Colorado State Rams Football

The Colorado State Rams Football team, representing Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a force to be reckoned with in NCAA Division I (FBS) football. Led by athletic director Joe Parker, the Rams compete in the Mountain West Conference, showcasing their prowess in college football. Their home turf is the impressive Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium, which has been their football haven since 2017. Dressed in their signature green and gold, the Colorado State Rams are known for their fierce determination on the gridiron.

Mascot CAM the Ram rallies the fans, and the team's fight song, the Colorado State University Fight Song, reverberates through the stadium, adding to the electrifying atmosphere. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, the Colorado State Rams continue to make their mark in college football, proudly representing their university and the state of Colorado.

Colorado State Rams Football Introduction

The Colorado State Rams football program, established in 1893, proudly represents Colorado State University and competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Mountain West Conference. Throughout their history, the Colorado State Rams have been a dominant force in college football, earning the title of conference champions or co-champions multiple times, notably in 1999, 2000, and 2002.

Rivalries run deep for the Colorado State Rams, with fierce competitions against Colorado, Wyoming, and Air Force igniting fans' passion. Under the leadership of head coach Jay Norvell, who took the reins in December 2021, the Rams are ready to face new challenges and reach greater heights.

Their home field, Canvas Stadium, has been their fortress since 2017, offering a seating capacity 41,000 for dedicated fans. The Rams' fight song, "Stalwart Rams," and their beloved mascot, CAM the Ram, add to the excitement of game days. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, the Colorado State Rams are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.

Colorado State Rams Football History

The history of Colorado State Rams football dates back to the 1892-93 academic year when the team, known as the CACs (Colorado Agricultural College), was formed. This inaugural team, consisting of students from Colorado Agricultural College (now Colorado State University), played its first football games in early 1893, compiling a 2-2 record while being outscored 98 to 54. Remarkably, they had no coach.

The decision to establish a football team was made on December 12, 1892, by 19 students, with the team initially adopting the nickname CACs, representing the school's acronym. Over time, this name would evolve to Aggies and eventually Rams.

The first-ever game occurred on January 7, 1893, against Longmont Academy in Longmont, Colorado. On that day, the team chose its iconic orange and green colors, a tradition that continues to symbolize Colorado State Rams football to this day. From these humble beginnings, the Colorado State Rams football program has grown into a storied and respected institution in college football history, with a legacy spanning over a century.

Colorado State Rams Football Coach

Colorado State Rams football has seen many head coaches who have left their mark on the program's history. The first head coach, W. J. Forbes, held the position during the 1899 season and was paid a modest $25 for his services. Tragically, Forbes passed away in a freak accident at just 25 years old after his single season as head coach.

In 1981, Sark Arslanian's nine-year coaching stint ended when the Rams struggled with a 0-6 start to the season. Defensive coordinator Chester Caddas stepped in as interim head coach, but the team finished the season winless. Leon Fuller took over as head coach after that season.

Jim McElwain, a notable figure in the program, left for the head coach position at Florida in 2014. Dave Baldwin briefly served as interim head coach for one game in the 2014 Las Vegas Bowl.

In December 2021, Jay Norvell became the 24th head coach for the Colorado State Rams football team, marking an important milestone as the first Black head coach in the program's history.

Jay Norvell

In 2023, Jay Norvell will continue as the head coach for the Colorado State Rams, taking the role in 2022. He's the first Black head coach in the program's history. Norvell is known for his pass-heavy offensive style unlike the previous run-heavy approach. Under his guidance, Nevada's Carson Strong achieved consecutive Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year awards in 2020 and 2021.

The list of Colorado State head coaches reflects the program's evolution and commitment to excellence.

Colorado State Rams Football Stadium: Canvas Stadium

Canvas Stadium, officially known as Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium, stands proudly on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Since its inauguration on August 5, 2017, this outdoor football stadium has been the roaring home of the Colorado State Rams, representing the university in the Mountain West Conference.

Replacing the iconic Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium, which served as the Rams' home for nearly five decades, Canvas Stadium brings modernity to CSU football. With a seating capacity of 36,500, expandable to accommodate up to 41,000 enthusiastic fans, it's a place where the Colorado State Rams thrive.

