Tag: Colorado State Rams

Colorado State kicks off, scores touchdown against Nevada

Everything was going Colorado State’s way against Nevada

Colorado State was already up 20-0 on Nevada in the third quarter Saturday.

The Rams kicked off to the Wolf Pack and mayhem ensued.

Nevada forgot to catch the football and it caromed into the end zone off some players.

Colorado State fell on the loose ball for a touchdown.

So, the Rams scored a touchdown on a play that saw them kick off.

Chiefs scouting report: Colorado State Rams WR Tory Horton

Colorado State Rams WR Tory Horton is a top prospect to watch for the Kansas City #Chiefs in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs face roster attrition at wide receiver this coming offseason. Several contributors hit free agency, and Rashee Rice faces potential fallout from an off-field incident this past spring. Fortunately, the 2025 NFL draft includes plenty of talented receiving options.

Colorado State’s Tory Horton offers a safe floor as a prospect because of his upside as a special teams contributor and favorable physical traits. He returned a punt for a touchdown in three consecutive seasons, which is rare for a receiver with a 6 foot 3 inch, 185-pound frame.

Colorado State runs many shallow crossing routes for Horton, but he ran and won on more vertical routes during his time at Nevada. His long strides and burst help him stack corners and generate vertical separation against press coverage. Horton lacks elite speed but offers more than enough to do damage downfield and after the catch.

Horton tracks the throw well and makes impressive adjustments while the ball is in the air. He posts examples of playing above the rim and dominating cornerbacks but needs to maximize his size and arm length at the catch point more often.

Horton moves with surprising fluidity for a slightly high-cut player. His athleticism lets him take advantage of cutback lanes after the catch and find hidden yardage. He makes the most of catch-and-run situations with his creativity.

Colorado State’s offense doesn’t ask Horton to run a full route tree. That’s an area of his game he must develop early in his NFL career.

Horton sat out Colorado State’s Week 4 game against UTEP as he healed from a groin injury. The Rams play their next game against Oregon State on Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Colorado State among four schools set to join Pac-12 Conference

Colorado State and three other Mountain West schools are set to join the Pac-12

As announced Thursday morning, Colorado State is among four Mountain West schools set to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026.

Others moving with the Rams include Fresno State, San Diego State and Boise State. The Pac-12, which currently holds only Washington State and Oregon State, was thought to be nearing extinction, but this latest round of conference realignment should keep the 109-year-old league alive.

With six teams on board for 2026, the Pac-12 still needs to reach eight members to be recognized as a conference by the NCAA. I’d expect the Pac-12 to target two other Mountain West schools or possibly Gonzaga.

“These six institutions are committed to rebuilding the Pac-12 into an innovative, nimble, conference with sports programs which put student-athletes first, strive to compete at the highest level and deliver amazing fan experiences and compelling content,” CSU athletic director John Weber said in a press release. “This is a historic, transformative moment for CSU and a massive opportunity for our student-athletes. Joining the Pac-12 is an important step forward as we seek to deliver on an ambitious vision for the future of Ram Athletics.”

Colorado State has resided in the Mountain West since 1999. It was previously in the Western Athletic Conference from 1968-1998.

This news comes two days before Colorado State will host rival Colorado in the 93rd Rocky Mountain Showdown.

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Getting to know Texas Longhorns Week 1 opponent Colorado State

Get to know the Texas Longhorns 2024 college football season opener opponent, the Colorado State Rams.

Colorado State is a member of the Mountain West Conference, and its nickname is the Rams. CSU is a public land-grant research university, similar to Penn State and Michigan State.

It is located in Fort Collins, an hour’s drive north of Denver. However, let’s discuss the Rams football team heading into their week-one matchup with the Texas Longhorns.

The Colorado State football program’s third-year head coach, Jay Norvell, has an 8-16 record and is in charge of the Rams. Some Longhorns fans may know him because he was the 2011–2014 Oklahoma Sooners co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach before becoming the Texas Longhorns wide receivers coach in 2015. He became Nevada’s head coach from 2017 to 2021, and shortly after that, he took the head coaching job at CSU.

Last season, the Rams went 5-7 and missed out on a bowl game due to their season finale loss at Hawaii. They lost two road games by three or fewer points last season, as well as losing to their top rival Colorado on the road in double overtime.

This season, Coach Novrvell and the Rams appear to be heading in the right direction. They have the second highest recruiting class in the Mountain West, according to 247 Sports for the 2023 and 24 classes, as well as getting a commitment from a four star recruit like Dagan Myers.

Heading into this season, the Rams are predicted to finish fifth in the Mountain West in the media preseason poll. Players selected by the media for the preseason All-Mountain West offense team for Colorado State include wide receiver Tory Horton and offensive lineman Jacob Gardner. On defense, the media selected defensive back Jack Howell and linebacker Chase Wilson.

