Sacramento State JOINING Big 12 Conference in Expansion Move After $35 Million NIL Boost Would Rock?

While Sacramento State's football program currently competes in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as part of the Big Sky Conference, there are significant ongoing efforts and investments that could potentially position them for a future move to a Power Conference like the Big 12. However, it's crucial to understand that this is a long and complex process with no guarantee of success in the near future.  

Here's how Sacramento State's football investments are being framed in the context of a potential FBS move:

Ambitious Leadership and Vision:

• Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood has openly stated his goal of transitioning the football program to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest level of college football. He views this as a way to elevate the university's national brand and increase enrollment.   
• Athletic Director Mark Orr also shares this vision and has been actively working towards upgrading facilities and increasing the program's profile.

Significant Facility Upgrades:

• Sacramento State has announced ambitious plans to construct a new, state-of-the-art football and multi-use stadium with a minimum capacity of 25,000 seats, replacing the current Hornet Stadium.   
• The university is committed to spending between $95-100 million on this project, with funding coming from a mix of student fees, philanthropy, and private sources, including alumni.
• The new stadium is envisioned to be at the level expected for an FBS program, with modern amenities and an enhanced fan experience. The aim is to have the new facility ready by the start of the 2028 football season, with significant interim upgrades planned for the existing stadium in 2025.   

Strategic Coaching Hire:

• The hiring of Brennan Marion as the new head football coach, coming from a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at UNLV, signals a commitment to on-field success and attracting higher-level talent. Marion's "Go-Go Offense" is intended to be exciting and player-centric.

NIL Investment Push:

• A collective of Sacramento business, labor, and civic leaders, along with notable alumni, have formed a group called "SAC12" with the specific goal of raising significant NIL funds to support Sacramento State Athletics' FBS ambitions, particularly targeting the Pac-12 initially.   
• While initial goals were set at $75 million over 10 years, the group announced raising $35 million in NIL commitments in a short period, demonstrating significant community interest in elevating the program.

FBS Independent Strategy (Current Focus):

• Recognizing the complexities of immediate Power Conference inclusion, Sacramento State is currently pursuing a path to FBS as an independent program, similar to Notre Dame and UConn.   
• They have filed an application with the NCAA to transition, aiming for their final FCS season in 2025, which would make them FBS independent by 2026, albeit with a mandatory two-year postseason ineligibility period.   

The Big 12 Question:

• While the initial and more public push was towards the Pac-12 (due to geographic proximity and media market), Sacramento State President Luke Wood recently stated in a Reddit AMA that joining the Big 12 is a "stretch goal."
• The rationale for potentially targeting the Big 12 down the line could include:
  • National Profile: The Big 12 has established itself as a strong football conference with national relevance.
  • Potential for Media Revenue: As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the Big 12's media rights deals could be attractive.
  • Long-Term Stability: The Big 12 appears to have a more stable future than the current iteration of the Pac-12.

Challenges and Realities:

• On-Field Performance: While there have been periods of success in the FCS, consistent winning at the FBS level is a significant hurdle. Recent seasons have been less successful.
• Sustained Investment: Maintaining the level of financial investment required for FBS competitiveness, including facilities, coaching salaries, and NIL, will be crucial long-term.
• Conference Invitation: Even with investments, earning an invitation to a Power Conference like the Big 12 is not guaranteed and depends on various factors, including market appeal, sustained success, and the conference's strategic goals. Sacramento State's current plan to go independent suggests that a Power Conference invitation is not imminent.

In conclusion, Sacramento State is making significant strides in investing in its football program, with a clear ambition to reach the FBS level. While their current focus is on independence, the long-term "stretch goal" of joining a conference like the Big 12 acknowledges the potential benefits of Power Conference affiliation. However, this journey is in its early stages, and sustained success on and off the field, along with the evolving landscape of college football, will ultimately determine if these investments can earn them a coveted spot in a major conference.

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