UW and CSU to skip 2027 Border War after 81 years

The University of Wyoming and Colorado State University will not play their annual Border War football game in 2027. This marks the first break in the rivalry's 81 consecutive seasons of play. The last interruption occurred during World War II.

UW Director of Athletics Tom Burman confirmed the pause in an email. He explained that the two schools could not reach a scheduling agreement. Burman noted that UW was ready to adjust its home schedule to host the game in War Memorial Stadium in 2027. However, those plans did not align with Colorado State's scheduling goals. "Very disappointed that we could not get a deal done with CSU," Burman said.

The scheduling difficulty arose after CSU left the Mountain West Conference for the Pac-12 starting in the 2026 season. Despite the conference change, the teams arranged a non-conference matchup earlier this year. Colorado State won that game 35 to 13 in Fort Collins.

According to a report from the Coloradoan, both schools have now agreed to schedule the game every year from 2028 through 2036. This new arrangement ensures the rivalry continues after the one-year hiatus.

The Border War dates back to 1899, when UW traveled to Fort Collins and lost 12 to 0. It stands as the longest continuous rivalry west of the Mississippi. The Bronze Boot trophy, which the winner claims, was first introduced in 1968.

UW captured the Boot in 2025. Colorado State regained the trophy this year in their Fort Collins home game.