Campbell defensive back Isaiah Chong commits to Sacramento State

EWA BEACH — Campbell defensive back Isaiah Chong announced his commitment to Sacramento State on Monday, choosing the Hornets over four other finalists and reaffirming a pledge he had previously withdrawn following a coaching change.

Chong, a 6-foot, 175-pound defensive back from Campbell High School, made the announcement at the school gymnasium surrounded by family and friends.

“It just feels awesome,” Chong said. “It’s just a blessing to be in this position. I can’t thank no one but God and my parents.”

A versatile defensive back capable of playing cornerback, safety and nickel, Chong helped lead Campbell to the Open Division state championship last December with a victory over Kamehameha. He earned first-team All-State honors from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and is rated a three-star prospect in the Class of 2027 by 247Sports.

Montana, UNLV, Kent State and Portland State rounded out Chong’s list of finalists.

Isaiah Chong weighs his decision before making his commitment. | Photo: CJ Caraang

Chong said Sacramento State’s family atmosphere and coaching staff played a major role in his decision.

“I think just the family aspect of it all,” Chong said. “They greet you, the whole coaching staff is waiting for you outside the car, and they’re going to make sure they develop me in the right way. They see me being the guy for them, so I’m just going to take that and be able to do that for them.”

Monday’s commitment marked a return to Sacramento State for Chong, who initially pledged to the program on June 16, 2025, when Brennan Marion was the Hornets’ head coach. Chong later reopened his recruitment after Marion departed on Dec. 4, 2025, to become offensive coordinator at Colorado, one day before Campbell’s state championship game.

“When the coaching staff left, I just needed to make sure that it was still the right place for me, so I de-committed to explore my options,” Chong said.

Sacramento State later hired Alonzo Carter as the program’s 14th head coach.

Chong took official visits to Sacramento State and Montana earlier this month before making his final decision.

He credited Carter, defensive player personnel lead analyst Montre Lambert and nickelbacks coach Kason McCullough-Cooper for helping solidify his choice.

“Coach Alonzo, Coach Montre, Coach Cooper, they just made me feel like family, so I just know that’s the place that I want to be,” Chong said.

Sacramento State is preparing for its first season at the Football Bowl Subdivision level after agreeing to a five-year football-only membership with the Mid-American Conference earlier this year.

Chong said the Hornets are gaining both a player and a community-minded representative.

“They’re getting a great person,” Chong said. “I’m going to make sure that community is right. I’m going to do stuff in that community. We’re going to build it up with Coach Alonzo, and as a player, Coach Alonzo is going to get everything out of me. I’m just going to make sure we bring a MAC championship and a national championship home.”

Isaiah Chong and Taylor Mendoza pose for a photo. Both will be playing collegiately at Sacramento State in football and softball respectively. | Photo: CJ Caraang

Chong also will be joined at Sacramento State by his girlfriend, Taylor Mendoza, a Campbell Class of 2026 graduate who is set to play softball for the Hornets.

“She’s a blessing to me,” Chong said. “I’m grateful for her and I’m just happy that we get to go to college together.”

Before beginning his senior season, Chong said his primary offseason focus is adding strength and weight.

“I think just putting on weight,” Chong said. “I just want to be bigger than I was last season. I know a lot of schools wanted me bigger, so I’m just going to get ready for college in that aspect and be the best player I can be for this upcoming season.”