A New Realignment Ripple Just Hit the College Sports Landscape

The next wave of college sports realignment may not be making national headlines yet, but a notable move out west just shook the foundation of one major conference.

On Tuesday, Sacramento State announced its departure from the Big Sky Conference, setting the stage for a potential leap to the FBS level, a temporary independent status, or both.

In a strategic and surprising move, Sacramento State has officially withdrawn from the Big Sky Conference, signaling its intention to join the Big West, effective July 1, 2026. It’s a strategic gamble that could signal the start of another active cycle of realignment across the sport.

Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger was first to drop the news, saying, “Sacramento State has formally withdrawn from the Big Sky Conference. The school will announce later today, as Matt Brown reported yesterday, that it will join the Big West. Sac State football, if denied a waiver to move to FBS, may be independent.”

The Hornets hope to elevate their football program to the FBS level, but that ambition hinges on securing a waiver, something now in jeopardy. The FBS Oversight Committee has recommended denying Sac State’s waiver request, citing the lack of a bona fide FBS conference invitation.

That delay would leave Sac State’s football team without a conference. Industry chatter suggests they intend to compete as an FCS independent temporarily, continuing to operate under their own schedule until FBS eligibility is resolved.

The NCAA Division I Council will vote on the waiver on June 24 and 25, a make-or-break moment for Hornets football. If denied, the Hornets are likely to begin life as an FCS independent in 2026, all while their other sports settle into the Big West.

This is a realignment ripple taking shape in real time. Sacramento State’s exit from the Big Sky reflects broader shifts in conference priorities. However, football’s uncertain future highlights the complexity of navigating conferences and NCAA rules.

As Hornets fans await a final vote, one thing is clear: Sac State is chasing growth and risking everything to get there.