It feels weird. Honestly, it just does. If you grew up in Colorado or spent any time around the Mountain West, the annual collision between the Air Force Falcons and the Colorado State Rams was a fixed point on the calendar. It was more than just a game; it was a clash of cultures. You had the rigid, triple-option discipline of the Academy going up against the Fort Collins vibe.
But things changed fast. Recently, the Air Force vs Colorado State football rivalry hit a massive roadblock that most fans are still trying to process. With conference realignment tearing through college sports like a tornado, the 2025 matchup in Fort Collins wasn't just another game. It felt like a wake.
The 2025 Finale and Why it Stung
On November 28, 2025, Air Force walked into Canvas Stadium and basically took the place over. They won 42-21. It wasn't particularly close, which is kind of a bummer if you like high-drama finishes. Air Force quarterback Josh Johnson was efficient, hitting all four of his passes for 104 yards and two scores. Owen Allen was the real hammer, though, grinding out 107 yards on the ground.
Air Force held the ball for over 40 minutes. Forty! That’s vintage Troy Calhoun football. They suck the air out of the stadium and leave the opposing defense looking like they just ran a marathon in work boots. Colorado State’s Jackson Brousseau threw for over 300 yards, but it didn't matter. You can't score if you don't have the ball.
This win meant the Ram-Falcon Trophy stayed in Colorado Springs. Again.
Recent Series Snapshot
- 2025: Air Force 42, Colorado State 21 (Fort Collins)
- 2024: Colorado State 21, Air Force 13 (USAFA)
- 2023: Air Force 30, Colorado State 13 (Fort Collins)
The 2024 game was actually the outlier. The Rams finally broke a seven-game losing streak against the Falcons that year. It felt like maybe, just maybe, Jay Norvell’s squad had figured out the puzzle. But the 2025 beatdown proved that the Falcons still own the blueprint for this matchup.
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The Death of a Tradition?
Here is the part that sucks. Colorado State is heading to the Pac-12. Air Force is staying put in the Mountain West. Because of the Academy's scheduling constraints—remember, they have to play Army and Navy every single year—there is literally no room on the books for CSU anymore.
As of right now, there are no future games scheduled between these two. None. Through 2038, the calendar is blank.
It’s a "bittersweet" situation, but let’s be real, it’s mostly just bitter. We’re losing a rivalry that started back in 1957. Since 1980, they’ve played for a trophy that features a literal Falcon and a Ram. It’s heavy, it’s old-school, and right now, it’s probably going to sit in a trophy case at the Academy gathering dust for a decade.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Triple Option
Whenever people talk about Air Force vs Colorado State football, they act like Air Force is running some caveman offense from the 1940s. "Oh, they just run the ball every play."
Well, yeah, they do run a lot. But it’s the way they do it.
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In that 2025 game, Air Force had 316 rushing yards. Colorado State had 12. Twelve yards! That’s not just a talent gap; that’s a psychological collapse. The Falcons use a system of "flexbone" and "triple-option" principles that force every single defender to be perfect. If a CSU linebacker breathes the wrong way, a fullback is 20 yards downfield.
Honestly, it’s beautiful if you aren't the one trying to tackle them.
The Canvas Stadium Curse
Colorado State opened Canvas Stadium in 2017. It’s a gorgeous spot. Great views, great beer, great atmosphere.
But for some reason, they cannot beat Air Force there. The Falcons are 5-0 at Canvas. They’ve outscored the Rams 190-104 in that building since it opened. It’s reached the point where Air Force fans basically treat Fort Collins like a home away from home.
Key Figures Who Defined the Era
You can't talk about this rivalry without mentioning the coaches. Sonny Lubick vs. Fisher DeBerry was the gold standard. Those guys respected each other, but they wanted to rip each other's hearts out on the field.
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Lately, it’s been about Troy Calhoun’s dominance. He’s 15-3 against the Rams. That is an absurd stat. It doesn't matter if CSU has better recruits or a "modern" offense; Calhoun finds a way to make the game ugly and win it.
On the player side, keep an eye on guys like Owen Allen and Josh Johnson. They represent the "new" Air Force—slightly more balanced, but still fundamentally terrifying to play against. For CSU, the 2025 season was a struggle, finishing 2-10, but Jackson Brousseau showed he has the arm to play at the next level, even if the scoreboard didn't always reflect it.
The Path Forward: Can the Rivalry Be Saved?
If you're a fan, you're probably asking if this is really the end.
Technically, no. They could schedule a non-conference game. But Air Force is stubborn about their schedule. They play four non-conference games. Two are locked in (Army/Navy). One is usually a "buy game" against a lower-tier school to get a guaranteed win. That leaves exactly one spot.
Will they give that spot to CSU every year? Unlikely. CSU is a tough opponent and a regional rival that brings a lot of baggage.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the 2026 Schedules: Air Force has already filled their 2026 slots with teams like Duquesne and UConn. If you're hoping for a surprise "add," don't hold your breath.
- Support the Trophy: There is a grassroots push to keep the Ram-Falcon Trophy alive in other sports, like basketball or volleyball. It’s not the same as Saturday afternoon at Falcon Stadium, but it’s something.
- Appreciate the History: Look up the 1963 game. Air Force won 69-0. It remains the biggest blowout in series history and a reminder of how lopsided this thing can get when the Falcons are humming.
- Follow Conference News: The Pac-12 and Mountain West are still in a state of flux. If more teams jump ship, we might see these two back in the same league sooner than the current contracts suggest.
The Air Force vs Colorado State football rivalry might be on ice, but in the world of college sports, "never" usually just means "not right now." For now, the Falcons have the trophy, the bragging rights, and a perfect record in the Rams' new house.
To stay informed on potential future matchups, check the official Mountain West and Pac-12 schedule releases each spring. You should also monitor the Air Force Academy’s athletic department announcements, as they often finalize non-conference dates two to three years in advance.