Army Black Knights

Cale Hellums returns after a breakout 2025 season where he led the nation in carries with 304, rushed for 1,223 yards, and tied for third nationally with 18 rushing touchdowns. The key question is whether he can maintain that workload while sharing touches with sophomore Godspower Nwawuihe, who showed big-play ability with 171 rushing yards and two long touchdowns in the Fenway Bowl. Nwawuihe's background as a quarterback gives offensive coordinator Cody Worley flexibility to use him in multiple formations, but the loss of Briggs Bartosh to a neck injury removes a deep threat. The offensive line, anchored by senior center Brady Small who has started all 39 games of his career, returns four starters and should provide a solid foundation.

Army enters the season with eight new starters on defense and a new coordinator in Daryl Dixon, who replaced Nate Woody. The defensive line is the most experienced unit, led by senior nose tackle Kody Harris-Miller in his third year as a starter, with junior end Jack Bousum showing pro potential and senior end Dillon Stowers improving steadily. The biggest concern is at inside linebacker, where the team must replace captains Kalib Fortner and Andon Thomas. Sophomores Bryson Banks and Elijah Walton are expected to step in, but their inexperience is a risk. In the secondary, cornerback Jaydan Mayes is the only returning starter and will need to anchor a young group that includes sophomore Julian Porter.

Last season, Hellums accounted for 40% of Army's carries, which is unsustainable for a team that wants to compete for a conference title. The departure of Noah Short, who had 1,009 yards from scrimmage, leaves a significant hole in the passing game and overall playmaking. The coaching staff will need to find ways to get Nwawuihe more involved and develop other receivers to take pressure off Hellums. The offensive line's experience should help, but the team must prove it can diversify its attack beyond the quarterback run game.

The Week 2 home game against South Florida is seen as a key test for whether Army can be a contender in the American Athletic Conference. The Black Knights have a favorable schedule early, starting with Bryant at home, but the defense's youth and the inside linebacker inexperience are concerns that could be exposed against more athletic opponents. With a veteran offensive line and a proven quarterback, Army has the pieces to win 9-10 games, but they must avoid overreliance on Hellums and get consistent production from the new defensive starters. The season will hinge on how quickly the young defense matures and whether the offense can find balance.