Colorado State University’s men’s basketball program is set to make its first appearance in the Texas Legends Classic, a December 2026 showcase that brings together emerging programs and established mid‑major teams.
The Rams will meet the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Florida Atlantic Owls at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, the home arena of the Dallas Mavericks’ G‑League affiliate, the Texas Legends.
Head coach Ali Farokhmanesh, who guided the Rams to a 21‑13 record in his debut season, views the tournament as a prime opportunity to compile quality wins and enhance the team’s résumé for the NCAA tournament.
Farokhmanesh notes that the matchup with Nevada carries historical significance; the two programs have met 36 times in the Mountain West Conference, with Nevada holding a 20‑16 edge in the all‑time series.
A victory over Florida Atlantic would also add a notable triumph to the Rams’ record books, recalling an 81‑56 win from 2002 that remains the only meeting between the schools.
Beyond the Legends Classic, Colorado State will travel to the Maui Invitational in November 2026, where they will be joined by a field that includes Arizona, BYU, Clemson, Ole Miss, Providence, VCU and Washington.
The Rams return six of their top eight scorers from the previous season, giving Farokhmanesh a deep roster as he looks to build on the 20‑plus win milestone that only two other first‑year coaches in program history have achieved.
Strategic Non‑Conference Scheduling
The upcoming schedule reflects a deliberate effort by the athletic department to test the Rams against diverse competition, a strategy that could prove decisive when the selection committee evaluates at‑large bids.
By confronting teams from different conferences and geographic regions, Colorado State hopes to showcase versatility and depth, qualities that often distinguish tournament teams from their peers.