Newsletter AD Fall 2025
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet
Newsletter AD Fall 2025
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet
Jack Dann

Jack Dann, Sports Editor

(he/him)

Jack Dann is a third-year journalism major from the Napa Valley in their third semester at The State Hornet. After gaining a following on social media covering the NBA and NFL, Jack joined The State Hornet and covered the women’s basketball and football beats in his first and second semesters, respectively. As a former college athlete and current scout, reporter and editor, Jack has experience at all levels of the field. He hopes to work in sports media and turn his passion into his career.

All content by Jack Dann
Sophomore guard Arman Madi drills a three pointer against Eastern Washington on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Madi had a career-high 26 points.

Red-hot Eastern Washington erupts early to stun Sac State

The Eagles explode out of the block, handing the Hornets their fourth straight loss
Jack Dann, Sports Editor
February 21, 2026
In a torrential start, the Eastern Washington Eagles buried the Sacramento State Hornets in an avalanche of threes, giving Sac State their fourth straight Big Sky loss.
After coming up short of the playoffs in their last two seasons, the Kings have finally embraced the “tank.” Rookies guard Nique Clifford, center Maxime Raynaud and center Dylan Cardwell have been integral to their youth movement, powering the Kings in their new direction. (graphic created in Canva by Jack Dann)

OPINION: The Kings suck – and that’s okay

The Kings aren’t chasing the play-in anymore, they’re finally committing to a rebuild
Jack Dann, Sports Editor
February 19, 2026
A losing streak, a youth movement, and a franchise at a crossroads. Why the Sacramento Kings’ painful reset may be its first honest step forward in years.
President Luke Wood speaks at a press conference on Jan. 8, 2025. One year ago, Wood began discussing the Hornets’ potential to move to FBS, with the move now becoming official as they join the Mid-American Conference. (Graphic created in Canva by Delaney Joyce)

Sacramento State officially joins the Mid-American Conference

President Luke Wood speaks on the move: ‘Football is paying for football’
Jack Dann, Sports Editor
February 16, 2026
Sacramento State will officially join the Mid-American Conference for the 2026 season. President Luke Wood spoke with The State Hornet about the cost, the benefits and the long-term aspirations of the program.
Senior guard Prophet Johnson fights through midair contact against Weber State Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. The Hornets are 9-1 in the Hornet Pavilion but 0-12 on the road.

The Double Dribble:
Sac State’s basketball builds toward Boise

Offensive reinvention fuels the men’s team, while foul trouble and variance test the women’s team
Jack Dann, Sports Editor
February 7, 2026
With the Big Sky play entering the home stretch, both of Sacramento State’s basketball programs prepare and find rhythm ahead of the season’s apex: Starch Madness.
Senior forward Fatoumata Jaiteh sits in the stands ahead of Sac State's game against Montana State, Jan. 29, 2026. Jaiteh returned from a knee injury that sidelined her since November. (Photo Courtesy of Jyanne Bautista)

Brace yourself:
Star senior forward returns to stabilize Sac State’s frontcourt

After an injury sidelined her since November, Fatoumata Jaiteh restores leadership and composure for the Hornets
Jack Dann, Sports Editor
January 31, 2026
Senior forward Fatoumata Jaiteh has been out since November, leaving Sac State with a hole in their backline. She returned in a Big Sky win over Eastern Washington, bringing the Hornets’ record to 6-2 with her and 4-8 without.

[Video] The State Hornet Experience

Editors at The State Hornet reflect on their semester in the newsroom as the year comes to an end
Zachary Hernandez, Eli Keller, and Alicia Urquhart
December 31, 2025

As the semester ends, editors at The State Hornet reflect on their experiences in the student newsroom. Through their roles, challenges and accomplishments, editors discuss what they learned and how the...

Sophomore guard Mikey Williams dishes out a pass to sophomore guard Jayden Teat against UC Davis Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Since this game, the Hornets have gone 1-6 against Division I opponents.

The Double Dribble: Major injuries hinder Sac State’s Big Sky buildup

After both Sac State programs lost their starting bigs to injury, battling adversity has become the norm
Jack Dann, Sports Editor
December 30, 2025
Sacramento State’s men’s and women’s basketball campaigns have hit recent skids lately after both teams lost their emotional leaders to injuries. With the Big Sky season beginning in the new year, both programs will need to regroup on the fly.
Sophomore kicker Grant Meadors drills a field goal against Montana Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Meadors converted on 80% of his field goal attempts for the Hornets, missing just two extra points on the season.

Portal Watch: Tracking Sac State’s offseason roster roulette

In the wake of Brennan Marion’s exit, another major football roster overhaul is expected
Jack Dann, Sports Editor
December 11, 2025
On the heels of Brennan Marion’s exit to the University of Colorado Boulder and the hiring of new head coach Alonzo Carter, Sacramento State is expected to have a busy offseason after bringing in over 70 players via the transfer portal last season.
Head coach Aaron Kallhoff draws up a play in overtime against Davis Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. The Hornets struggled with turnovers throughout, turning the ball over 22 times in the contest.

Causeway Crumble: Sac State’s offense disappears late

After a physical game, the Hornets fell short in overtime
Jack Dann, Sports Editor
November 26, 2025
Sacramento State women’s basketball dropped their annual rivalry matchup with UC Davis on Monday in overtime, 67-70. Senior forward Fatoumata Jaiteh sustained an injury in the loss, while junior guard Natalie Picton notched career highs.
Junior quarterback Cardell Williams grimaces after an incompletion against UC Davis Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Williams threw for just 17 yards, also tossing an interception in the fourth quarter.

Causeway Calamity: Sac State runs out of road

Sac State’s ‘one-dimensional’ offense falls flat late against UC Davis
Jack Dann, Sports Editor
November 22, 2025
The Causeway Classic trophy will stay in Davis for the foreseeable future, after UC Davis managed a late comeback over the Sacramento State Hornets. With the win, Davis clinches a playoff spot. And with the loss, Sac State may find themselves on the outside looking in.
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