The Colorado State University Pueblo football program has officially kicked off its highly anticipated 2026 campaign, marking a major milestone for the university. This season represents the 19th campaign since the football program was successfully relaunched as a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).

To give fans an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the journey, the program has launched its popular digital documentary series, Chapter 19. Episode 1 and Episode 2 of the series chronicle the rigorous offseason preparation, team culture, and the intense opening matchups that have defined the start of the year.

The Vigil Era Continues

The 2026 season marks the beginning of head coach Phil Vigil’s fourth season at the helm of the ThunderWolves. Under Vigil, the program has established a standard of excellence, rattling off records of 8-3, 10-2, and 10-2 through his first three years with two NCAA Division II playoff appearances. Building on that winning culture, the team entered the fall determined to sustain its high-level performance through player-led accountability and relentless preparation.

Hot Start Out of the Gate

The ThunderWolves have hit the ground running with a pair of statement victories against formidable opponents from the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA):

• August 27: CSU Pueblo opened the home slate at the ThunderBowl with a commanding 44-25 victory over Central Missouri, highlighted in Episode 2 of Chapter 19.

• September 3: The fifth-ranked Pack hit the road to take down 25th-ranked Fort Hays State 35-17 in Hays, Kansas.

This latest road win marks the ThunderWolves’ 16th consecutive road victory, a remarkable streak that dates back to a heartbreaking double-overtime loss (57-49) at Grand Valley State in Michigan on September 9, 2023.

Looking Ahead: The RMAC Opener

With non-conference play successfully navigated, CSU Pueblo turns its focus to conference action. The ThunderWolves return home to the ThunderBowl on September 12 to host the Colorado School of Mines for a marquee RMAC opener with a 2 p.m. kickoff.

NOTE – Chapter 19 is produced by Oly Ta’ase, who is starting his fourth season as the Pack’s Director of Football Video Operations & Social Media Coordinator. Pago Pago, American Samoa native, Ta’ase graduated from Western New Mexico in 2021, where he played football for Vigil before joining his staff in Silver City.