Kadeezy
Active member
Predicting Sacramento State’s next 10 years at the FBS level requires some assumptions, including their potential conference alignment, recruiting success, and coaching stability. Let’s assume they move up to the FBS level by 2026 and join the Mountain West Conference (MWC) or a newly restructured West Coast-based league. Here’s how it might play out:
Overall, Sacramento State would likely take a few years to adjust but could become a top Group of Five program by the early 2030s. If they sustain success, they could even position themselves for a Power Five invitation. What do you think—too optimistic, or does this seem plausible?
2025 - Transition Year (FCS to FBS)
- Record: 8-4
- Bowl: N/A (Transitional period, ineligible for postseason play)
- Notes: Strong finish in the FCS before moving up, showing competitiveness against FBS teams in non-conference games.
2026 - First FBS Season (Mountain West)
- Record: 5-7
- Bowl: None
- Notes: The jump to FBS is tough, but they show flashes of promise, especially in home games.
2027 - Building Phase
- Record: 6-6
- Bowl: New Mexico Bowl (Win vs. MAC team)
- Notes: First bowl appearance as an FBS team, thanks to improved recruiting and a solid running game.
2028 - Breakout Year
- Record: 8-4
- Bowl: LA Bowl (Loss vs. Pac-12 team)
- Notes: Sacramento State starts attracting better talent and upsets a ranked Mountain West team.
2029 - Coaching Change?
- Record: 7-5
- Bowl: Armed Forces Bowl (Win vs. American Athletic team)
- Notes: Their head coach starts getting offers from bigger programs.
2030 - Conference Title Contender
- Record: 9-3
- Bowl: Mountain West Championship (Loss)
- Bowl Game: Las Vegas Bowl (Win vs. Big 12 team)
- Notes: Best season yet, with national ranking buzz during the year.
2031 - Dark Horse New Year’s Six Contender
- Record: 10-2
- Bowl: Cotton Bowl (Loss vs. SEC team)
- Notes: A signature win over a Power Five team puts them in the conversation for a major bowl.
2032 - Reloading Year
- Record: 7-5
- Bowl: Hawaii Bowl (Win vs. C-USA team)
- Notes: Slight regression after graduating star players.
2033 - Aiming for the Playoff?
- Record: 11-1
- Bowl: Fiesta Bowl (Loss vs. ACC team)
- Notes: A Cinderella season that raises Sacramento State’s national profile.
2034 - Potential Move to a Bigger Conference
- Record: 9-3
- Bowl: Holiday Bowl (Win vs. Pac-12 team)
- Notes: Rumors swirl about a move to the Big 12 or Pac-12 if realignment continues.
Overall, Sacramento State would likely take a few years to adjust but could become a top Group of Five program by the early 2030s. If they sustain success, they could even position themselves for a Power Five invitation. What do you think—too optimistic, or does this seem plausible?