The Jim Mora Reboot: Unpacking The Colorado State Depth Chart For The 2025 Season
The Colorado State Rams football program is undergoing a seismic shift, and the 2025 depth chart reflects a completely new era under recently hired Head Coach Jim Mora. As of late December 2025, the roster is a dynamic mix of key returners, high-impact transfers, and a number of positional battles solidified by the new coaching staff. This article provides the most up-to-date breakdown of the projected starting lineup, focusing on the major battles and the players who will define the Rams' final season in the Mountain West Conference before their anticipated move to the Pac-12.
The transition from the previous coaching regime has created significant turnover, particularly at the quarterback position, meaning the 2025 depth chart is not just a list of names—it’s a roadmap for the program’s immediate future. The focus is on rebuilding the foundation, improving upon the 2-10 overall record from the previous season, and establishing a winning culture under the new leadership.
The New Era: Jim Mora’s Coaching Staff and Roster Reboot
The biggest factor influencing the 2025 Colorado State depth chart is the arrival of veteran coach Jim Mora, who was named the 25th head football coach of the Rams. Mora’s appointment followed the mid-season firing of the previous coach, bringing in a new coaching staff, including Offensive Coordinator Grant Chesnut and Interim Head Coach/now Associate Head Coach Tyson Summers, to implement a new system.
The coaching change has spurred significant activity in the transfer portal, which has been crucial in reshaping the starting lineup. The Rams have been aggressive in securing talent to immediately fill holes, a necessity for a team looking to compete in a tough Mountain West landscape. The entire roster has been rebooted, making a detailed positional analysis essential for understanding the 2025 outlook.
The Critical Offensive Depth Chart: QB Battle and Running Back Concerns
The offense is where the most dramatic changes have occurred, specifically with the quarterback situation and the health of the star running back. The depth chart here is a blend of proven Mountain West veterans and new faces expected to carry the load.
Quarterback (QB): The Post-Nicolosi Era
- Projected Starter: Jackson Brousseau
- Key Battle/Backup: Transfer Portal Addition
The most consequential news of the offseason was the departure of former starting quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi via the transfer portal. This leaves a massive void, but also a clear opportunity for Jackson Brousseau to take the reins. Brousseau, who stepped into the starting role late in the previous season, is a key figure who has shown flashes of potential and is now expected to be the signal-caller under the new system. The depth behind him will likely be filled by a late-cycle transfer or a promising freshman, a decision that will be critical for the team's stability.
Running Back (RB): Marshall’s Health is Key
- Projected Starter: Justin Marshall
- Key Backup: Devin Cross or Amare Gomez
The Rams’ running game hinges on the health of Justin Marshall, a talented back who was named to the prestigious Doak Walker Award Watch List for the 2025 season. Marshall's 2024 season was cut short due to injury, a significant loss that impacted the team's offense. If Marshall returns to full strength, he is the undisputed starter and a potential All-Mountain West candidate. Devin Cross and Amare Gomez are expected to provide crucial depth and rotation, especially if Marshall is eased back into action early in the year.
Wide Receiver (WR) and Offensive Line (OL) Stability
- WR-X: Armani Winfield
- WR-SL: Jordan Ross
- Left Tackle (LT): Christian Martin
- Center (C): Jacob Gardner
The receiving corps and offensive line offer a degree of stability. Armani Winfield and Jordan Ross are projected to be the top targets, providing the new quarterback with reliable hands. The offensive line, a perennial focus for any rebuilding program, features key returners like Christian Martin at Left Tackle and Jacob Gardner at Center. The unit, which also includes names like Tanner Morley (LG), Drew Moss (RG), and Aaron Karas (RT), is expected to be the foundation for the new offensive scheme under Coach Chesnut.
Defensive Starters and The Transfer Portal Impact
The defensive depth chart is where Jim Mora’s staff has leveraged the transfer portal most effectively, aiming to inject immediate talent into a unit that struggled in key areas. The focus has been on adding size and experience to the defensive front and secondary.
Defensive Line (DL) and Linebacker (LB) Reinforcements
The defensive line is anchored by experienced returners, including a massive 6’3”, 315-pound redshirt senior, suggesting a focus on stopping the run. However, the most intriguing additions come from the transfer market, where the team has targeted players to create a more dynamic pass rush and shore up the run defense.
- Key Defensive Entity: Mukendi Wa-Kalonji (Potential Impact Player)
- Transfer Portal Additions: Rocky Beers (TE/DL), Walker Himebauch, Lemondre Joe
The new staff is prioritizing players who can immediately contribute, and the influx of transfers like Walker Himebauch and Lemondre Joe is designed to quickly elevate the level of competition and depth at the defensive line and linebacker positions. The ability of the new coaching staff to integrate these transfers will be the single largest factor in the defense’s performance this season.
The Secondary and Special Teams Outlook
While a full breakdown of the defensive backs is pending, the depth chart will feature a number of players who saw significant time in the previous season, including Jahari Rogers and Petey Tucker, who are expected to lead the secondary. The secondary will be tested early and often, requiring a rapid assimilation of new defensive schemes.
Special teams, often overlooked in depth chart analysis, remain a quiet strength. The return of reliable specialists is a major advantage for a team undergoing a complete culture change, allowing the new staff to focus resources on the offense and defense.
Topical Authority: Key Players and Positional Battles to Watch
For fans and analysts following the CSU Rams, the 2025 depth chart is defined by a few critical positional battles and key players who hold the team’s fate in their hands:
- The QB Starter: Jackson Brousseau must prove he can handle the full-time starting role. His development under the new offensive coordinator will dictate the ceiling of the entire offense. The lack of a clear, proven backup makes this the most volatile position on the roster.
- The Health of Justin Marshall: A healthy Marshall is a game-changer and takes pressure off the unproven QB. If his injury lingers, the Rams’ run game and overall offensive balance will suffer significantly.
- Offensive Line Cohesion: The veteran presence of Christian Martin and Jacob Gardner will be vital in protecting the new quarterback and opening lanes for Marshall. Their ability to quickly gel as a unit under a new coach is paramount.
- Transfer Impact on Defense: The performance of the incoming defensive transfers will determine if the Rams can make a significant leap defensively. Immediate production from players like Rocky Beers and others is required to compete in the Mountain West.
The 2025 Colorado State Rams depth chart is a testament to change and potential. Under Jim Mora, the team has the opportunity to redefine itself before its conference move. The success of the season will ultimately come down to how quickly the new starters can execute the coaching staff's vision and how well the transfer portal additions integrate into the starting lineup.
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