Rams Revamp: CSU Aims for Power School Status

Colorado State’s new athletic chief is shouting loud about a bold shift. He says the university already has the size, talent and reputation of a “power school,” and now he wants that to show in sports. The message is clear: the Rams are ready for a new era.

A New Voice in February

• John Weber stepped in last February, taking over from a former director who often put limits on what the school could do.
• Weber’s voice is different—he talks about student numbers, alumni reach, top‑ranked research and a strong academic record as proof that the university can compete with the likes of Big‑12 schools.
• He’s making a public pledge to prove it on the field.

Pac‑12 and Timing

• Colorado State recently joined the Pac‑12, which has lost some of its former clout but is still looking to regain it.
• The conference will likely change again when television deals come up, so now is the time for schools to step up.
• Weber believes that timing gives CSU an advantage if it keeps pushing forward.

Sports Momentum

Fans have been filling stadiums at record‑setting levels.

Football: The Outlier

• Rams finished 8‑4 in 2024 and went to a bowl, but slipped to 2‑10 in 2025.
• Over the past decade the program has struggled, hurting conference moves and fan confidence.
• To fix that, Colorado State hired a high‑profile coach with a strong track record, hoping he can turn the tide.

Weber’s Call to Action

“It’s a big deal to take one step, but we need more steps,” he says.
He points to the university’s attributes as evidence that many opportunities lie ahead.

The question now is whether the Rams can live up to the new promise and prove they belong among the nation’s best.