Following the SEC visits, top-tier wide receiver Xavier McDonald opted for Sacramento State as his preferred university
Sacramento State football has secured a significant coup with the commitment of four-star wide receiver Xavier McDonald, a top-ranked recruit nationally. McDonald, a senior from Morton, Mississippi, chose the Hornets over major Power Four conference programs like North Carolina, LSU, and Ole Miss, marking a major recruiting victory for the FCS-level team.
As the No. 8 ranked wide receiver and No. 58 overall in the ESPN 300 for 2025, McDonald becomes the most highly-rated player in Sacramento State's history, elevating the program's profile nationally. With McDonald's commitment, Sacramento State vaults into the top 75 programs nationally in recruiting rankings, signalling a potential rise in competitiveness and national recognition for the Hornets.
The commitment of McDonald, one of four out-of-state commitments for Sacramento State in this cycle, reflects the program’s expanding geographic recruiting reach. The Hornets are under the leadership of first-year head coach Brennan Marion, who was named to the position last December.
McDonald's decision to join Sacramento State over major Power Four conference programs demonstrates a shift toward valuing the program's environment, coaching, or fit over traditional blue-blood prestige. This shift signifies an exciting new era for the Hornets, as they continue to build their reputation and compete at a higher level than ever before.
Sacramento State's football team remains in the Big Sky Conference for the time being, but the program is undergoing an upgrade to its athletic program. The team is also building a multipurpose stadium, further solidifying their commitment to the sport and the community.
As Sacramento State continues to make strides in recruiting and program development, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the future holds for the Hornets. With McDonald's commitment as a testament to the program's growing ambition, it seems that the sky is the limit for Sacramento State football.
[1] ESPN 300 Rankings: https://www.espn.com/college-football/recruiting/rankings/class/2025/position/wr [2] 247Sports Composite Rankings: https://247sports.com/college/sacramento-state/Season/2026-Football/Commits/ [3] Xavier McDonald's Final Four School Choices: https://www.247sports.com/player/xavier-mcdonald-46106128/ [4] Xavier McDonald's Official Visits: https://www.247sports.com/player/xavier-mcdonald-46106128/offerlist/ [5] Sacramento State Athletics: https://www.gosacstate.com/sports/football/index
- The four-star wide receiver Xavier McDonald, the most highly-rated player in Sacramento State's history, has chosen to join the Hornets' football team, essentially elevating the program's profile in the national sports arena.
- With McDonald's commitment, Sacramento State has secured a significant position among the top 75 programs nationally in recruiting rankings, indicating a potential rise in competitiveness and national recognition for the team.
- The Hornets' football team, under the leadership of first-year head coach Brennan Marion, is experiencing an expansion in its geographic recruiting reach, as seen by McDonald's out-of-state commitment.
- McDonald's decision to join Sacramento State over major Power Four conference programs seems to signify a shift in prioritizing the program's environment, coaching, or fit over traditional blue-blood prestige, marking an exciting new era for the Hornets.