The top player on the Colorado State roster is Horton, whom some consider to be one of the best wide receivers in all of college football. Center Gardner anchors the offensive line for the Rams as CSU hopes to improve their run game this season. At quarterback for Colorado State is Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. Although he threw for an impressive 3,460 yards (fourth-most in a season at CSU) and 22 touchdowns (fifth-most in a season at CSU), he also threw for 16 interceptions during the previous season.

Howell, a defensive safety for the Rams, anchors the Rams secondary. He is entering his third season and, according to some, can win the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024. Dom Jones also solidifies a strong secondary for the Rams, as a cornerback who had two interceptions last season and looks to increase that total this year. The leader of the Rams defense is Wilson, who is a redshirt senior linebacker and is a captain of the football team as well.

On special teams, the Rams kickers did not have outstanding seasons in 2023 but solid ones. The field goal kicker, Jordan Noyes, was 15-19 on field goals and was ten for ten from 39 yards and in.  CSU’s punter is Paddy Turner, who averaged 43.3 yards on his punts last season and, like Wilson, is one of the team’s captains this season.

Colorado State preseason rankings vary across different publications, such as ESPN ranking them 105 in their power index rankings and the NYTimes/Athletic having them ranked 86.

The game against Colorado State in the Longhorns season opener should go well for Texas, as they should win this game by four touchdowns or more, according to many media outlets. It is a home game against a decent group five opponent, unlike Oklahoma, which is playing Temple and will not be tested in their season opener, or Texas A&M, which is playing No. 7 ranked Notre Dame and is being challenged right out of the gate, the season opener for the Longhorns is a good in-between game to open their season.

A quick history of the Rocky Mountain Showdown

Can the Buffs continue their dominance over the Rams?

In my breakdown of Colorado football’s history against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, I had to mention a not-so-fun 39-year period that Buffs fans had to endure. Because it hurt me to write about CU’s struggles against the Huskers, let’s look at a different 39 games. Since 1953, the Buffaloes are 29-10 against in-state rival Colorado State.

While some CU fans will bristle at using the word “rival” when it comes to our friends in Fort Collins, there’s no denying that CSU has been and always will be a despised opponent. It’s undeniable that Colorado has dominated the Rocky Mountain Showdown since its inception. The Buffs sport a 68-22-2 all-time mark against the Rams going back to the series’ first game in 1893.

The Buffaloes will roll into Fort Collins on Sept. 14 riding a six-game winning streak aided by a double-overtime thriller at Folsom Field last season. Will the Rams get payback at Canvas Stadium or will the Buffaloes continue their dominance?

Check out the TV broadcast from the last time Colorado faced the Rams in Fort Collins:

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Colorado State point guard Isaiah Stevens named his most NBA-ready traits

Isaiah Stevens established himself as one of the top point guards in the country and believes he is ready to contribute at the next level.

Isaiah Stevens established himself as one of the top point guards in the country at Colorado State, and the 23-year-old believes he is ready to contribute at the next level.

Stevens was named to the All-Mountain West first team after averaging 16 points, 6.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 44% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked fifth in the country in total assists (245) and 11th in assist percentage (38.5).

The 6-foot standout was a five-time all-conference selection and left as the all-time leader in career points (2,350) and assists (863) in program history. He left as the only player in conference history to be recognized five times on an all-conference team.

After recently working out with the Golden State Warriors, Stevens named the qualities of his game that he believes can translate immediately to the NBA.

I think the main thing right now that is NBA-ready is just my playmaking, organization (and) command on the floor as a point guard. (I’m) also able to step out and knock down the 3-ball at a high clip and be somebody that is trustworthy behind the arc. The main thing I’m going to continue to try to work on is navigating NBA offenses from a defensive standpoint. There are a ton of ball screens (and) quick-hitters, so just be ready at the point of attack to go out there and be disruptive.

Stevens was invited to the G League Elite Camp last month, averaging 3.5 points, four assists and 2.5 rebounds in two scrimmage games. He also had a strong showing in the strength and agility testing, registering a 35-inch max vertical jump.

He projects to be a player who can step in and provide on-court leadership as the floor general. He is also considered one of the top marksmen in the draft this year after converting 40.2% from 3-point range in 153 games with the Rams.

Stevens has also worked out with the Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings. He will have additional visits ahead of the draft on June 26-27 and is looking to showcase himself at a high level in those sessions.

“Just go out there and be yourself,” Stevens said. “For me, that is a leader, communicator, team-first guy with the ball in my hands who can also make plays off the ball and let others shine, as well. I can always count on bringing energy and effort everywhere I go.”

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Former Colorado receiver Tar’Varish Dawson visits in-state rival CSU

Tar’Varish Dawson was up in Fort Collins visiting with CSU head coach Jay Norvell

Former Colorado football wide receiver Tar’Varish Dawson Jr. shared his visit with the Colorado State football program via an X post on Tuesday almost one month after entering the transfer portal. Dawson entered the portal after being dismissed from the Buffs in February.

