Afternoon Kickoffs Take Center Stage
Colorado State University announced a revised 2026 football schedule that eliminates all late‑night home contests, moving the Oct. 24 clash with San Diego State from a 7:30 p.m. start to a 4:30 p.m. slot. The change reflects a broader effort to accommodate fan preferences and broadcast considerations.
The Rams will host seven home games next season, and six of those matchups are slated to begin between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The only evening game yet to have a confirmed kickoff time is the Nov. 28 contest, whose start hour will be announced later.
Conference USA will be involved in the non‑conference road test at UTSA, where the kickoff time will also be revealed in due course. Meanwhile, the Pac‑12 championship game is set for Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. on CBS, with the first‑place team earning the hosting duties.
Officials say the new timing should give families a more convenient viewing experience and reduce the strain on campus resources that late‑night events can create.