Washington State, Rebuilt Pac-12 Welcome New Opponent in Colorado State
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Colorado State's Jalen Dupree heads for a first down on a run play during the State pride game against Washington State at Canvas Stadium. Credit: Logan Newell/The Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images [/caption]
Colorado State is the latest program to join the rebuilt Pac-12, bringing a combination of recent basketball success and a football program searching for a new direction. The former Mountain West member now finds itself in the same conference as Washington State, adding another familiar regional opponent to a league that continues to take shape ahead of a new era.
For Washington State fans, Colorado State is not an unfamiliar foe. The two programs have met on the football field in recent years. Now, those matchups become conference games, adding another layer of intrigue to the new-look Pac-12.
Football remains a work in progress in Fort Collins. The Rams have reached just one bowl game over the last seven seasons and have struggled to build consistent momentum. Those challenges led to change within the program, as Colorado State moved on from coach Jay Norvell during the middle of last season.
Looking to spark a turnaround, the Rams turned to one of the most experienced coaches in college football, hiring former Seattle Seahawks and UConn head coach Jim Mora. During his time at UConn, he guided the Huskies to back-to-back nine-win seasons and helped elevate a program that had spent years trying to find stability.
Colorado State believes Mora can provide the leadership, culture, and experience needed to make the Rams more competitive as they enter a new conference.
While football is looking for answers, men's basketball has become one of Colorado State's biggest success stories.
Under former head coach Niko Medved, the Rams emerged as one of the Mountain West's top programs, earning three NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons. Colorado State developed a reputation for a quality, patient offense.
Following last season, Medved departed for Minnesota, creating another major transition for the program. Colorado State chose continuity, promoting longtime assistant Ali Farokhmanesh to head coach. The move paid off immediately, as Farokhmanesh guided the Rams to a 21-win season in his first year leading the program.
That success should make Colorado State an immediate factor in Pac-12 basketball. The conference is expected to feature several quality programs, including Gonzaga, San Diego State, Utah State, and Boise State. The Rams have shown in recent years they belong in that conversation and could become a regular contender in the league.
As the Pac-12 continues to rebuild, Colorado State adds another respected athletic department with upside. Football hopes an experienced coach can lead a turnaround, while basketball enters the conference with proven success and postseason expectations. For Washington State and the rest of the Pac-12, the Rams are more than just another new member - they are another program capable of shaping the future of the conference.
