The Inside Stuff Too-early-to-be-analyzed report for the 2025-2026 Army Football Season - Curtis Harris Jr.

[GBKCurtisHarris]

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!

 

[Boomerang87]

Hey Curtis - nice breakdown and welcome again. In the departure category, there's a ton of transfer portal activity.

CLICK HERE such as Elo heading to the Georgia Bulldogs

 

[GBKCurtisHarris]

Hey Curtis - nice breakdown and welcome again. In the departure category, there's a ton of transfer portal activity.

CLICK HERE such as Elo heading to the Georgia Bulldogs

Yeah, I noticed that as soon as it happened, he is going to be a huge hole that we will need to fill up, but I am confident that Jeff Monken will be prepared to put his team and players in the best position to be successful and win. To my knowledge, we have several linebackers who will need to step up in the EDGE / OLB position. I think what is key is that our two captains are linebackers, which at a high level means that they might end up being signal callers on the field, which may work to our advantage. However, I don't have any insights on the signal-calling chances, just guestimating based on what other previous defensive captains were allowed to do at Army.

 

[ajfitz1993]

Yeah, I noticed that as soon as it happened, he is going to be a huge hole that we will need to fill up, but I am confident that Jeff Monken will be prepared to put his team and players in the best position to be successful and win. To my knowledge, we have several linebackers who will need to step up in the EDGE / OLB position. I think what is key is that our two captains are linebackers, which at a high level means that they might end up being signal callers on the field, which may work to our advantage. However, I don't have any insights on the signal-calling chances, just guestimating based on what other previous defensive captains were allowed to do at Army.

Best thing is you have Eric ford that will take his place. Don’t know who will be on the other side of him? At the DOG pos if I’m correct or Apache???