Colorado State’s football program is gearing up for its first preseason camp under head coach Jim Mora, a milestone that arrives just two years after the Rams posted a 2‑10 record in 2025.
The transition brings with it a roster that is expected to undergo roughly three‑quarters turnover, a reality that shapes every projection for the 2026 campaign.
Athlon and Phil Steele paint contrasting pictures
Athlon Sports places the Rams seventh in its Pac‑12 preview, a spot that would keep them above only Oregon State, while Phil Steele’s rankings echo the same seventh‑place finish but highlight a defensive line that he describes as the team’s strongest unit.
Both publications single out tight end Juice Vereen for first‑team all‑conference honors and rank Oklahoma State transfer Hauss Hejny third among the nation’s top transfer quarterbacks, underscoring the offensive pieces that could shape the season.
Betting markets have already opened on the Rams, with over/under lines hovering around 3.5 wins at BetMGM and 4.5 wins at FanDuel, reflecting skepticism about a quick turnaround.
ESPN’s Football Power Index, however, projects a more pessimistic outlook, forecasting just 3.6 wins and 7.5 losses, enough to finish last in the conference.
Analysts caution that such forecasts are inherently fragile; the rapid churn of players, combined with a new coaching staff, makes offseason expectations especially volatile.
Coach Mora himself has framed the upcoming year as a rebuilding phase, acknowledging that while the team may win more games than a year ago, the primary goal is to lay a foundation for future competitiveness.
The coming weeks will reveal how quickly the new scheme meshes with the remaining veterans, and whether the early betting interest translates into on‑field progress.