Army

Army enters 2026 looking to build momentum after a middling 6-6 season that epitomized the challenge of finding consistency in the American Athletic Conference. The Black Knights return starting quarterback Cale Hellums, providing stability at the position as they aim to improve on ratings that place them squarely in the national middle tier — 61st overall with an offense grading 58th nationally (+0.4) and a defense checking in at 62nd (+0.2). The transfer portal was largely quiet for Army, losing just two players while adding none, suggesting continuity will define their approach rather than roster reconstruction.

JP+ projects 6.8 wins for Army in 2026, a modest uptick from their even record that reflects cautious optimism about incremental improvement. The schedule presents clear challenges with neutral-site rival Navy, home date with South Florida, and a road trip to Memphis standing as the toughest tests, while games against Rice, FAU, and Bryant offer opportunities to build confidence. If Hellums can elevate an offense that sits just below average and the defense maintains its steady-if-unspectacular foundation, Army could push toward eight wins and AAC relevance. If not, another .500 campaign looms as the ceiling.