Sacramento State Scheduled Future FBS Football Games
The Hornets have finalized a series of non-conference matchups against regional and national opponents.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Football
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Sacramento State football has announced a slate of upcoming games against FBS programs including a six-year series with the San Jose State Spartans. These scheduling efforts follow the Hornets' transition into the Football Bowl Subdivision in July 2026.
Why it matters
Securing matchups with established programs allows Sacramento State to bolster its national profile and competitive standing. Building these partnerships is essential as the university navigates the evolving landscape of modern college football.
Sacramento State ranks fifth in the nation with 68.7% of its recruits coming from within California, while San Jose State leads the country with 76.7%.
The players
Sacramento State
This university is the home of the Hornets football team which moved to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2026.
San Jose State Spartans
The Spartans are a California-based football program that maintains a high percentage of in-state recruits.
Alonzo Carter
He is a former coach for San Jose State who served on the staff from 2017 to 2023.
Oregon State University
This institution is a Pacific Northwest university that is scheduled to host Sacramento State in 2029.
Stanford University
This university is a prominent athletic institution that was defeated by Sacramento State in a 2023 matchup.
The details
The program has solidified a series with the San Jose State Spartans spanning from 2027 through 2036, alongside additional games scheduled against the University of California, San Diego and Oregon State University. These moves aim to strengthen the Hornets' schedule as the team continues to integrate into the FBS level.
Timeline
September 16, 2023: Sacramento State defeated Stanford University.
July 2026: Sacramento State joined the Football Bowl Subdivision.
September 25, 2027: Sacramento State holds its home opener against San Jose State.
2028: The Mid-American Conference will implement a nine-game schedule.
September 1, 2029: Sacramento State travels to Oregon State University.
Season Trajectory
The ambitious scheduling reflects a broader shift to establish the Hornets as a perennial competitor within the Football Bowl Subdivision. These games are positioned to build long-term roster experience and program visibility for future post-season eligibility.
The transition to a six-year series with San Jose State significantly alters the Hornets' non-conference roadmap through 2036. This long-term contract stabilizes the team's ability to attract top in-state talent by providing consistent high-profile exposure.
The takeaway
Securing multi-year contracts with FBS opponents provides the program with the stability needed to grow its talent pipeline within California. Fans can look forward to a consistent regional rivalry that elevates the visibility of the Hornets' football program.
What happens next
The Sacramento State home opener against San Jose State is confirmed for September 25, 2027.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's upcoming roster and competitive schedule, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The State Hornet.
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