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5 Reasons Jim Mora’s First CSU Rams Recruiting Class Is Poised For A Shocking Pac-12 Future

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The Colorado State Rams football program is currently in the midst of its most seismic shift in decades, and the recruiting trail is feeling the immediate, powerful impact. As of today, December 19, 2025, the narrative in Fort Collins has completely flipped, centered around the arrival of new head coach Jim Mora and the monumental move to the Pac-12 Conference in 2026. This dual-pronged excitement is already translating into a recruiting momentum that Ram fans have not witnessed in years, setting the stage for a potentially historic signing class.

The transition from the Jay Norvell era to the proven Power Four pedigree of Jim Mora has injected a new level of brand recognition and national credibility into the program. Mora's first official signing class, the final one before the Pac-12 jump, is now under the microscope, with the new coaching staff working tirelessly to finalize the 2025 high school cycle and strategically attack the transfer portal. The message to recruits is clear: come be the foundation of a Power Four program.

The New Era: Jim Mora’s Immediate Recruiting Blueprint

The hiring of veteran coach Jim Mora, announced just days ago, has been a massive jolt to the Colorado State University (CSU) program. Mora, who previously coached in the Pac-12 at UCLA, brings a proven track record of recruiting high-level talent and an immediate, powerful recruiting pitch that the Mountain West Conference simply couldn't offer: a guaranteed spot in a Power Four conference.

Athletic Director John Weber made a bold, out-of-left-field hire, securing a coach with NFL and major college experience to navigate the crucial transition year of 2025. Mora's immediate focus has been on assembling a staff that can recruit at a high level. He retained Defensive Coordinator Tyson Summers, a key move for continuity, and brought in new personnel, including Justin Cummings-Morrow, a name expected to be central to the new recruiting efforts.

Mora's pitch is built on two pillars: the brand recognition he brings from his time in the Pac-12, and the promise of immediate Power Four competition. "Brand recognition is huge," Mora has stated, leveraging his experience in a conference that will soon be the Rams' new home. This pitch is resonating, especially with the 2026 class, which is already showing signs of being one of the best in Ram history.

The Cornerstone Commits: Key Signees in the 2025 Class

Despite the late coaching change, the 2025 signing class, officially Jim Mora’s first, is taking shape as the foundation for the Pac-12 era. The class is focused on securing high-level high school talent while strategically leveraging the transfer portal for immediate impact. The Rams have signed over 20 high school players, a clear commitment to building the program traditionally, a philosophy Jay Norvell also emphasized.

Key signees and commitments in the 2025 class include:

  • Clarence Taylor (Wide Receiver): A dynamic receiver out of Pleasant Grove, Alabama, Taylor officially signed with CSU in December. His commitment shows the Rams' reach is extending into traditional SEC recruiting territory, a necessity for future Power Four success.
  • Jackson Murray (Defensive Lineman): The three-star defensive lineman from Scottsdale, Arizona, signed on December 4th. Murray represents a crucial addition to the trenches, an area where the Rams must improve for Pac-12 play.
  • Caden Branston: Another key signee in the class, Branston’s commitment underscores the staff's focus on size and potential.

The transfer portal has also been a focus, with players like wide receiver Caleb Goodie being a notable three-star prospect who has committed to the Rams, offering immediate depth and experience to the offensive unit.

The Pac-12 Effect: Why the 2026 Class is Already Surging

The most exciting development for the program is the early momentum for the 2026 recruiting cycle. The promise of playing in the Pac-12—even in its newly reconfigured form—is the ultimate selling point, and it’s already paying dividends. The 2026 class is currently ranked 58th nationally by 247Sports, a ranking that, if maintained, would be the highest for Colorado State since 2004, back when Jim McElwain was leading the program.

This surge in the 2026 Mountain West recruiting rankings is a direct result of the Pac-12 transition, allowing CSU to compete for prospects that were previously out of reach. Early commitments to the 2026 class highlight this national reach:

  • Darnell Kelly (Quarterback): A highly-touted quarterback prospect (6'2, 185 lbs) from Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Georgia. Securing a quarterback from a major high school football state like Georgia is a testament to the new staff's recruiting power and the Pac-12 lure.
  • Arley Morrell (Tight End): A massive tight end (6'6, 210 lbs) from Pratt High School in Pratt, Kansas. Morrell is the kind of high-ceiling athlete a Power Four program needs to develop.

These early verbal commitments demonstrate that recruits are buying into Jim Mora’s vision: the opportunity to be a Power Four player at an established university in Fort Collins, Colorado. This is a crucial differentiator that separates CSU from its current Mountain West competitors like Boise State, UNLV, and Fresno State, who are all vying for the top spot in the conference before the Rams' departure.

Topical Authority: LSI Keywords and Key Entities

The CSU Rams football program is undergoing a transformation that touches on every major college football entity. The move to the Pac-12, facilitated by Athletic Director John Weber, is the single most important factor on the recruiting trail. This transition makes the 2025 National Signing Day period a pivotal moment for the new head coach, Jim Mora. His ability to secure commitments from three-star recruits like Jackson Murray and use the transfer portal effectively will determine the program's immediate success.

The foundation laid by early 2026 commits, such as quarterback Darnell Kelly and tight end Arley Morrell, suggests that the "brand recognition" Mora speaks of is working. The Rams are now competing nationally, not just regionally. The staff, including retained Defensive Coordinator Tyson Summers and recruiting specialist Justin Cummings-Morrow, are leveraging the new conference affiliation to build a roster capable of competing with the Power Four landscape and moving past the shadow of former coaches like Jay Norvell and Jim McElwain. The goal is to maximize the final Mountain West season and enter the Pac-12 with a talent-rich roster.

csu rams football recruiting
csu rams football recruiting

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