Hauss Hejny Powers Colorado State Past Southern Utah With Five Touchdowns
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Colorado State's offense continued its strong start to the 2026 season Saturday night, as quarterback Hauss Hejny accounted for five touchdowns in a dominant 58-24 victory over Southern Utah at Canvas Stadium. The Rams improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2011 while producing one of the most explosive offensive performances in recent program history. Colorado State piled up 678 total yards, scoring 48 points before halftime and continuing to add to its lead throughout the second half. The 58-point performance marked the Rams' highest scoring total since they defeated Boise State 52-26 on Nov. 11, 2017. Hejny was at the center of the offensive outburst. The quarterback completed 18 of 30 passes for 325 yards and four touchdowns, while also contributing 85 rushing yards on just five attempts. His biggest play on the ground came late in the fourth quarter. With 12:31 remaining, Hejny broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run, putting the finishing touch on Colorado State's highest-scoring game in nearly nine years. The Rams received another huge performance from running back Mel Brown, who provided an early spark with a 73-yard touchdown run. Brown finished the night with 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. Colorado State also found plenty of production through the air.
Jackson Harper led the Rams with six receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown, while Terrence Smith Jr. recorded four catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns.
Cedric Ross added two receptions for 87 yards, including a touchdown, as Colorado State repeatedly found openings in the Southern Utah secondary. The Rams' offensive production proved too much for the Thunderbirds, who struggled to keep pace after allowing Colorado State to build a 48-21 advantage by halftime. Southern Utah quarterback Will Burns completed 12 of 23 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions. Floyd Chalk provided a bright spot for the Thunderbirds, catching 17 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Despite Southern Utah's efforts to generate offense, Colorado State's combination of big plays and consistent production allowed the Rams to pull away and cruise to the 34-point victory. The win gives new head coach Jim Mora's program a 2-0 start and sets up a much bigger challenge next weekend. Colorado State will return to Canvas Stadium on Saturday to host No. 15 BYU, while Southern Utah will travel to face St. Thomas.
