Sacramento State

Sacramento State's offseason centered around strategic portal additions designed to offset a roster that struggled mightily in 2025's abbreviated season. The Hornets' JP+ rating of -9.0 points ranks 117th nationally, with both offense (-5.0, 119th) and defense (-4.0, 114th) grading well below average despite solid special teams play. The portal math worked in their favor with 25 arrivals adding 8.3 points per attempt compared to 22 departures who cost them nothing, headlined by receiver Matthew Coleman's 9.0 PPA transfer from San Jose State. Quarterback Carson Conklin arrives from Fresno State alongside running back Cincere Rhaney from San Diego State, giving the Hornets fresh skill position depth.

JP+ projects 6.9 wins for Sacramento State in their MAC campaign, a number that reflects cautious optimism about the portal reinforcements translating to on-field improvement. The schedule presents clear tiers with home games against Kent State, Mississippi Valley State, and UMass offering the best opportunities, while road trips to Fresno State and Hawaii plus a home date with North Dakota State represent the steepest climbs. If Coleman provides the explosive receiving threat his San Jose State production suggests and the defense can inch toward respectability, eight wins becomes achievable. If the portal additions fail to gel quickly, another sub-.500 season looms large.