An interesting post, like many in this thread that are focused on the future of college athletics. I completely agree with you that the collegiate athletic environment has changed quickly and drastically. I also agree that it’s become more of a financially driven business than a culture-building program within a university. Unfortunately, the business model the power conferences and others are pursuing is unsustainable. We all know that.

But, regarding your post, I don’t see a “California Conference” being more than an intriguing blog post. The schools on your list are too diverse in the following areas:

1 - Mindset / Culture
2 - Disparity of facilities
3 - NIL/Booster $$

None of those will conceivably change within the next decade.

She's had therapeutic tape on the back of her knees all year. Most games she seems to play through it, but she's been a non-factor a couple of times.

For a while only Sussex was getting rebounds. I thought Theoni Tsami looked the best she has all year. I'd almost like to see her get a start at the 4, which I think is her natural position, and bring Young off the bench to back up Norris.

Well that was a truly awful outing. UNC certainly was decent, but if the Aggies even brought their B game, I think we would've won. UNC did have the kind of physicality that UCD always seems to struggle with. We're like a ballet troupe trying to dance in the mosh pit.

Remember hat when these guys came to Sac, the mantra was, "One year can change your life." These guys apparently feel that last years showed they are worth more than Sac can offer to a higher level program than the Hornets.

Last season obviously changed things for the guy who recruited them. Why not them?

Yeah, I assumed it would be a paid announcement, and was wondering about the cost. My post was definitely vague on that point. :>(

What would it take to have a promo for AST on the scoreboard in UCU Pavilion during basketball games this season?

And maybe a CBS?

https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/47247619/college-athletic-directors-collective-bargaining-ncaa-future

The next private equity domino...

https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/47267088/utah-private-equity-college-sports-otro-capital

No argument. But my point was how Marions sees his position.

If he comes in and significantly improves the offense, which I think he has a good chance of doing, Marion positions himself to either succeed Prime, or get a position at another school that's better than anything Sac State could achieve within the same time period..

Colorado was 111th in Total Offense, 91st in Pass Offense, 103rd in Rushing offense and 114th in Scoring Offense in 2025. The Hornets had more yardage in all categories than Colorado (even with a terrible passing QB) and averaged more points per game.His UNLV offenses were also more productive.

Agree with the grow his brand and the potential conflicts. And given Deon's recent health issues, does Marion see himself as head coach in waiting?

I don't think it was a money issue (as per Dr. Wood). I also think he didn't see 4 games growing hs brand.

Great article. Light is a great example of a UCD athlete who is also a serious student, and who is connected to the greater campus community. I think most UCD athletes are similarly connected , and equally value their education. At least those that I chat with at games.

I hope Davis never lets that dynamic slip away.

Posts like the Matt Zenitz one seem to fall into the "It's a slow news day and I need to post SOMETHING...ANYTHING" category. The only legit possibility in Zenitz's post is Troy Taylor because he's the only one currently without a job in football.

Until Sac St. has a full schedule, say a minimum 8-9 games, it's not going to be a desirable destination for prospective head coaches, assistants or players. Sac State is a stepping stone, which even Dr. Luke Wood acknowledges. A team with a 4-game schedule isn't going to help anyone climb the ladder. I think the lack of a full schedule and the obvious difficulty in filling out a schedule are the biggest reasons Brennan Marion left.

Hey, Carter could co-star with Lil Yachty at a post-game concert!

Seems so. What a mess!

Maybe Sac will go after Sherrone Moore, now that he's available.

What I thought also as I listened.

Glad to see that sections are being added. Since courses were previously cut, do you know if this bring the Spring schedule back to its previous level? Or is there still a deficit?

It seemed less like an interview and more like a promo for Dr. Wood. KCRA should be embarrassed for the softball-make-you-look-good approach.

Agreed. I hope we don’t have to depend on comebacks during conference play.

On the plus side, we weren’t able to regroup against Stanford, so maybe this young team is learning.

Are coaches even included in the UC/CSU pension system. I remember that when Jim Sochor was being seriously recruited to coach at Cal, one of the sticking points was that his faculty status within the UC system would not continue as a coach at Cal. It wouldn't continue to accrue years of service, nor could that status protect him from termination, they way he was protected as a faculty member here at UCD.