The resurgence of Army football is a tale of two eras, separated by two decades of mostly frustrating futility. The early 2000s saw the Black Knights mired in a deep losing streak, culminating in a 19-game slide that ended with a cathartic victory against Cincinnati in 2004. This win, celebrated by cadets tossing a goalpost into Lusk Reservoir, also snapped a 15-game home losing streak, highlighting the depths of the program’s struggles during its ill-fated tenure in Conference USA. The team cycled through four coaches in seven seasons and never achieved more than three wins, ultimately leaving the conference in 2004 to return to independence. Despite the change, winning seasons remained elusive, with only one bright spot in 2010 before the arrival of Jeff Monken.
Monken inherited a program still grappling with the lingering effects of nearly two decades of struggle. His first two seasons reflected this challenge, but the groundwork was being laid for a remarkable turnaround. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape of college football has dramatically shifted. Navigating independence became increasingly difficult, with conference realignment and television contracts creating significant challenges, especially in scheduling. Joining a conference became a strategic necessity, and the American Athletic Conference offered a suitable landing spot, particularly with Navy already a football-only member. This decision would prove pivotal for the Black Knights.
In a resounding display of dominance, Army not only joined the American Athletic Conference but conquered it. Unfazed by the limitations of not using the transfer portal or NIL inducements, the Black Knights completed a perfect 9-0 conference record, culminating in a decisive 35-14 victory over Tulane in the championship game. This marked a stark contrast to the struggles of the early 2000s, when Tulane represented one of the few victories during that era. Army’s conference dominance wasn’t just about winning; it was about the manner in which they achieved it. They outscored opponents 319-121, with six victories by margins of 17 points or more. The championship game itself was a masterclass in execution, with a relentless rushing attack that never yielded a tackle for loss and an offense that committed zero turnovers.
The 2024 season stands as a testament to the program’s transformation under Monken, now in his 14th season. His coaching philosophy, emphasizing determination, effort, toughness, discipline, and brotherhood, has clearly resonated with his players. The team’s success is a direct reflection of these core values, which were on full display throughout the championship run. Despite a humbling loss to Notre Dame earlier in the season, the Black Knights’ performance throughout the American Conference schedule highlighted the effectiveness of their system and the unwavering commitment of the players.
Central to Army’s success has been the exceptional performance of quarterback Bryson Daily. Monken has championed Daily’s Heisman candidacy, arguing that his impact on the team’s success should warrant consideration. While Daily may not have made the finalist list, his statistics speak volumes. He rushed for 29 touchdowns in 11 games, tying for the national lead and placing him among the all-time single-season leaders for touchdowns by a quarterback. Furthermore, his consistency is remarkable, rushing for at least 100 yards in 10 consecutive games and averaging 134 yards per game, ranking him among the nation’s elite. Daily’s success, however, cannot be viewed in isolation. He benefits from a seasoned offensive line that has consistently opened holes for him and the nation’s leading rushing attack, averaging over 300 yards per game.
The immediate focus for Army, having achieved conference glory, is the timeless rivalry against Navy. This annual clash, a non-conference fixture, represents more than just a game; it’s a symbolic contest with deep historical roots. The outcome of this game, despite the conference championship win, holds significant weight for both academies and their respective communities. Following the Army-Navy game, the Black Knights will face Marshall in the Independence Bowl, marking their sixth bowl appearance under Monken. This post-season game offers a chance to further solidify the program’s resurgence and cap off a truly remarkable season, one that began with the daunting challenge of navigating a new conference and ended with a championship trophy and national recognition. The future of Army football, fueled by a strong foundation built on core values and a dynamic offense, appears bright.
