Army Football 2025 Season Preview

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Author: Ridge Nelson

Last year, Army entered the season as a 20–1 longshot to win the AAC and was projected to win
just four games. Instead, the Black Knights delivered their best season in the modern era—going
12–2, an undefeated 8–0 in conference play, winning the AAC title, and capping it off with an
Independence Bowl victory. They also finished ranked 21st in both the AP and Coaches Polls.
While the team has lost several key starters and faces a rebuilding campaign on offense, their
defense is poised to carry the load once again.

Offense
Offensive Line Outlook
Army graduated three starters from its 2024 offensive line, making this a critical unit to watch.
Still, juniors Brady Small and Paolo Gennarelli (bench presses 505 lbs) anchor the interior,
providing the stability needed for the Black Knights’ power running game. Army’s offense thrives
on ball control—averaging roughly 30 seconds between snaps and dominating time of
possession—hallmarks of the triple-option scheme.

Last season’s injuries forced backups into key roles, senior Will Jeffcoat, junior Henry Appleton,
junior Teddy Williams saw over 100 snaps. Of the 12 upperclassmen on the depth chart, all but
one weigh over 300 lbs., bringing veteran size to the front. With Offensive Line Coach Matt
Drinkall departed, longtime assistant Mike Viti remains, providing continuity and leadership.

Quarterback Preview
Replacing Bryson Daily will be a challenge. Senior Dewayne Coleman, while smaller, proved
capable in key moments, leading wins against North Texas and Air Force. Coleman was steady, if
unflashy, showing good decision-making under pressure. He is also a good leader and the
players want him to succeed.

Offensive Coordinator Cody Worley leaned heavily on Daily’s quarterback keepers, often
predictable. With Coleman at the helm, Worley needs to diversify play calling to protect his QB
and maintain offensive rhythm. If needed, junior Cale Helums and sophomore Ethan
Washington appear ready for action.

Backfield Preview
The depth in the backfield remains a major strength. Veterans seniors Noah Short and Hayden
Reed return; Short as a versatile slot back and jet sweep specialist, Reed expected to replace
1,000-yard rusher Kanye Udoh as the primary ball carrier. Additionally, junior Jake Rendina,
junior Carson Smith, sophomore Briggs Bartosh and junior Samari Howard should see increased
usage in Army's balanced backfield rotation. There is speed and depth at the slotback position
and several good options at the full back position.
Receivers Preview

Army’s receivers are tasked with more blocking than catching, but seniors like Liam Fortner and
Kavon Pointer showed burst in spring drills. With size, speed, and experience, they’ll be main
downfield threats despite a run-first offense.

System Continuity
Army’s identity: ball control, clock dominance, and run-first attack, remains intact. In 2025,
success hinges on offensive line development and innovative play calling. With Bryson Daily off
the roster, there’s room to evolve, reducing predictability and keeping defenses honest. I look
for more passes to the backs this year, to open up the fullback dive.

Defense
Defensive Strength
Army’s defense allowed just 15.5 points per game in 2024—ranking 4th nationally in scoring
defense. They haven’t allowed more than 23.0 PPG since 2015. With seven starters and four
other experienced contributors returning, the foundation for another elite defensive season is
solid.

Defensive Line Preview
Junior Kody Harris‑Miller (301 lb) moves to nose tackle, following a season where he made a
tackle on 11.7% of his snaps. Senior vets Jack Latore, Deshontez Gray and sophomores Javon
Smith and Jack Bousum flank him, providing a seasoned and tough front.

Linebackers Preview
Seniors Andon Thomas and Kalib Fortner return, offering leadership and stability in the middle.
Alongside them, senior Eric Ford (6′3″, 240 lb) played all 14 games in 2024. With size and experience, this linebacker unit projects as one of the AC’s best.

Secondary Preview
Strong safety Casey Larkin returns as a senior after posting 51 tackles in 2024 and will the very
big void of Max Demonico. Cornerbacks senior Justin Weaver and junior Jayden Mayes also
played all 14 games. Senior Gavin Shields, junior cornerback Jaxon Hammond and senior
nickelback Collin Matteson round out a seasoned and cohesive secondary.

Special Teams Preview
Sophomore Dawson Jones is the only place-kicker on the roster, making him the default starter.
At punter, junior James Wagenseller handled duties across 12 games in 2024, totaling over
1,000 yards with no blocked kicks, positioning him as the top candidate to return.

Schedule Outlook and Prediction
Army faces a challenging schedule, including tough road matchups at Tulane, UTSA and Air
Force. A fast start, and potentially a 5–1 record, will hinge on performance in early games.
However, late-season road tests will determine their ability to return to the AC Championship.
Ridge’s Prediction: Army finishes 8–3 and secures a spot in the AC Championship Game versus
Memphis. This year, they will be ready for Navy.

[ArmyinSoCal]

I love this Ridge Nelson guy! I am so happy that he is contributing again. Interesting 9 win prediction.

[GO 150s 87]

Great overview and much appreciated. However, I do need to make a minor correction to the following statement -

"Senior Dewayne Coleman, while smaller, proved capable in key moments, leading wins against North Texas and Air Force."

I was at both games. Coleman did take the helm for the AF game, as Daily was out with a foot infection. However, Coleman didn't take a single snap for the North Texas game. The UNT game was a Bryson Daily express kind of game in which he toted the rock almost 40 times.

On that topic, I am not convinced Coleman will be the starter (at least not the full time starter). I've got a gut feeling we'll see a return to "QB by committee" this season.