The post was brief, with Dawson thanking CSU for the visit alongside a picture of him standing next to Rams head coach Jay Norvell. Buff Nation hasn’t taken Dawson’s visit to Fort Collins lightly, especially after last season’s infamous Rocky Mountain Showdown.

The sophomore wideout only saw the field in the first four weeks of his lone season with Colorado, most notably stepping up in CU’s Week 3 win over Nebraska with three catches for 41 yards, including his first and only career touchdown. Dawson posted a career-high five catches for 60 yards in the Buffs’ 43-35 double-overtime win over CSU.

Dawson spent one year at Auburn before landing with Colorado and head coach Deion Sanders. The receiver was initially committed to Cincinnati before flipping to CU last offseason.

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Former Wisconsin defensive lineman commits to Colorado State

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman commits to Colorado State

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman Gabe Kirschke committed to Colorado State on Tuesday.

The sophomore entered the transfer portal on April 18 after two years at Wisconsin. He was previously unranked by 247Sports during the class of 2022 recruiting cycle, and walked on with the Badgers over offers from New Mexico State, Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 spring transfer portal window tracker

The Lone Tree, Colorado native appeared in only one game during his redshirt season in 2022, then did not see any playing time during the 2023 campaign.

He joins a Colorado State program that is on the upswing under young head coach Jay Norvell. The Rams went 3-9 in his first season in 2022, then improved to 5-7 last year.

Kirschke is one of eight Badgers to have entered the portal during the spring window. His story is similar to most that entered: far down the depth chart at Wisconsin, so transferred to a place with more available playing time.

For more on Wisconsin’s transfer portal activity this spring, check out our 2024 spring transfer portal window tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion. Follow Ben Kenney on X.

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2024 NCAA Tournament: #10 Colorado State Loses 56-44 to #7 Texas

Colorado State came into this game with high expectations, but a poor first half cost the Rams a chance to make a bigger splash.

2024 NCAA Tournament: #10 Colorado State Loses 56-44 to #7 Texas

The Rams couldn’t continue their momentum from Tuesday

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

A bad first half cost CSU.

After taking it to the Virginia Cavaliers, the CSU Rams faced basically the same fate. A poor first half of just 11 points cost Colorado State. They were able to make a run in the second half, but the Texas Longhorns were just too much to overcome for the Rams.

First Half

The Rams got out to a fast start by opening an 8-2 lead, but then the Longhorns went on a 25-3 run to close out the half. The Rams were getting open looks, but they just weren’t falling. Isaiah Stevens also struggled from the field as he went 0-8 from the field in the first half.

Texas was active on defense as they didn’t allow the Rams to get comfortable. The Rams were held to just one three point make and 4-25 overall from the field with no free throw attempts. The length and physicality kept the Rams in check on both ends of the floor.

Second half

Colorado State tried to make it a game in the second half, but the week of travel they had just left them with dead legs. The Rams were missing a lot of their shots short and just couldn’t overcome the athleticism of Texas. Joel Scott and Isaiah Stevens were able to make it to double figures, but it just wasn’t enough.

Texas was held in check for the most part. Dylan Disu and Max Abmas combined to shoot 10-33 from the floor, 1-12 from three, and 3-6 from the line for 24 points. Chendal Weaver was the other player to step up for Texas. The sophomore guard was able to chip in 11 points and played strong defense for the Longhorns.

Final thoughts

This was a great season for the Rams. They were able to make it to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. Niko Medved now has some things to work on for the Rams. They need to get more athletic and more physical. A lot of times they were outworked and outphysicaled this season. If the Rams can do that, they can go further in the NCAA tournament.

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Preview: No. 7 Texas takes on No. 10 Colorado State

March Madness is underway on Thursday.

March Madness is underway across several college basketball games on Thursday. The No. 7 seeded Texas Longhorns are set to begin their NCAA tournament run in the evening.

Texas looks to avoid an upset after reaching the Elite Eight last season. It will face the No. 10 seed Colorado State Rams who won their play-in game over the Virginia Cavaliers on Tuesday.

Colorado State presents a unique challenge as a team that can both score and defend at a high level. The Rams defense shined against the Virginia Cavaliers in a performance that saw the team hold Virginia to just 14 first half points.

Unlike the Cavaliers, the Longhorns have more reliable scoring options. The only question is whether or not Texas will get them the basketball.

Texas forwards Dylan Disu and Dillon Mitchell have proven the most efficient scorers on the team. Disu is shooting 49.4% from the field including 50% on three point baskets. Mitchell has made 59% of his field goals this season.

If past games are any indication, Disu and Mitchell may not receive the most shot attempts. Texas guard Max Abmas leads the team in shot attempts for the year with 431 attempted field goals. Fellow guard Tyrese Hunter has the next highest total on the team with 285 field goals.

Abmas has a history of success in the tournament from his time at Oral Roberts, but he might need to rely on teammates to make shots as well. Texas’ offensive approach could determine whether or not it stays in the tournament.

The Longhorns will look to advance past the round of 64 at 5:50 p.m. CT on TNT.