Army's season hinges on the offensive line rebuilding around a returning quarterback. Cale Hellums is back after starting in 2025, giving the offense continuity at the position that matters most, but the shine comes with a caveat: offensive line continuity sits at just 50 percent, and the departures of Noah Short, Hayden Reed, and Dewayne Coleman strip away experience up front and among the skill groups. The offense projects as roughly average, the defense as roughly average, and special teams as a genuine strength — a profile that suggests a team capable of controlling field position and games in the margins even while other parts of the roster figure themselves out. The portal activity was modest, with two departures and no arrivals, meaning whatever answers emerge up front will largely come from within the existing roster rather than outside additions.

JP+ projects 7.6 wins, roughly in line with last year's 6-6 finish but with room to push higher if the trenches settle. The toughest stretch includes road trips to Memphis and Tulsa plus a neutral-site clash with Navy, while home dates with FAU and Bryant and a road game at Rice offer more favorable ground to build a season around. Defensive continuity is moderate too, with real role loss to replace, so this isn't a team leaning on one unit to carry the other — both sides need to hold steady. If the offensive line comes together and special teams keeps tilting close games in Army's favor, this group can push toward eight or nine wins. If the trenches lag, 7.6 could end up as the ceiling rather than the floor.