**Colorado State enters the 2026 season under first-year head coach Jim Mora with a preseason win total line of 3.5.** The Rams opened 2-0 with wins over Wyoming and Southern Utah before dropping four straight, including lopsided conference losses to BYU, UTSA, Oregon State, and a 66-27 defeat at Texas State that featured a program-record 503 rushing yards allowed. A midgame firing of defensive coordinator Tyson Summers during the Oregon State rout, followed by Kenny McClendon assuming play-calling duties, has not yet stabilized a unit surrendering over 43 points per game. The offense has remained productive behind quarterback options like K’Saan Farrar and Hauss Hejny, but the remaining Pac-12 slate—featuring San Diego State, Utah State, Boise State, Washington State, and Fresno State—presents significant challenges for a 2-4 team seeking to reach or exceed the posted total.