Kadeezy
Active member
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sacramento State Athletics
December 12, 2025
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In a landmark moment for the University and Hornet Athletics, Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood and Director of Athletics Mark Orr announced today that Troy Taylor has been named the Head Coach of Sacramento State Football, returning to lead a program he elevated to unprecedented success during his previous tenure.
In addition, Sacramento State has formally accepted a football-only invitation to join the Mountain West Conference, beginning with the 2027 season. All other Sacramento State athletic programs will continue competing in the Big West Conference, maintaining strong regional rivalries and alignment for Olympic sports.
The University also revealed a transformational commitment from an anonymous donor: a historic $250 million gift to support the construction of a new, on-campus football stadium. The donation—the largest in Sacramento State history—is contingent upon the facility being built on University grounds and will serve as the cornerstone of the long-term vision for Hornet Athletics.
“It is rare in college athletics to get the opportunity to bring home the architect of a modern football renaissance,” said Orr. “Troy Taylor represents innovation, integrity, and a deep commitment to Sacramento. His return marks the beginning of a new era for Hornet Football.”
Taylor expressed deep gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.
“Sacramento State is home,” Taylor said. “This program, this community, and this University mean everything to me. The ceiling for what we can accomplish—now aligned with the Mountain West and with a world-class stadium coming to campus—is limitless. I cannot wait to get to work with our players and build something truly extraordinary.”
“Competing in the Mountain West elevates Sacramento State Football to the national stage,” President Wood said. “This move reflects our competitive success, institutional growth, and the desire for greater opportunities for our student-athletes. It is a testament to the reputation this University has built in the West and across the country.”
Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez praised the addition.
“The Mountain West is thrilled to welcome Sacramento State Football. The Hornets have demonstrated sustained excellence, community impact, and competitive strength. They will be a tremendous asset to our conference.”
“This gift is transformational,” President Wood said. “It will allow us to build a stadium that reflects the excellence of our University and provides a proud home for future generations of Hornets. We are humbled by the donor’s vision and belief in Sacramento State.”
Planning for the new stadium—including environmental review, architectural design, and community engagement—will begin immediately.
“Today is historic,” Orr said. “It is a day that reshapes our trajectory and sets Sacramento State on a path to long-term success and national relevance. Hornet Nation has never been stronger, and our future has never been brighter.”
Media Contact:
Sacramento State Athletics Communications
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (916) 278-6350
Sacramento State Athletics
December 12, 2025
TROY TAYLOR RETURNS AS HEAD COACH; SACRAMENTO STATE ACCEPTS FOOTBALL-ONLY INVITE TO THE MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE
Anonymous Donor Commits Historic $250 Million Toward On-Campus StadiumSACRAMENTO, Calif. – In a landmark moment for the University and Hornet Athletics, Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood and Director of Athletics Mark Orr announced today that Troy Taylor has been named the Head Coach of Sacramento State Football, returning to lead a program he elevated to unprecedented success during his previous tenure.
In addition, Sacramento State has formally accepted a football-only invitation to join the Mountain West Conference, beginning with the 2027 season. All other Sacramento State athletic programs will continue competing in the Big West Conference, maintaining strong regional rivalries and alignment for Olympic sports.
The University also revealed a transformational commitment from an anonymous donor: a historic $250 million gift to support the construction of a new, on-campus football stadium. The donation—the largest in Sacramento State history—is contingent upon the facility being built on University grounds and will serve as the cornerstone of the long-term vision for Hornet Athletics.
A Return That Reverberates Across Hornet Nation
Taylor, who guided Sacramento State to national prominence from 2019–2022—including three Big Sky championships and the first playoff wins in program history—returns to the helm after successful FBS coaching experience. His comeback has already energized alumni, supporters, and student-athletes alike.“It is rare in college athletics to get the opportunity to bring home the architect of a modern football renaissance,” said Orr. “Troy Taylor represents innovation, integrity, and a deep commitment to Sacramento. His return marks the beginning of a new era for Hornet Football.”
Taylor expressed deep gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.
“Sacramento State is home,” Taylor said. “This program, this community, and this University mean everything to me. The ceiling for what we can accomplish—now aligned with the Mountain West and with a world-class stadium coming to campus—is limitless. I cannot wait to get to work with our players and build something truly extraordinary.”
Elevation to the Mountain West
Sacramento State’s move to the Mountain West Conference represents one of the most significant shifts in school athletic history. The football-only membership model preserves stability for Olympic sports while positioning the Hornets alongside established regional programs.“Competing in the Mountain West elevates Sacramento State Football to the national stage,” President Wood said. “This move reflects our competitive success, institutional growth, and the desire for greater opportunities for our student-athletes. It is a testament to the reputation this University has built in the West and across the country.”
Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez praised the addition.
“The Mountain West is thrilled to welcome Sacramento State Football. The Hornets have demonstrated sustained excellence, community impact, and competitive strength. They will be a tremendous asset to our conference.”
A Stadium for the Future
The anonymous $250 million donation will accelerate Sacramento State’s long-standing ambition for a state-of-the-art, on-campus football stadium—one that enhances the student experience, drives economic impact, and signals a firm commitment to top-tier athletics.“This gift is transformational,” President Wood said. “It will allow us to build a stadium that reflects the excellence of our University and provides a proud home for future generations of Hornets. We are humbled by the donor’s vision and belief in Sacramento State.”
Planning for the new stadium—including environmental review, architectural design, and community engagement—will begin immediately.
A Defining Day for Sacramento State
The combined announcements of Taylor’s return, Mountain West membership, and the largest donation in school history mark a turning point for Sacramento State Athletics.“Today is historic,” Orr said. “It is a day that reshapes our trajectory and sets Sacramento State on a path to long-term success and national relevance. Hornet Nation has never been stronger, and our future has never been brighter.”
Media Contact:
Sacramento State Athletics Communications
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (916) 278-6350
