Here is my Annual blunt too-early-to-be-analyzed report for the 2025-2026 Army Football Season with the conclusion of the spring games:

Army football enters the 2025–2026 FBS season with both high expectations and significant challenges following a historic 2024 campaign.

2024 Season Recap​

In their inaugural season in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), the Black Knights achieved a program-record 12 wins, including an undefeated 8–0 conference record. They secured the AAC Championship with a 35–14 victory over Tulane and capped the season by winning the Independence Bowl 27–6 against Louisiana Tech. This remarkable performance elevated the AAC's status, with Army playing a pivotal role in the conference being named the top Group of Five league for 2024

Key Departures and Roster Turnover​

The upcoming season presents challenges due to the departure of several key players:

• Quarterback Bryson Daily: A Heisman finalist who masterfully led the triple-option offense, Daily has graduated.
• Running Back Kanye Udoh: After a breakout season, Udoh transferred to Arizona State.
• Offensive Line: Three starters from the award-winning offensive line have departed, along with position coach Matt Drinkall, who became the head coach at Central Michigan

These losses contribute to a projected offensive SP+ ranking of 93rd nationally, with an estimated 24.3 points per game

Returning Talent and Defensive Stability​

Despite the roster changes, Army retains a solid core:

• Offensive Line: Center Brady Small, named to ESPN’s way-too-early All-America second team for 2025, and senior Paolo Gennarelli provide leadership and continuity.
• Quarterback Position: Junior Cale Hellums is a potential starter, having apprenticed behind Daily.
• Skill Positions: Slot receiver Noah Short returns as a proven big-play threat, and Jake Rendina adds experienced depth to the running back rotation.
• Defense: The unit, which allowed just 15.5 points per game in 2024, returns significant talent and is projected to rank 35th nationally with a 23.2 SP+ rating

2025 Schedule Highlights​

Army's 2025 schedule includes:

• Home Games: Five games at Michie Stadium, including the season opener against Tarleton State on August 29.
• Road Challenges: Both service academy rivalry games are on the road—at Air Force (November 1) and Navy (December 13)
• Key Matchups: A rematch with Tulane in New Orleans on October 18 and a game against Big 12 opponent Kansas State in Week 2

The schedule is road-heavy, with no consecutive home games, and includes substantial travel, which could impact performance.

Outlook​

Army is projected to have a 99.5% chance of securing a bowl appearance and a 27.7% chance of repeating as conference champions. The team's success will hinge on how effectively new starters, particularly at quarterback and along the offensive line, integrate into the system, and whether the defense can maintain its high level of play. Head Coach Jeff Monken, entering his 12th season, will play a crucial role in navigating these transitions and leveraging the team's strengths.

In summary, while the Black Knights face significant challenges due to key departures, the returning talent and coaching stability provide a foundation for a competitive season in the AAC.

Go Army! Beat Navy! Beat Air Force!

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Someone mentioned cuts took place this past week. According to the new roster they certainly did. In addition to those who jumped on the portal 8 rising juniors and 14 rising sophomores are no longer shown on the 2025 roster. The rising Sophs are DL Mckenna, DL Ledford, LB Sutphen, LB Dunfee, OL Tabaska, OL Hardwick, OL J. Johnson, Ol Chaney, QB Knight, QB Vann, TE Laskey, TE Vanscoy, SB Young, and SB Arterberry. The rising Juniors are DL Poe, DL Rizzo, LB Sapp, LB/S Lindsay, S Sparks , RB Singleton ( a Rivals 3 star) , RB Smith and RB Reece. Interesting that none of these 22 have shown up on the portal yet. With this cut ( 22) and those who jumped on the portal ( 17) there are 39 less than a couple weeks ago. Other than the loss of the three well known D starters the portal the other 36 roster losses were to be expected at this point. So now we have a 108 players on the roster with another 75 or so on the way this summer.

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Kentucky board of trustees approves shifting university's athletics department into limited liability company​

On Friday, the University of Kentucky's board of trustees approved a proposal to transform the athletic department into a limited liability company called Champions Blue, LLC. The move represents a radical shift as college programs continue to adjust to an impending decision from the United States District Court that could lift restrictions on the sharing of media rights revenues.

Kentucky's newest venture is thought to be the first of its kind among major universities in the United States.

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"We believe this is an innovative approach -- a new structure and governance model that thoughtfully contemplates how we strengthen Athletics, protect and promote the University and open up new opportunities for growth," Kentucky president Eli Capilouto said in a statement. "It's a foundation and model that we are calling Champions Blue. Athletics and its success have always been the result of an incredible and productive partnership with campus. It will continue to be in the future — if we seize the opportunities in front of us to meet the challenges that lie ahead."

The new structure will allow Kentucky's athletic department to explore new revenue streams through partnerships outside of the sphere of college athletics, such as real estate. The proposal would create a Champions Blue Board that would advise the development of the LLC and its eventual incorporation with the university itself.

The board will also advise Capilouto and Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart in "opportunities for revenue growth." press release from the school specifically mentions that Champions Blue, LLC could also offer expanded premium seating and fan amenities in Kroger Field.

Someone mentioned cuts took place this past week. According to the new roster they certainly did. In addition to those who jumped on the portal 6 rising juniors and 14 rising sophomores are no longer shown on the 2025 roster. The rising Sophs are DL Mckenna, DL Ledford, LB Sutphen, LB Dunfee, OL Tabaska, OL Hardwick, OL J. Johnson, OL Chaney, QB Knight, QB Vann, TE Laskey, TE Vanscoy, SB Young, and SB Arterberry. The rising Juniors are DL Poe, DL Rizzo, LB Sapp, , S Sparks , RB Singleton ( a Rivals 3 star) and RB Reece. Interesting that none of these 20 have shown up on the portal yet. With this cut ( 20) and those who jumped on the portal ( 14 in April ) there are 34 less than a couple weeks ago. Other than the loss of the three well known D starters to the portal in April the other 31 roster losses were to be expected at this point. So now we have a 104 players on the roster with another 75 or so on the way this summer.

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Do you agree with the criticism that these women have received?

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