CSU Football Enters Pac-12 Era With Revamped Schedule

Rams look to bounce back in new conference after disappointing Mountain West finish

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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After a disappointing end to their Mountain West campaign, the Colorado State University football team is preparing for a fresh start in the Pac-12 conference. New head coach Jim Mora is bringing in nearly 40 transfers as the Rams look to compete in the revamped eight-team league. The season kicks off with the historic Border War matchup against Wyoming, followed by a home game against Southern Utah and a tough test against BYU. The Rams will then hit the road to face UTSA before opening Pac-12 play at home against Oregon State for Homecoming.

Why it matters

CSU's move to the Pac-12 represents a major shift for the program, providing new opportunities and challenges. The Rams will face tougher competition but also have a chance to establish themselves in a Power 5 conference. How they perform in this transition could set the tone for the program's future.

The details

The Rams' 2026 schedule features several key games, including the Border War rivalry against Wyoming, a home matchup with BYU, and Pac-12 openers against Oregon State and Utah State. CSU will also face new conference foes like UTSA, Boise State, and Washington State. The team is bringing in a large transfer class to bolster the roster as they look to compete in the Pac-12.

  • The 2026 season kicks off on September 12 with a home game against Southern Utah.
  • CSU's first Pac-12 game is on October 3 against Oregon State, which will also be the team's Homecoming game.
  • The Rams will have a bye week on October 10 before traveling to face Texas State on October 17.

The players

Jim Mora

The new head coach of the Colorado State University football team, coming from UConn.

Jay Sawvel

The head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys, entering his third season with a 7-17 record so far.

Bear Bachmeier

The junior quarterback for BYU, who threw for 15 touchdowns and 3,033 yards in 2025.

Bronco Mendenhall

The head coach of the Utah State Aggies, entering his second season with the team.

Matt Entz

The head coach of the Fresno State Bulldogs, who is returning with a similar core squad from their 9-4 season in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.