Sacramento State welcomed Mississippi Valley State on September 5 with backup quarterback Jackson Sharman starting at QB after starter Carson Conklin was ruled out for the home opener. Sharman filled the role as the Hornets opened at home without their starting signal-caller.

Off the field, the program is dealing with a bigger problem. A plan to play games at Cal Expo this season did not come together, leaving the Hornets' new stadium project in limbo. No alternative venue has been confirmed, keeping the stadium situation unresolved heading into the rest of the 2026 season.