter has also made it a priority to bring back Sacramento State football veterans. Derek Houston and quarterback Carson Conklin are among the players returning to the program, giving Carter experienced leaders who already understand the culture of Sacramento State football.

𝙅𝙐𝙎𝙏. 𝙒𝙊𝙍𝙆.#StingersUp | #GreenLine | #ZoTime pic.twitter.com/n243v3UOJh

— Sac State Football (@SacHornetsFB) August 14, 2026

When fans watch the Hornets this season, Carter wants the identity to be obvious.

“Every time you push play, you will see no quitting,” Carter said. “You will see us be able to play a brand of football. It’s gonna be fast and physical, and then most important, you’re gonna see fun.”

As Sacramento State prepares for its first FBS season, Carter understands the historical significance of his position. He is the first FBS head coach in Sacramento State history–and he intends to make the most of it.

“I’m here to win football games.”

2026 Sacramento State Football Schedule

• Saturday, August 29th – @ Eastern Michigan – 3:30 PM PT
• Saturday, September 5th – vs. Mississippi Valley State – 7:00 PM PT
• Saturday, September 12th – @ Fresno State – 7:30 PM PT
• Saturday, September 19th – vs. North Dakota State – 7:30 PM PT
• Saturday, September 26th – vs. Massachusetts – TBD

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter*** and*** Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

4 Takeaways From The Kings 2026-27 ScheduleSacramento Kings release 2026-27 regular season scheduleCould Victor Oladipo’s ties with Scott Perry result in a deal with Sacramento?Amick: Russell Westbrook’s Kings tenure was a successFaithful Flashbacks #20: Shining at the SilverdomeWillie Cauley-Stein says the Kings promised him $80 million. Is that true?