The field itself is conventionally aligned from north to south and sits at an elevation of 5,003 feet above sea level, offering a unique playing environment. Canvas Stadium is more than just a venue; it symbolizes pride and passion. The Colorado State Rams and their devoted supporters bring to every game, creating an unforgettable experience for all.

Colorado State Rams Football Rivals

The Colorado State Rams Football team has fierce rivalries that ignite passion and competition on the gridiron.

First and foremost is the Rocky Mountain Showdown against in-state rival Colorado. This rivalry, dating back to 1893, has seen periodic breaks but remains a highly anticipated clash. Since 1998, the game has predominantly been held in Denver, consistently drawing the largest crowds in the state's college sports history.

Then comes the "Border War" or "Battle for the Bronze Boot" against Wyoming, another Mountain West Conference member. This rivalry, the longest in the history of both schools, showcases intense competition and regional pride.

Additionally, the Ram-Falcon Trophy signifies the rivalry with the U.S. Air Force Academy's Falcons. This unique wood-carved trophy, crafted by local artist Bill Wrage, symbolizes the spirited showdown between the Colorado State Rams and Air Force.

These rivalries not only define the competitive spirit of the Colorado State Rams but also captivate fans, making each game a memorable event filled with excitement and tradition.

Colorado State Rams Football Record and stats

The Colorado State Rams Football team has a rich history with an all-time record of 532 wins, 601 losses, and 33 ties, reflecting their competitive spirit over the years. They've shown prowess in bowl games with a 6-11 record. What sets them apart are their 15 conference championships. Eight of these were in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, one in the Skyline Conference, three in the Western Athletic Conference, and three in the Mountain West Conference. These achievements underline the Rams' dedication to success in the world of college football.

Conference championships

Colorado State Rams Football Roster

The Colorado State Rams Football team has unveiled its roster for the 2023 season, showcasing a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents across various positions.

The Colorado State Rams have a dynamic duo in J. Brousseau and B. Hartson in the quarterback department, each bringing their unique skills to the game. In the backfield, K. Edwards and D. Henderson II are set to make an impact as running backs, providing depth and versatility. The receiving corps is brimming with talent, led by L. Brown as a dependable wide receiver. V. Brown II and D. Holker will shine as tight ends, offering strong support in both blocking and receiving. Upfront, J. Belton and the offensive line are geared up to protect the quarterback and create opportunities for the running backs, ensuring a solid offensive foundation.

Defensively, K. Agurs, H. Hanada, and J. Mitchell will fortify the defensive line, while J. Ayers will be a force to reckon with in the linebacker corps. In the secondary, C. Anusiem and T. Williams will provide a strong presence, defending against opposing offenses. The special teams unit features B. Hansen as the kicker, ensuring reliable kicks, and J. Dennis and M. Tribbett as long snappers, guaranteeing precision in the special team plays.

With this diverse and talented roster, the Colorado State Rams are primed for an exciting and competitive 2023 season, promising thrilling moments for Rams football fans.

Colorado State Rams Football Schedule

The 2023 Colorado State Rams Football schedule has exciting matchups that promise an action-packed season. On September 2, 2023, the Rams faced off against Washington State, but unfortunately, they came up short, with a final score of 50-24, marking the start of their season with a 0-1 record.

Next, on September 16, 2023, the Rams will take on in-state rival Colorado at Folsom Field in a highly anticipated showdown that will be televised on ESPN. Fans can expect an intense battle between these Colorado rivals. The Rams will hit the road on September 23, 2023, to face Middle Tennessee at Johnny (Red) Floyd Stadium, followed by a home game against Utah Tech at Canvas Stadium on September 30, 2023. October brings more challenges as the Rams travel to take on Utah State at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium on October 7, 2023. They'll return to Canvas Stadium to face Boise State on October 14, 2023.

In late October and November, the Rams will go head-to-head with UNLV, Air Force, Wyoming, San Diego State, Nevada, and Hawaii, each game holding its own promise of excitement and competition. This season's schedule is a thrilling journey for the Colorado State Rams and their dedicated fans, filled with opportunities to showcase their skills and determination on the football field.