Why Jim Mora rejects the notion of ‘dog days’ of preseason camp
With a couple weeks until gameday, CSU is in the “dog days” of camp. But hear Jim Mora explain why he thinks is the most important part of camp.
It’s time for another go at my bold predictions for a Colorado State football season!
How did I do last year? *Searches* Ah, uh, let’s not talk about it.
(OK, if you really need to know, here’s a look back. My bold takes, like CSU’s 2025 season, went very poorly).
But hey, I’m persistent and surely there’s nowhere to go but up!
Here are my bold predictions for CSU football in 2026. This isn’t for scores or record predictions (that will come game week), rather very specific, mildly random takes that may not be highly likely but feel somewhat possible.
CSU’s quarterbacks will have double-digit rushing touchdowns
A safer bet on this would be to say six or seven QB rushing touchdowns but this isn’t the “mildly aggressive takes column.”
CSU hasn’t had a season with double-digit rushing TDs from quarterbacks in more than 20 years when Bradlee Van Pelt had 10 in 2003. The highest mark since? Five, last season, believe it or not.
Jim Mora and offensive coordinator Pryce Tracy have made it clear mobility is key for their quarterbacks. That’s not to say CSU is leading a QB run based offense (this isn’t Air Force) but ability to extend plays and run is key.
Hauss Hejny and K’saan Farrar are both good athletes and capable runners. They’re going to find space. For CSU to click, they may need to be able to live in some form of running chaos.
Mark it here: CSU’s quarterbacks will hit double-digits in rushing touchdowns.
CSU is top half of Pac-12 in scoring offense
Well, if I’m going to say the quarterbacks have a lot of rushing touchdowns then it means the offense will be pretty good, right?
There are plenty of reasons to question this: Inexperienced offensive line, inexperienced quarterbacks, limited number of skill players with lots of college production.
It’s been a long time of CSU fans dealing with bad offense. Jay Norvell’s Air Raid never got off the ground. Steve Addazio’s teams were great at racking up yards at the end of blowout losses, but never when it mattered. It’s really been since 2017 that CSU had a dynamic offense.
Despite all the concerns with the 2026 group mentioned above, I think the skill and speed is there. I think the Rams have ways to create danger. I’m not saying this will be the best offense you’ve ever seen, but it’s going to have plenty of splash moments and fun.
Rams finish top four in the eight-team conference in scoring offense.
Oumar Diomande has more tackles than Owen Long
Star linebacker Owen Long led FBS in tackles last season with 151 for the Rams. He’s now off to Arizona State.
In comes Oumar Diomande from UConn, where had 116 last season. Long will be a big success at Arizona State and is a great player.
But Diomande will have more tackles. What?? Yeah, I think it’s possible.
While Long had more total tackles, Diomande’s 65 solo tackles were ninth-most in FBS (Long had 58). Long will be a key piece for Arizona State, but maybe not the centerpiece of the defense. Diomande will have every chance to vacuum up tackles for CSU.
Diomande will be above Long on the leader board.
Jim Mora has a viral moment
CSU’s had a string of football coaches who found ways to go viral. Norvell did for comments about Deion Sanders and his very blunt claims of teams trying to poach quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi.
Steve Addazio did by, basically, being angry and unwilling to be challenged.
Mora is unlike either of them. But his press conferences are proving to be open and honest. He can also be clever and charismatic, as shown in his introductory press conference.
I don’t know exactly how or why and it may well come in a positive, CSU-celebratory moment, but I think Mora’s fame combined with some big moment for CSU will lead a Rams coach to a viral moment once again.
No 1K rusher or receiver
I’ve said the offense will be pretty good, right? So, what am I on about here?
I think CSU’s offense will win in variety, rather than in singular dominance from one player. Mel Brown? Very good running back who I’m excited to watch. But so is Durell Robinson and the Rams may use four backs a game.
The tight ends are good, but 1,000 yards receiving for a tight end? Unlikely. Again, they’ll split the catches.
There’s not a receiver who looks ready to dominate at that level, either.
CSU may end up with four-to-six players in the 300-600 receiving yard range.
I think the offense will be good, but I don’t think anyone will reach 1,000 yards rushing or receiving.
Sports reporter Kevin Lytle can be found on social media on X, Instagram and Threads @Kevin_Lytle and on Bluesky.
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