New Era Begins: Big Sky Expands, Sacramento State Departs
- Melissa Dickson
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
As of July 1, the Big Sky Conference officially welcomed two new members to its football ranks: Southern Utah University and Utah Tech University. Their addition brings the conference’s total football-playing institutions to ten. At the same time, California State University, Sacramento, commonly known as Sacramento State, announced its intention to withdraw from the conference, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape.
The Big Sky Conference confirmed the news last Wednesday via press release. In the announcement, Big Sky Conference Commissioner Tom Wistrcill expressed optimism about the timing and strategic fit of the additions.
“Both of these programs bring institutional alignment that will enhance the Big Sky’s tradition as a national leader that continually aspires to elevate the experience for our constituencies,” Wistrcill said.
Meanwhile, Sacramento State’s move surprised many within the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Hornets submitted a request to reclassify to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as an independent program, a request that has since been denied by the NCAA. Sacramento State has since announced its plans to join the Big West Conference, effective with the 2026–27 academic year.
As Sacramento State prepares to depart, the Big Sky Conference is reinforcing its commitment to geographic and institutional cohesion. The addition of Southern Utah University and Utah Tech University provides further regional alignment and stability within the western United States.
Southern Utah University brings a familiar face back to the Big Sky, having previously competed in the conference from 2012 to 2022. During that span, the Thunderbirds captured nine Big Sky Conference championships across various sports.
“It’s going to shake things up in a good way,” said Southern Utah Head Football Coach DeLane Fitzgerald. “Both teams bring different styles of play and we have something to prove. At the end of the day, more competition means everyone has to raise their game, and we’re ready for that.”
Southern Utah University most recently competed in the Western Athletic Conference, joining in 2022. Utah Tech University, formerly known as Dixie State, joined the Western Athletic Conference in 2020 and completed its transition to NCAA Division I status in the summer of 2023.
Stay tuned to FCS Nation for continuing coverage of Big Sky Conference realignment and upcoming news from Big Sky Football Media Day in Spokane. 🚨
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