So, you're looking at the csu fort collins football schedule and trying to figure out why everyone is suddenly talking about 2026 like it's a make-or-break year. Honestly, it kind of is. After a 2025 season that honestly felt like a long walk through a blizzard—ending 2-10 and closing with a brutal six-game skid—the vibe in Fort Collins is changing. We've got Jim Mora at the helm now, a bunch of staff additions that were just announced on New Year's Day, and a schedule that looks... well, spicy.
If you’ve been following the Rams, you know the drill. We love the Ag Day traditions and the Orange Out games, but we really love winning the Border War. And that’s where the 2026 schedule gets interesting.
The Border War Kickoff: A Massive Change
Basically, the biggest news for the 2026 season is the opener. Usually, we wait until the leaves are brown and the wind is whipping through Laramie or Fort Collins to play Wyoming. Not this time.
The University of Wyoming and CSU announced a major swap. Instead of playing North Texas to start the year, the Rams are opening the 2026 campaign against the Cowboys on September 5, 2026, right here in Fort Collins at Canvas Stadium.
Think about that for a second. The Bronze Boot—that famous trophy made from a combat boot worn in Vietnam by Dan Romero—will be on the line in Week 1. It’s the first time the Border War has opened a season in what feels like forever. It’s going to be absolute chaos in the best way possible.
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Breaking Down the 2026 Non-Conference Slate
While the Mountain West dates are still being finalized (usually we see those drop in the spring), the non-conference "meat" of the csu fort collins football schedule is already set in stone. It’s a mix of "should-wins" and "oh-boy-here-we-go" games.
- Sept. 5: vs. Wyoming. As mentioned, this is the season opener. It’s a home game. If you haven't been to a home opener in Fort Collins, the tailgating south of the stadium in Lot 475 is basically a local holiday.
- Sept. 12: vs. Southern Utah. This is your classic "buy" game, but after the Rams struggled against Northern Colorado in 2025 (only winning 21-17), nobody is taking the Thunderbirds lightly.
- Sept. 19: vs. BYU. This is the big one. The Cougars are coming to Canvas Stadium. BYU has a massive following, and this game will likely be the hardest ticket to get all year.
- Sept. 26: at UTSA. The first road trip. The Rams head down to the Alamodome in San Antonio. UTSA has become a G5 powerhouse lately, so this is a sneaky-hard game before conference play even starts.
Why the Jim Mora Era Changes Everything
You've probably noticed a different energy around the Moby Arena and the football offices. Jim Mora was introduced as the head coach back in December 2025 after things went south under the previous regime.
Mora didn't waste any time. On January 1, 2026, he announced a flurry of staff additions, including new coordinators and a revamped strength and conditioning team. The goal? Fix a defense that gave up 42 points to Air Force and 49 to Boise State at the end of last year.
Nuance matters here. A lot of folks think a new coach means an immediate 10-win season. But Mora is inheriting a roster that went 1-7 in the Mountain West. The 2026 schedule is designed to test if his "toughness-first" philosophy actually sticks.
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Planning Your Trip to Canvas Stadium
If you’re planning to catch a game on the csu fort collins football schedule, you need to know the logistics. Fort Collins isn't just a college town; it’s a destination. But Canvas Stadium has some strict rules you don't want to learn the hard way at the gate.
The Ticket Situation
Tickets usually go on sale to the general public in late spring or early summer. If you’re a student, you get one free ticket on a first-come, first-served basis, but you have to activate your account through the Rams Ticket Office first.
For the rest of us, look into the "New Belgium Porch" passes. It’s a deck behind the north endzone where you can grab a Fat Tire and watch the game without being crammed into a bleacher seat. Just remember: you still need a game ticket to get into the stadium even if you have a Porch pass.
The "Must-Know" Game Day Rules
- Clear Bag Policy: Don't bring your favorite backpack. It has to be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and no bigger than 12” x 6” x 12”.
- Ram Walk: About 2.5 hours before kickoff, the team marches down Meridian Avenue. It’s led by the band and CAM the Ram. It’s a great spot for kids and honestly, the best way to get hyped.
- The Weather: September in Fort Collins is gorgeous. November? Not so much. If you're coming for the later conference games, bring layers. The wind coming off the foothills doesn't care about your team spirit.
Looking Ahead: The Rivalries and the Future
We’re also seeing some long-term stability. CSU and Wyoming recently added more games to the Border War series, ensuring we play them through at least 2036. And for those who miss the "Rocky Mountain Showdown," mark your calendars for 2029 and 2030—that's when the Buffs and Rams finally suit up against each other again.
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But for now, the focus is 2026. Can Mora turn the tide? Can the Rams protect the home turf against a Big 12 opponent like BYU?
Actionable Steps for Rams Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the upcoming season, here is exactly what you should do:
- Download the RTD/Transfort App: Parking around Canvas Stadium is a nightmare and expensive (parking passes can run $50+). Use the MAX bus line; it drops you right near the stadium.
- Check the Mountain West App: This is where the specific kickoff times and TV designations (like FS1 or CBS Sports Network) will be announced in May or June.
- Bookmark the Ticket Office: If the BYU game is on your list, buy those tickets the second they go on sale. That game will sell out fast.
- Update your NetID: If you're a CSU student, do this now so you aren't fighting the system two hours before the Wyoming game kicks off.
The csu fort collins football schedule for 2026 is more than just a list of dates. It's a fresh start. Whether you're there for the football, the beer, or just to scream at the Cowboys, it’s going to be a wild ride.