Early Projections Show Colorado State Poised for a Strong but Not Dominant Season

CSU FOOTBALL IMAGES

As the 2025 college football season approaches, national analysts have begun releasing projections for each team, including Colorado State University (CSU). While the Rams are not yet viewed as serious contenders for the Mountain West title, they are widely expected to post a solid campaign, remain competitive in the conference, and earn a postseason bowl appearance. Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, two of the most respected national college football preview publications, both forecast Colorado State to finish fifth in the Mountain West Conference. Despite not projecting a title run, analysts praise the Rams’ offensive potential and note that CSU could play a meaningful role in the conference race.

Athlon projects CSU will land in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, with a possible matchup against Ohio University. The publication highlights the development of quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, noting he “should compete for All-Mountain West honors.” CSU’s offense is expected to improve from its 2024 average of 24.4 points per game, especially as the team opens up the playbook more aggressively this season.mThe biggest question mark remains on the defensive side of the ball. Athlon reports the defense is “almost all new,” and the cohesion of that unit will be a deciding factor in the Rams’ success. Head Coach Jay Norvell, entering a pivotal year before CSU joins the re-formed Pac-12 in 2026, has stated that the goal is to reach the Mountain West Championship Game this season.

Phil Steele’s widely circulated preview magazine places Colorado State at No. 94 out of 136 teams in his national FBS rankings. Echoing Athlon, Steele emphasizes that the offense will be more aggressive than in 2024, when CSU played conservatively to support a young defense. If the defensive rebuild is successful and Fowler-Nicolosi continues to progress, the Rams could outperform expectations. However, most projections agree: 2025 will be a stepping-stone season — not a title run, but one that positions CSU well for its future in the Pac-12.