After a 2-5 overall start to the season, Colorado State made the decision to fire head coach Jay Norvell. Despite going 8-5 and appearing in the Arizona Bowl last season, Colorado made the decision not to extend his contract with just one year left on his deal.
Tyson Summers, who is in his second stint as defensive coordinator, has been named interim head coach following the firing of Norvell. The Rams have already begun the search for a new head coach. However, some players could start to look elsewhere.
Can Colorado State Players Enter The Portal Following Jay Norvell’s Firing?
With the recent NCAA rule changes, things could be potentially more difficult for players trying to leave Colorado after Norvell’s firing. Previously, players had a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal after a coaching change. However, that rule has been altered.
What Colorado State athletic director John Weber said after firing Jay Norvell https://t.co/itBk51bA4X
— Coloradoan (@coloradoan) October 22, 2025
“Previous NCAA rules stated that a 30-day transfer portal window immediately opened after a coaching change. Now players have to wait until a new coach is hired, and in some situations, until January,” ON3’s Pete Nakos revealed.
This rule came into effect prior to Colorado’s decision to fire Norvell. This means that, unlike at UCLA, the rule has come into effect in this scenario. Colorado players will have to wait until January to enter the Transfer Portal.
Norvell’s recruitment class of 2025 was the 84th-ranked overall in all of College Football. This class included 14 enrollees, one four-star talent, as well as a plethora of three-star talent. These included the one player who was in the top 50 in his position.
Cannon Valenzuela.
The top commit of the Rams’ 2025 class was linebacker Cannon Valenzuela. As a four-star recruit out of Jacksboro, the linebacker played as a two-way threat in High School. As a senior, he produced 1,392 receiving yards and 22 TDs playing full-time two-way snaps.
In his senior season, he also recorded 136 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, and three interceptions. Valenzuela was also a basketball star in High School, averaging 15 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for Jacksboro.
Potentially, following Norvell’s departure, the linebacker could choose to enter the transfer portal. Currently, Valenzuela is also eligible to redshirt as a Freshman. This means he would have his entire College Football career ahead of him for the program that picks him up.
Brayden Fowler- Nicolosi
Earlier this month, Norvell made a quarterback change, benching Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and going with Jackson Brousseau. This came after a disappointing performance from the former starter, who threw 13-for-25, 132 yards, zero TDs, and an interception.
“He’ll be the first one to admit that, and we gotta get him playing with more continuity and comfort. We had a chance to go back and really look at things that he likes that we can hang our hat on,” Norvell revealed following the disappointing quarterback performance.
Despite that promise, the head coach ultimately made the decision to bench the quarterback. It was reported back in 2024 that Nicolosi turned down a $600k offer from Kansas State to enter the Transfer Portal, sticking with CSU.
“He said a guy from Kansas State called him, offered him $600k because they lost their quarterback, if he got in the portal. And I’m not accusing Kansas State of anything. I’m just telling you what the kid told me,” Norvell shared.
After being benched by the head coach who once backed him, who was then subsequently fired, a Transfer Portal move could save Nicolosi’s career. Currently, according to PFSN’s QB impact rankings, the Quarterback is the 151st best in the nation this season.
Jalen Dupree
During their second win of the season against Fresno State, Norvell relied heavily on the run game, as well as his starting running back, Jalen Dupree.
“Jalen (Dupree) is kind of a run right through you kind of a guy. And then Lloyd (Avant) can do both. Justin (Marshall)’s a classic slasher. And then ‘Chop’ (Javion Kinnard) is hard to catch. Very explosive,” Norvell shared following the game.
During that game, Dupree was outshone significantly by his teammates. Despite being the starter, he recorded the third most Rushing yards during the game. Justin Marshall and Lloyd Avant rushed for 93 and 52 yards, respectively.
During his first season in 2024, Dupree appeared in five games at running back, making his collegiate debut against San Jose State. After taking the starter job in 2025, with a new head coach coming in, his starter position could potentially be in danger.
After rushing for 429 yards and 2 TDs this season, the CSU Running Back would definitely garner some interest. According to PFSN’s RB impact, Dupree is in the Top 100 of College Football Running Backs, coming in at No.88.
Owen Long
Under Norvell, Colorado State had one of the worst defenses in the Nation. According to PFSN’s Defensive Impact metrics, the Rams’ defense came in at 195th overall with a D+ ranking this season. Overall, they also rank 981st since 2019.
Despite that, Owen Long has managed to stand out at CSU. After being named Associated Press’ midseason All-America second team, the second-year linebacker has carried the Rams’ defense when it comes to tackling. Long is one of the best tacklers in the nation.
According to PFSN’s linebacker impact metrics, the CSU linebacker is ranked 142nd in his position in the nation. Despite that, he is the country’s leading tackler so far this season. Averaging 14.2 tackles per game with 93 total tackles.
Despite being just a 19-year-old, Long was also named as one of the team captains by Norvell. If he desired, the 19-year-old star would certainly have enough interest in him to flee a sinking ship if he desired.
CJ Blocker
Outside of recruits, other players who could potentially seek a move following Norvell’s departure are Colorado’s transfer portal pickups. Following the injury to JacQues Evans, CSU’s top portal pickup was cornerback CJ Blocker.
After spending two seasons at the Utah Utes, Blocker made the decision to enter the transfer portal, where he was picked up by Norvell and Colorado. After choosing to redshirt his Sophomore season, the Corner could look to enter the transfer portal once again.
After making a bowl game in 2024, Colorado State has become a much less attractive destination for players following their 2-5 start in 2025. This means that we could see a lot of potential shifts in the program coming into the January Transfer Portal window.
