Colorado State

The Rams face a complete quarterback reset after losing both Jackson Brousseau (42.0 PPA) to Cal and Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (26.2 PPA) to Michigan, forcing new head coach Jim Mora into an immediate depth chart scramble. Colorado State's JP+ rating of -8.7 points (#115 nationally) reflects the structural challenges ahead, with the offense grading at -3.4 (#105) and defense at -5.0 (#119) after a brutal 2-10 campaign. The transfer portal brought 38 departures worth 151.2 PPA against just 31 arrivals adding 31.8 PPA, headlined by Oklahoma State transfer Hauss Hejny (12.6 PPA) who figures prominently in the quarterback competition. Rocky Beers' departure to Oklahoma (25.6 PPA) strips away tight end production, though Mississippi State receiver Jordan Mosley (10.2 PPA) provides a proven target for whoever wins the signal-caller job.

JP+ projects 4.4 wins for the Rams in their Pac-12 transition, with home games against Oregon State, Wyoming, and Southern Utah offering the clearest paths to victory while road trips to UTSA and Texas State loom as potential season-defining tests. The mixed continuity profile creates uncertainty around both sides of the ball — offensive continuity sits at dangerous levels with zero quarterback return share and just 15% of target share back, while defensive departures were lighter but still meaningful after last year's struggles. If the new signal-caller can establish rhythm early and Mora's veteran leadership translates quickly, Colorado State could push toward bowl eligibility. If the quarterback situation remains unsettled and the defense fails to improve from its #119 ranking, another long season awaits in Fort Collins.