Sacramento State football just landed two four-star recruits in two days, beating out major SEC and ACC schools. Head coach Brennan Marion pulled off something big, getting the highest-rated players in program history to choose the Hornets over powerhouse programs.
These are the best recruits Sacramento State has ever signed, showing they want to move up to FBS. Marion’s fast-paced offense and NIL money are helping them compete with bigger schools for top players.
Xavier McDonald and Chance McPike Choose Sacramento State Over Major Programs
Social media went crazy when four-star receiver Xavier McDonald committed to Sacramento State on July 4. Unnecessary Roughness posted about his decision over Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, Ole Miss, and UNC. The Mississippi standout became the program’s first-ever four-star commit.
McDonald is ranked the No. 16 receiver nationally and had offers from Ole Miss, LSU, and North Carolina in his final four. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 160 pounds, he accumulated 172 career receptions for 3,337 yards and 39 touchdowns across four high school seasons.
4-Star WR Xavier McDonald commits to Sacramento State over Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, Ole Miss, UNC, and more.
Brennan Marion is building something special at Sac State and is landing highly sought after talents on a consistent basis pic.twitter.com/qlAGnXwhls
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) July 4, 2025
One day later, four-star athlete Chance McPike Jr. also committed to Sacramento State. Light on College Sports announced the Kentucky native picked the Hornets over SEC schools Missouri, Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Tennessee. He’s ranked No. 15 overall in the 2027 class.
Class of 2027 4⭐️ athlete Chance McPike Jr. has committed to Sacramento State. 🐝
The Paducah, Kentucky native is the No. 15 overall athlete in the nation, according to @Rivals.
He’s the second Hornets 4⭐️ commit today 👀📈 pic.twitter.com/hH1sZK33pZ
— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) July 4, 2025
McPike Jr., a 6’1″, 185-pound athlete who plays wide receiver and defensive back, recorded 42 receptions for 745 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 362 kickoff return yards and two return touchdowns in 2023. His 4.6 40-yard dash shows elite speed that fits Marion’s offense.
Marion Building Something Special at Sacramento State
Marion developed his unique “go-go” offense at Waynesboro High School, combining tempo, misdirection, and calculated chaos. The system uses two running backs and constant motion to create confusion for defenses. For recruits like McDonald and McPike Jr., this offense provides plenty of touches and explosive play opportunities.
Sacramento State also secured over $35 million in NIL funding, allowing it to compete with bigger programs. The funding was raised by a group called the “Sac-12” to support the university’s FBS aspirations. They have upgraded facilities and built a winning culture, which gives them an advantage in landing elite players.
Both recruits will immediately impact the Hornets’ offense, with McDonald expected as the primary receiver and McPike Jr. providing slot versatility. Their commitments moved Sacramento State’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 56 nationally, ranking between the SEC’s South Carolina and the ACC’s Wake Forest.
It’s almost that time⏳⏳ pic.twitter.com/aZEbQTi3An
— Chance McPike Jr. (@mcpike_chance12) May 4, 2025
Marion beat out some of college football’s biggest names for these recruits. When an FCS school wins recruiting battles against SEC and ACC programs, it shows they’re improving their position. Sacramento State appears to be building towards an FBS move with this kind of talent.
