Wyoming State Border War guide: kickoff, TV, stakes
Wyoming State rivalry fans get a clear path Saturday: Colorado State hosts Wyoming at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins with kickoff at 6:00 p.m. ET on USA Network. The Border War opens both seasons, marks Jim Mora's CSU debut and the Rams' Pac-12 bow, and puts the Bronze Boot back on the line.
Key Takeaways
- Kickoff is Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET from Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins on USA Network.
- It is the first season-opening Border War since 1964, with the Bronze Boot at stake.
- Jim Mora makes his CSU debut as the Rams open life in the Pac-12 against their closest rival.
- Wyoming returns holding the Boot after a 28-0 win in Laramie last season.
When and where does the Border War kick off?
Colorado State and Wyoming meet Saturday at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins for the season opener both programs share. According to Yahoo Sports, kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. ET on USA Network.
The Reporter-Herald notes the schools sit roughly 65 miles apart across one border, and that this is the first time since 1964 the season begins with the battle for the Bronze Boot. The rivalry dates to 1899; Saturday is listed as the 188th meeting between the programs.
How can fans watch or stream Wyoming vs Colorado State?
Television coverage is on USA Network. Yahoo Sports lists a DIRECTV live-stream option for viewers who need an app or streaming package rather than a traditional cable box.
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Why does this Wyoming State opener matter so much?
Context is heavy on both sidelines. Mora is opening his first season in Fort Collins and has said he wants the focus on coaches and players, not his personal debut. "I don't think about me," Mora told the Reporter-Herald. "I think about our coaches and particularly our players."
Colorado State is also debuting as a Pac-12 member. Wyoming, coached by Jay Sawvel, enters holding the Bronze Boot after shutting out the Rams 28-0 last season. Running back Samuel "Tote" Harris returns after leading the Cowboys with 558 rushing yards on 100 carries a year ago.
Recent form favors the visitors: Wyoming has won four of the past five meetings and eight of the past 10, per the Reporter-Herald. CSU's last series win came in 2024, a 24-10 home victory at Canvas Stadium. Mora still framed the week as process-first football—tough, disciplined, and focused on what his team can control.
What should fans expect from the atmosphere?
Emotions typically run high in a Border War, but Mora urged his roster not to get lost in the noise. He said the best approach in big rivalries is to "be the best that we can be on that day" and play sound, fundamental football.
He also praised Wyoming's identity after a 4-8 season (2-6 in the Mountain West), calling the Cowboys tough, physical, and disciplined. With bragging rights, a trophy, and two season openers stacked into one night, Fort Collins is set for a loud start to the college football calendar.