Anticipation hung heavy in the air as Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell awoke well before dawn, signaling the official commencement of fall camp for the Colorado State Rams. This highly awaited period marks the beginning of Norvell’s fourth season at the helm, a tenure now defined by a heightened sense of purpose and an undeniable drive to elevate the CSU football program to unprecedented heights.
The foundation for this pivotal season was undeniably laid last year, a true breakthrough where the Colorado State Rams secured eight wins, their best record since 2014, and earned their first bowl appearance since 2017. However, for Norvell, these achievements are merely the new baseline, a testament to the program’s growth, yet a clear indication that the expectations for this upcoming campaign are significantly higher.
To meet these elevated demands, Coach Norvell has instilled a straightforward yet profound philosophy across the entire Colorado State Rams roster: ‘We Over Me.’ This mantra, which resonated deeply with him over the summer, serves as the guiding principle for every aspect of the team’s operations. It emphasizes selflessness, the prioritization of collective goals above individual agendas, and a unified commitment to the program’s success.
The efficacy of this ‘We Over Me’ approach was clearly demonstrated in the latter half of last season. It propelled the Colorado State Rams to an impressive six wins in their final seven games, including crucial rivalry victories against Air Force and Wyoming, achievements not seen under Norvell’s leadership until then. This surge of team-first mentality ultimately secured a commendable second-place finish in the Mountain West standings, narrowly missing a conference title game appearance due to tiebreakers.
Despite the departure of three offensive line starters and last year’s leading rusher, Avery Morrow, the team remains confident that its depth and collective strength will once again define its performance. The Colorado State Rams boast a four-deep running back corps and are assured that the offensive line will continue to be a formidable asset, showcasing the roster’s resilience and strategic recruitment.
A significant focal point for the CSU football offense will be Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who enters his third year as the starting quarterback. Once a raw talent, Fowler-Nicolosi has matured into one of the Mountain West’s most experienced and productive returning players at his position. His deep understanding of the playbook and enhanced leadership are expected to be instrumental in the Colorado State Rams’ pursuit of a successful season.
The absence of star wide receiver Tory Horton, now impressing at Seattle Seahawks training camp, presents an opportunity for other playmakers to emerge within the Colorado State Rams’ offensive scheme. While Horton’s exceptional talent will be missed, the team’s offensive creativity under Norvell is poised to adapt, ensuring new avenues for offensive production are explored and maximized.
As the Colorado State Rams prepare for their final season in the Mountain West before transitioning to the Pac-12, Norvell echoes a sentiment reminiscent of Sonny Lubick’s 1999 team entering the Mountain West: a desire to conclude this chapter as conference champions. This ‘last dance’ mentality embodies the team’s ambition to carry significant momentum into their new conference, driven by the shared goal of an ultimate championship.
