When Washington opens its season at home against Colorado State on Saturday, the Huskies will be facing a program in transition, but one that proved last season it can grind out results.
The Rams, led by fourth-year head coach Jay Norvell, are preparing for their final season in the Mountain West before moving to the reconstituted Pac-12 in 2026. They’re coming off an 8-5 campaign that snapped a long bowl-game drought, and they’ll look to show in Week 1 that their climb is sustainable against a Big Ten opponent.
Colorado State enters 2025 ranked 93rd in RJ Young’s “Ultimate 136” – a modest spot, but an improvement from last season. Their margin for error is slim, and their roster has as many questions as answers. But Norvell’s group proved last year it could hang around against bigger programs, and with a veteran quarterback at the helm, they won’t be intimidated in Seattle. So without further ado, here are five things Husky fans should know about the Colorado State program.
1. A program on the rise, but still unproven
Last year was Colorado State’s first winning season since 2017 and first bowl trip in eight years. It didn’t come easy. After being routed in a 52-0 opener at Texas, the Rams settled in and went 6-1 in Mountain West play, with most games decided by two scores or fewer.
The Rams nearly upset Washington's former Pac-12 foe Oregon State in Corvallis before falling in double overtime. After that loss, they rattled off five straight wins against conference opponents before falling in a close one to Fresno State, in which they would've gone to the Mountain West title game if they instead won.
That step forward raised expectations in Fort Collins. Norvell has invested heavily in reshaping the roster through the transfer portal, and oddsmakers have set Colorado State’s win total at 6.5 for 2025.
2. The quarterback is the strength
If there's one Colorado State player Husky fans should become familiar with, It's Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. The redshirt junior quarterback is entering his third season as starter for the Rams after finishing third in the Mountain West in passing yards (2,796) last season.
Fowler-Nicolosi's play is defined by his fiery competitive edge, which was notably shown in rivalry moments against Shedeur Sanders and Colorado the past two seasons. As a freshman, Fowler-Nicolosi nearly took down the ranked Buffaloes on the road when they hosted College GameDay at the peak of their hype.
Norvell has brought in former Nevada star Carson Strong as an assistant QB coach to help Fowler-Nicolosi refine his game. If the Rams pull off an upset or keep things tight in Seattle, it’ll likely be because their quarterback plays poised and efficient.
3. A rebuilt supporting cast on offense
The pieces around Fowler-Nicolosi are less certain. The running game will feature Justin Marshall, who flashed promising glimpses late last season while splitting carries. However, the offensive line returns just one full-time starter, right tackle Aaron Karas, meaning several rotational players will need step into bigger roles.
The major concern is at receiver. Star wideout Tory Horton is now gone to the NFL, and Louis Brown IV was dismissed in the spring, creating a lack of a proven No. 1 player at the position. Returning wideouts Armani Winfield and Jordan Ross combined for fewer than 600 yards last year, so much depends on transfers like Kojo Antwi (Ohio State) and Tay Lanier (Northern Arizona).
In 2024, the Rams ranked just 94th nationally in scoring at 24.4 points per game. For Washington, which will feature one of the Big Ten’s most physical defenses, this matchup is a chance to test whether the Rams O-line and skill players can elevate their production.
4. New coordinator, new-look defense
On the other side of the ball, the Rams face even more turnover. They lost their top six tacklers from last season and return just five projected defensive starters. The defense does bring back linebacker Owen Long and safety Ayden Hector, who forced three fumbles last year, along with defensive lineman Mukendi Wa-Kalonji. But cohesion is an open question.
Additionally, Tyson Summers returns to Fort Collins after a decade to be the program's new defensive coordinator. Summers, who previously ran the Rams defense in 2015, arrives from Western Kentucky, where his units thrived on turnovers. Colorado State forced 14 fumbles last year, tops in the Mountain West, and Summers’s reputation suggests the Rams will be aggressive in chasing takeaways.
For Washington’s offense, that means protecting the football will be key. The Rams defense may bend, but is built to capitalize on mistakes.
5. Special teams could matter
Special teams is an often-overlooked area, but one of intrigue heading into this matchup. Tulsa transfer Lloyd Avant should immediately boost Colorado State's return game after averaging 28 yards per kickoff return with a touchdown in 2024.
The Rams kicking game is strong, as well. Jordan Noyes, who set the Rams program record with a 60-yard field goal in 2024, has graduated, leaving the starting placekicker job to Baylor transfer Isaiah Hankins, who transferred in late to fill the void. Hankins was consistent at Baylor, where he appeared in 40 games and converted 70.8% of his kicks, including a game-winner against rival TCU.