A historic September looms for the Rams
Colorado State University is set to navigate a packed September 2026, opening the month with a rivalry game against Wyoming before welcoming Brigham Young University on September 19. The matchup against BYU is being billed as one of the most anticipated home games at Canvas Stadium in recent years.
BYU entered the season ranked No. 15 in the USA TODAY preseason coaches poll, a placement that signals strong expectations and places the Cougars among the top contenders for a College Football Playoff berth. Analysts project the team to hold the 13th‑best odds of making the playoff, buoyed by a 12‑2 record in 2025 that included a Big 12 title‑game appearance.
Looking back at the toughest visitors
The game will add to a series of high‑profile visits that have tested the Rams over the past decade, from Utah State’s 2018 ranking of No. 14 to Air Force’s 2023 appearance at No. 19, and earlier contests with FCS powerhouses such as Sacramento State and South Dakota State.
Beyond the Cougars, the schedule features other notable opponents: UNLV, which finished 10‑4 in 2025 and posted a 42‑10 victory over Colorado State, and Colorado, the 2024 team that captured the Heisman Trophy with Travis Hunter despite not being a CFP threat. These encounters illustrate the Rams’ tradition of facing strong competition.
Preseason polls have also positioned Colorado State high in the Big 12 Conference rankings, with the Rams listed at No. 2 in the conference’s preseason poll, underscoring the optimism surrounding the program’s trajectory as it prepares for the upcoming season.