Alonzo Carter goes dancing to the big time as Sacramento State makes the transition to the FBS

On July 31, 2026, Sacramento State football coach Alonzo Carter was seen performing the "Return of the Mack" for his players upon learning that the school's elevation to the highest level of college football would come a year earlier than expected. Carter, who has a background in dance as a former backup dancer and choreographer for MC Hammer, broke out his old moves after learning of the news in February.

The coach had only been on the job for about two months when the news broke and his team had just finished the portal period. "It was post signing day, post portal period closing so it was a little surprise," Carter said. "We knew there was a possibility, but we figured we’d have a year to build it. But once it sunk in and it was going to be '26, I went back to my players and told them, 'Hey man, we're playing this now.'"

Despite the sudden transition, Carter is well-prepared for the challenge. He has spent over three decades as a football coach, working at both high school and junior college levels. His experience as a dance choreographer has also served him well, teaching him valuable leadership skills. Carter expressed his gratitude for MC Hammer's influence in his life, noting that the rapper had given him a sense of responsibility and leadership that he carries with him in his coaching career.