5 bold CSU football predictions before the 2026 Border War
When does college football start for Colorado State in 2026? The Rams open Saturday, Sept. 5, at 4 p.m. Mountain against Wyoming at Canvas Stadium—the earliest-ever Border War season meeting and Jim Mora's debut on USA Sports. Before CSU begins Pac-12 play, Coloradoan columnist Kevin Lytle offered five bold predictions that sound wild but feel plausible for a program chasing a reset.
Key Takeaways
- CSU's 2026 opener is Sept. 5 at 4 p.m. MT vs. Wyoming on USA Sports, also on Fubo and YouTube TV.
- Lytle predicts double-digit QB rushing TDs, a top-half Pac-12 scoring offense, and a viral Jim Mora moment.
- UConn transfer Oumar Diomande could out-tackle former FBS leader Owen Long, yet no Ram may hit 1,000 rushing or receiving yards.
- The Border War follows Wyoming's 28-0 shutout in 2025; CSU leads the series 59-52-5 but has lost eight of its last 10 meetings.
- Canvas Stadium seats 36,500 and the game is expected to sell out.
When does Colorado State football season start in 2026?
The 2026 college football season arrives for CSU on Sept. 5 at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins. Kickoff is 4 p.m. Mountain against Wyoming in the earliest-ever season meeting between the longtime rivals.
With Colorado State in the Pac-12 and Wyoming remaining in the Mountain West, the Border War opens both teams' seasons. CSU leads the all-time series 59-52-5, according to university records, but has dropped eight of its last 10 matchups, including last year's 28-0 loss in Laramie.
What are the five bold CSU football predictions?
Coloradoan reporter Kevin Lytle framed his takes as specific, mildly random predictions—not a full record forecast. His first: CSU quarterbacks will combine for double-digit rushing touchdowns, something the program has not done since Bradlee Van Pelt's 10 in 2003. Hauss Hejny and K'saan Farrar fit Jim Mora and offensive coordinator Pryce Tracy's mobility-first approach.
Lytle also predicts CSU will finish top four in Pac-12 scoring offense despite an inexperienced line and quarterbacks. He expects linebacker Oumar Diomande, who had 116 tackles at UConn last season, to surpass former Ram Owen Long's total—Long led FBS with 151 tackles in 2024. Diomande's 65 solo tackles ranked ninth nationally.
His other calls: Mora will have a viral press-conference moment, and no Ram will reach 1,000 rushing or receiving yards, with production spread across backs like Mel Brown and Durell Robinson and multiple receivers in the 300-600 yard range.
Why does the Border War opener matter for Jim Mora?
Sept. 5 is Mora's first game after CSU hired him away from UConn. The Rocky Mountain Collegian notes it is also the Rams' first contest since joining the Pac-12 in July. Reclaiming the Bronze Boot—modeled on a Vietnam veteran's battle boot and first awarded after the 1968 game—would signal momentum for a coach who has talked about conference titles and national relevance.
Wyoming quarterback Tyler Hughes stoked rivalry talk at Mountain West media day, saying Cowboys must "go handle business down south." Former Wyoming QB Josh Allen told a Laramie crowd it "will always suck to be a CSU Ram" during his jersey retirement last November. ROTC cadets will complete the annual boot run before kickoff at a likely sold-out stadium.
How can you watch Colorado State vs Wyoming football?
USA Sports carries the game on TV. Streaming options include Fubo and YouTube TV. On Comcast/Xfinity in Fort Collins, USA Sports is channel 30 (730 HD); DirecTV lists it on 242 and Dish on 105.
Radio listeners can tune in on 104.3 FM The Fan (Denver), 99.1 FM (Fort Collins), or the Varsity Network app, with Brian Roth, Marty Lenz, and Kevin McGlue on the call. BetMGM lists CSU as a 3.5-point favorite. For more kickoff-week viewing guides, visit our Streaming & TV Alerts hub. Full opener details are available from Yahoo Sports.