Cait Mckinzie
Colorado State University quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (16) runs the ball down the sideline during CSU's game against the University of Northern Colorado Sept. 6. CSU won the game 21-17.
The clock has run out for another one of Colorado State football’s most-recognized names.
Former starting quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi has decided to depart from the Rams after three seasons, as confirmed by interim head coach Tyson Summers after practice Oct. 22, as reported by Kevin Lytle of the Coloradoan.
“Brayden has chosen to step away from the football team for the remainder of the season, but he handled everything extremely well,” Summers said. “I’m very proud of him. I will vouch for him to anyone, anywhere, any time.”
During the 2023 season, starting quarterback Clay Millen left the field for injury in a game against Washington State, and out came Fowler-Nicolosi.
From then on, Fowler-Nicolosi became the starting quarterback for CSU — with his first start of the 2023 season against Colorado — and ended the season with a 62.1 completion percentage, connecting on 292 of 470 passes, resulting in 22 touchdowns.
And with Fowler-Nicolosi leading the charge, it was also the first season that the Rams had ever defeated Boise State. Despite ending with more losses than wins, the starting quarterback did what he needed to be a starter the following year.
The 2024 season went on to highlight a promising future for the Rams, as it was the first time they qualified for a bowl game since 2017. But 2025 had something else in store, with the game against UTSA setting the end of Fowler-Nicolosi’s career with CSU into motion.
After three lackluster quarters in terms of scoring, fans were screaming to bench Fowler-Nicolosi. At that point, he had completed 14 of 25 passes and had -19 rushing yards.
And whether it was due to fans booing or former head coach Jay Norvell needing to see a change that just wasn’t happening, Jackson Brousseau came on the field and immediately helped initiate two touchdowns.
In a case of déjà vu, just as Millen watched Fowler-Nicolosi take over as the main quarterback just two seasons ago, Fowler-Nicolosi watched his career with the Rams fade away as Brousseau went in against the Roadrunners.
On Sept. 22, Norvell named Brousseau as the starter for CSU’s next game against WSU, and after that, Fowler-Nicolosi would go on to never play in a game for the Rams again. And a little over two weeks later, Brousseau would be added to the captain’s group.
“(Fowler-Nicolosi) is going to go have a great career somewhere else, and we’re going to do everything we can do to help him do that,” Summers said.
The news broke just three days after CSU Athletics announced that it was parting ways with Norvell and named Summers as the new interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Not only is the news arriving at a time when the Rams are already adapting to other changes, but the college football landscape is also still rapidly evolving.
The NCAA announced Oct.7 that the transfer portal would move from December to January. The news came out a month after the Division I Administrative Council eliminated the 15-day spring transfer window.
So although Fowler-Nicolosi has left the program, he must wait until Jan. 2 to officially enter the transfer portal and begin contacting other schools. And because of the coaching change with Norvell, CSU players are eligible for another 15-day transfer window five days after the next head coach is officially announced.
Previously, players had a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal immediately after a coaching change.
Although Fowler-Nicolosi allegedly turned down a $600k offer in 2023 to remain with the Rams, the tables have turned. With only one season of eligibility left, Fowler-Nicolosi will now search for his final home.
Those interested can expect to see him announce his transfer decision in two months.
“The guy has won a lot of football games here, been here for a long time, and he’s had a challenging situation this year,” Summers said. “I look forward to nothing but the best for him.”
Reach Sophie Webb at sports@collegian.com or on social media @sophgwebb.
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