College Sports Established
1893
Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
College Name
Colorado State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1909 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1999 - Present / Mountain West Conference
1968 – 1999 / Western Athletic Conference
1962 - 1968 / Independent
1938 – 1962 / Skyline Conference
1909 – 1937 / Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Nickname
Rams - The Colorado State Rams are one of the most beloved teams in NCAA sports, and their nickname has a unique origin story. The team was originally known as the Aggies when founded in 1893 by students at Colorado State University. The name change to "Rams" came about shortly after World War I, when several alumni suggested it to honor former student-athletes who had served during the war.
The idea behind this name change is that ram horns have long been associated with strength and bravery – qualities embodied by those who fought for our country during WWI. It's also believed that these alumni chose this particular animal because of its significance within CSU’s agricultural roots; rams were used on farms for centuries due to their hardiness and ability to protect livestock from predators.
Today, fans all over the world proudly wear green and gold apparel emblazoned with “CSU Rams” or simply “Rams” across it—a testament not only to an incredible athletic program but also a tribute honoring those brave servicemen from nearly 100 years ago whose sacrifice will never be forgotten!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1890
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- 2011
- 2012
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Rams first football team
In 1890: The first football team is formed at Colorado Agricultural College, playing as an independent. -
Motor Running – CSU Rams Joey Porter
While attending Colorado State University, Porter was a standout on the football field for the Colorado State Rams football team. He began his college career as an H-back and did not see his first action on the defensive line until his junior year. He was a third-team All-American and All-Western Athletic Conference first-team selection by The Sports Network. He registered ... -
Prolific Scorer – Rams Becky Hammon
Hammon’s prolific scoring for the Colorado State Rams made her an All-American three times, as well as Colorado Sportswoman of the Year. She led her team to a 33–3 record in the 1998–99 season and helped them advance to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen. She was named the WAC Mountain Division player of the year for the 1998–99 season and ... -
Rams Football Team win MWC Title
In 2000: The football team finishes with a 10-2 record and a No. 14 ranking in the AP poll, winning its second MWC title and defeating Louisville in the Liberty Bowl. Quarterback Matt Newton is named the MWC Offensive Player of the Year. -
Jim McElwain as head coach
In 2011: Rams football team hires Jim McElwain as head coach, who leads the Rams to a 22-16 record and two bowl appearances in three seasons before leaving for Florida. -
Rams reaches its second NCAA Tournament
2012: The basketball team reaches its second NCAA Tournament in three seasons, losing to Murray State in the second round. The Rams finish with a 20-12 record and a fourth-place finish in the MWC
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Rams
The Colorado State Rams have a long and proud history of success in NCAA sports. From the early days of basketball to their current status as one of the top programs in college football, the Rams have consistently been among the best teams in collegiate athletics.
Colorado State has had an impressive run in basketball since joining Division I in 1962. The team won its first conference title that same year and made 11 straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 1964-1974 under legendary coach Jim Williams. During this stretch, they made two Final Four appearances (1969 & 1974) and finished as high as second place nationally (1973). They also produced several All-Americans, including Bob Lienhard, named National Player of the Year by both AP & UPI following his senior season with CSU 1972–73 campaign.
More recently, head coach Tim Miles led them back into national prominence with three consecutive tournament berths from 2012-2014, which included a Sweet 16 appearance for the 2014 squad led by Jameer Nelson Jr., Daniel Bejarano & Stanton Kidd. Since then, new head man Niko Medved has taken over the program, but despite some early struggles, he seems poised to get things rolling again soon enough for Ram Nation!
Football is another sport where CSU’s legacy stretches far beyond just recent successes; it dates all way back to 1910 when the school field their first ever team knew “Aggies” before changing its name to “Rams” in 1932 due to local association livestock industry area Fort Collins home in a university located at the time being agriculturally based institution rather than educational center higher learning like today's times! In the modern era program has seen numerous bowl game victories, including Holiday Bowl win in 2017, capped off by great 10–3 season quarterback Nick Stevens leading the charge while earning MVP honors contest itself against Washington State Cougars San Diego, California, that December night… not forget to mention 2019 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory Boise Idaho versus Marshall Thundering Herd securing third winning season row a few seasons ago now too!
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