Offense
The quarterback position found a gem in Cole Hellums, who went from third string to starter. He was second nationally with 304 carries, third nationally with 18 rushing touchdowns, and added 1,223 yards on the ground. If something happens, Bryson Luter is next in line.
The running back room is always loaded at West Point. Godspower Nwawuihe should be the feature back. He’s still running all over the field at Fenway Park after his Fenway Bowl performance. Samari Howard and Stroman Bridges, among others, will run wild.
The wide receiver room is utilized differently in Army’s triple option scheme. Blocking is more important than pass catching. Wide receivers Brady Anderson and Tobi Olawole return, as do tight ends Parker Poloskey and Brian Dyer.
The offensive line room returns four starters and could be one of the best in college football. Brady Small (39 career starts), Henry Appleton, Paolo Gennarelli, and Teddy Williams lead the charge. Left guard Kyle Kloska will be the new starter of the group.
Defense
The defensive line will be the best unit on the defense. Jack Bousum, Kody Harris-Miller, and Dillon Stowers all have great experience. Harris-Miller will be a three-year starter, while Bousum flashes pro potential on the outside.
The linebacker room is a major concern with the losses of Kalib Fortner and Andon Thomas inside. Replacing them will be very difficult. Bryson Banks and Elijah Walton will get the first opportunity. Noah Nixon and Christian Yousefzadeh will man the outside.
The secondary returns starting cornerback Jaydan Mayes. He will be relied upon heavily. Julian Porter and Cole Searight also need to have big seasons. As do safeties Stephen Nnadozie, Caleb Williams, and Christopher Williams.
Specialists
Kicker Dawson Jones and punter James Wagenseller are game changers. James made 15 field goals last season, including a walk-off game-winner at Air Force. Wagenseller frequently flips field position with his punts.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Bryant
- 9/12 South Florida
- 9/25 at Temple
- 10/3 at Louisiana Tech
- 10/10 Tulane
- 10/17 Florida Atlantic
- 10/23 at Tulsa
- 10/31 at Memphis
- 11/7 Air Force
- 11/21 East Carolina
- 11/28 at Rice
- 12/12 vs Navy in East Rutherford, NJ
Final Analysis
Army can contend for the American Conference Title, but the Black Knights must fill some major holes or question marks. Cole Hellums accounted for 40% of Army’s runs last season, if something happened to him, the Black Knights could be in trouble. The defense is younger and inexperienced in spots, especially inside linebacker. This is West Point though, expect discipline.
