Army Black Knights is 5-2 on the season, 4-3 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +0.7. Army Black Knights carries one of the heaviest travel loads in the FBS, ranked 33rd with 10,020 miles travelled this season, a meaningful fatigue factor for away games. The Army Black Knights head to Memphis next in Week 9.
In Week 8 of 2026 the Army Black Knights Power Rating of +0.7 is 0.7 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Army Black Knights have logged 5,109 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 10,020 miles, ranking 33rd heaviest in the FBS.
Cale Hellums QB, Godspower Nwawuihe RB, Brady Small OL
Kody Harris-Miller DL, Jack Bousum EDGE, Dillon Stowers EDGE, Bryson Banks LB, Elijah Walton LB, Jaydan Mayes CB, Julian Porter CB
Dawson Jones K, James Wagenseller P
| After | Record | ATS | O/U |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 1-0 |
| Week 2 | 1-1 | 1-1 | 1-1 |
| Week 4 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 2-1 |
| Week 5 | 1-3 | 1-3 | 2-2 |
| Week 6 | 2-3 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Week 7 | 3-3 | 2-4 | 2-4 |
| Week 8 | 3-4 | 3-4 | 2-5 |
| Week 10 | 4-4 | 4-4 | 2-6 |
| Week 11 | 5-4 | 4-5 | 2-7 |
| Week 13 | 5-5 | 4-6 | 3-7 |
| Week 14 | 6-5 | 5-6 | 4-7 |
| Week 16 | 6-6 | 6-6 | 4-8 |
| Postseason | 7-6 | 7-6 | 5-8 |
A season record is a record, not a forecast. Blue Chip Analytics' own research finds that beating the closing line repeats at close to zero from one season to the next - see most underrated and overrated teams. Read the table as what happened, not as what is likely to happen next.
Opened -1.4 in the preseason and finished +0.7 after week 8, a move of +2.1 points. High +0.7 (week 8), low -1.9 (week 7).
PreW8
SP+ is an independent opponent-adjusted efficiency rating, one of the systems blended into the Blue Chip Analytics power rating rather than a Blue Chip Analytics number itself. Defensive SP+ measures points allowed, so a lower figure is a better defence - the rank beside it already accounts for that.
Source spread is how far apart the independent rating systems are on this team, not a margin of error on our own number. A wide spread means the models disagree, which is itself worth knowing.
The measured home field advantage of -1.0 is regressed to +1.6 before it is applied, a difference of 2.6 points. A single venue's raw result carries a lot of noise, so the applied figure is pulled toward the league pattern. See how much is home field advantage really worth.
| Opponent | Met | Record | ATS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple | 4 | 4-0 | 2-2 |
| Louisiana Tech | 1 | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Tulane | 5 | 1-4 | 2-3 |
| Florida Atlantic | 1 | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Tulsa | 2 | 1-1 | 1-1 |
| Air Force | 10 | 7-3 | 7-3 |
| East Carolina | 2 | 1-1 | 0-2 |
| Rice | 4 | 4-0 | 3-1 |
| Navy | 10 | 6-4 | 6-3-1 |
No meeting on record since 2016: Bryant, South Florida, Memphis.
Week 010,020 mi total
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | - | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Bryant | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | South Florida | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 3 | - | Bye | |
| Week 4 | Temple | 120 mi | 241 mi |
| Week 5 | Louisiana Tech | 1,197 mi | 2,636 mi |
| Week 6 | Tulane | Home | 2,636 mi |
| Week 7 | Florida Atlantic | Home | 2,636 mi |
| Week 8 | Tulsa | 1,237 mi | 5,109 mi |
| Week 9 | Memphis | 970 mi | 7,050 mi |
| Week 10 | Air Force | Home | 7,050 mi |
| Week 11 | - | Bye | |
| Week 12 | East Carolina | Home | 7,050 mi |
| Week 13 | Rice | 1,445 mi | 9,940 mi |
| Week 14 | - | Bye | |
| Week 15 | Navy | 40 mi | 10,020 mi |
| Week 16 | - | Bye | |
| Postseason | - | Bye | |
Army's triple-option offense has been the team's identity and its engine all season. The Black Knights lead the nation in rushing at 333.2 yards per game, and they have leaned on that ground attack heavily. In the opener against Bryant, Army piled up 569 yards rushing with 16 different ball carriers in a 59-3 rout. Quarterback Cale Hellums has been the focal point, rushing for 223 yards against Tulane and 195 yards with five touchdowns against Florida Atlantic. The offensive line, anchored by center Brady Small (who has started every game of his career) and four returning starters, has consistently controlled the line of scrimmage. Army's ability to sustain long drives and wear down defenses is its clearest path to victory, but the offense must finish drives with touchdowns rather than settling for field goals.
Army entered the season with eight new defensive starters and a first-year coordinator in Daryl Dixon, and the unit has had its ups and downs. The rebuilt defense was exposed by South Florida's passing attack in a 28-24 home loss and again by Louisiana Tech in a 31-29 road defeat, allowing 503 yards to the Bulldogs. However, the unit bounced back with a strong performance against Tulane, holding the Green Wave to 280 yards and 158 passing yards in a 20-17 win. The return of experienced linemen like nose tackle Kody Harris-Miller and ends Jack Bousum and Dillon Stowers has helped generate pressure, but the young cornerbacks and inside linebackers remain a concern against competent passing teams. The defense's ability to hold up for four quarters will determine how far Army can go.
Quarterback Cale Hellums has been the catalyst for Army's offense, carrying a heavy load on the ground. After finishing second nationally in carries last season, Hellums has continued to be the focal point, rushing for over 100 yards in three straight games, including a career-high 223 yards against Tulane and 195 yards with five touchdowns against Florida Atlantic. His ability to break long runs and finish drives in the red zone has been critical. However, his passing attempts have been limited (only six against Tulane, two against Florida Atlantic), and the offense has become one-dimensional at times. Hellums' durability and production will be key as the season progresses, but the staff may need to find ways to share the carries to keep him fresh.
Army's kicking game has been a reliable asset in close games. Kicker Dawson Jones made his last five field goals last season, including a walk-off winner against Air Force, and he delivered the game-winner against Tulane on the final play. Punter James Wagenseller averaged over 43 yards per punt last season and remains a field-position game-changer. In a season where several games have been decided by a touchdown or less, Jones and Wagenseller have provided a distinct advantage. Their ability to swing field position and convert scoring opportunities will be crucial in tight conference matchups down the stretch.
Army has navigated a schedule that included three straight games away from Michie Stadium (at Temple, at Louisiana Tech, with a bye in between) and cumulative travel of over 1,300 miles. The Black Knights have performed well at home, with their only home loss coming to South Florida in Week 2. The remaining schedule features a road trip to Tulsa, where Army will face a 4-3 team in a hostile environment. The Black Knights have historically been strong on the road under Jeff Monken, but the combination of travel and a motivated opponent will test their resilience. Army's ability to handle adversity and maintain focus will be key as they aim for a conference title.
Army Black Knights is 4-3 against the spread in the 2026 season, covering 57% of games.
Army Black Knights holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +0.7, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Army Black Knights's home field advantage rating is 1.6 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Army Black Knights's consensus regular-season win total for 2026 is 7.5 wins, priced at -160 over and +120 under. This is the betting market's expectation, not a Blue Chip Analytics projection.
Army Black Knights travels 10,020 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 33rd heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Army Black Knights: 5-2 overall, 4-3 ATS, power rating +0.7 (2026 records).
.png)
