The Border War, one of college football’s most storied rivalries between the University of Wyoming Cowboys and Colorado State University (CSU) Rams, will continue into the next decade despite looming conference changes.
On the eve of the 116th Border War, the two athletic departments announced an agreement to extend the rivalry through 2035, with a brief pause in 2026 and 2027.
CSU’s move to the Pac-12 Conference in July 2026 will disrupt the annual clash, as scheduling conflicts prevent the two teams from facing off in those years. However, the schools will renew their rivalry in 2028, with the Rams hosting the game in Fort Collins in even-numbered years and the Cowboys hosting in Laramie in odd-numbered years.
CSU Athletics Director John Weber expressed the importance of preserving the rivalry, which dates back to 1899.
“The Boot Run with the game ball, the Border Ceremony, and the Bronze Boot Trophy all honor the values and rich ROTC history of both of our universities… This game is important to our universities, communities, and fans,” Weber said.
CSU Head Coach Jay Norvell echoed these sentiments, noting the enduring significance of the matchup.
“Rivalries are what make college football special… It means so much to our fans and community that we continue this historic tradition,” Norvell said.
The upcoming 2025 game, hosted in Laramie, will be the last time the two teams meet as conference rivals in the Mountain West. The series has been played uninterrupted for 57 consecutive years, and the break in 2026-27 will mark the first gap in decades.
The hiatus is a consequence of full non-conference schedules, which wouldn’t have occurred if the schools remained in the same conference.
This Friday’s Border War, set for 6 p.m. at Sonny Lubick Field in Fort Collins, will feature heightened law enforcement efforts. The Wyoming and Colorado Departments of Transportation announced increased patrols along US Highway 287, a route nicknamed the “highway of death” due to its tragic history of fatal crashes, particularly during Border War weekends.
In February, three members of Wyoming’s swimming and diving team were killed in a crash on the highway, underscoring the ongoing safety concerns. Law enforcement agencies will conduct sobriety checkpoints and increase patrols to deter impaired driving.
“The Border War is a special event, but we urge fans to plan ahead and designate a sober driver,” the Wyoming Highway Patrol said in a statement.
The Border War’s rich history includes the Bronze Boot trophy, introduced in 1968, and celebrated traditions like the ROTC-run game ball and ceremonial border ceremony. The rivalry also carries a competitive edge, with Colorado State leading the all-time series 59-51-5. However, Wyoming has dominated in recent years, winning seven of the last eight games.
This year, the stakes include more than just bragging rights. In a creative twist, the university art museums have wagered key pieces from their collections, adding cultural flair to the matchup.
As CSU transitions to the Pac-12, the continuation of the Border War reflects a commitment to preserving regional and historical traditions in an era of shifting college athletics landscapes.
For Wyoming fans, the pause in 2026-27 will be bittersweet. However, the renewal in 2028 ensures that the Border War will endure, bringing its fiery competition and traditions to future generations.
“Rivalries like this don’t just go away… The Bronze Boot means everything to us,” said a Wyoming fan.
Oil City News, CBS Sports, Cowboy State Daily, and 7220sports.com contributed to this report.
