Sacramento State hosted Mississippi Valley State on September 5 with backup quarterback Jackson Sharman starting at QB after starter Carson Conklin was sidelined for the home opener. Sharman filled the role as the Hornets opened at home without their first-string quarterback.

Off the field, the program is facing a bigger problem. A plan to play games at Cal Expo this season fell through, leaving the Hornets' new stadium project without a clear path forward. No replacement site has been announced, keeping the stadium situation without a clear answer heading into the rest of the 2026 season.