Army, Navy, and Air Force all fall in Week 2 conference opener tests
Army, Navy, and Air Force were all defeated in their conference openers during Week 2 of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schedule.
The losses by the Black Knights and Midshipmen were especially disappointing for their fans, as each program entered its respective matchup as the favorite. For Navy, the loss to FAU dealt an early blow to the program’s hopes of finishing atop the American Conference.
USF’s Come-from-Behind Win at West Point
The Army Black Knights dropped their American Conference opener to the University of South Florida (USF) 28-24.
Cale Hellums turned in an efficient performance for the Black Knights, completing 9-of-10 passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 55 yards on 18 carries. Godspower Nwawuihe led Army’s rushing attack with 94 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, while Zach Mundell caught three passes for a team-high 47 yards and a touchdown and added 45 yards on three rushing attempts. Mundell also completed his lone passing attempt for 37 yards.
For USF, Michael Van Buren Jr. completed 19-of-30 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 45 rushing yards and two scores. Joshua Porter led the Bulls with 67 receiving yards and a touchdown on three catches, while Bryson Rodgers caught six passes for 64 yards and a score.
Despite several strong individual performances, Army’s inability to close out the game ultimately proved costly. The Black Knights held a 24-14 advantage with less than five minutes remaining but surrendered two late touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with only seconds left to play. Army’s offense was unable to pick up a first down while protecting a three-point lead, and Mundell’s fumble on the Black Knights’ final possession eliminated any chance for a last-second comeback.
The 25th Infantry Division served as Army’s Honored Division for the game, with the division’s distinctive red and yellow shoulder sleeve insignia displayed on the back of the Black Knights’ helmets.
USF’s offense got the ball first and leveraged a seven-play drive to take a 7-0 lead. Van Buren Jr. connected with redshirt junior wide receiver Rodgers for a seven-yard touchdown pass at the 11:00 mark of the first quarter. With kicker Nico Gramatica’s extra point, the Bulls led 7-0.
On the next two possessions, Army and USF exchanged punts, with the Black Knights’ offense getting possession back with just under three minutes left in the quarter. Army’s 11-play drive ended in a 24-yard touchdown pass as Hellums hit Mundell on the deep right side. With Dawson Jones’ extra point, the Cadets evened up the game 7-7 at 11:47 in the second quarter.
USF punted away the ball on their next possession, which opened the door for another Army scoring drive. The Black Knights used 19 plays and 9:57 of the game clock to take the lead, with Hellums connecting with Nwawuihe for a four-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds left in the half. Jones’ extra point gave Army a 14-7 lead.
The Bulls had time for one play, a rushing attempt for a loss of two yards, before time expired in the first half.
The Cadets led USF 14-7 at halftime.
Army went three-and-out on their opening possession of the second half. The Bulls made the home side pay for the quick possession as they put together an eight-play drive to even up the game at 14. Van Buren Jr. carried the ball for an 18-yard rushing touchdown at 8:59 in the third quarter.
The Black Knights and Bulls exchanged punts on the next two possessions. Army had to settle for a field goal on their next possession, taking a 17-14 lead over USF on Jones’ 27-yard kick just under a minute into the fourth and final quarter.
Army’s defense forced a punt on the Bulls’ next possession, setting the Black Knights’ offense up for a nine-play scoring drive that culminated in Nwawuihe’s 10-yard rushing touchdown. Army led 24-14 with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
USF answered with a scoring drive of their own, with Van Buren Jr. leading his team down the field on a hasty six-play drive that ate up only 1:47 of the game clock. Van Buren Jr. fired up the visiting side with an explosive 24-yard rushing touchdown. With the extra point, the Bulls trailed 24-21 with just over three minutes left to play.
The Army side, desperate to preserve their narrow lead, was shut down by the USF defense. Senior linebacker Zavier Hamilton came up big on this series, sacking Hellums for a loss of six yards to force the Cadets to punt.
The Bulls’ offense took the field with under two minutes left on the clock. Van Buren Jr. was again clutch when it mattered most, leading his team on a 10-play scoring drive that covered 81 yards in just 1:27. The junior quarterback’s 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Porter put the visiting side back on top 28-24.
With 16 seconds left to play, a costly Black Knights fumble sealed the home team’s fate. Hellums connected with Mundell for a 14-yard reception, but the senior slotback fumbled at the at the USF 48-yard line. The football was recovered by Bulls senior cornerback Herlin Perry Jr.
Van Buren Jr. took a knee on the final possession of the game to help the Bulls improve to 2-0. Army is now 1-1 entering their bye week before a Friday, September 25 showdown against the Temple Owls of the American Conference at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. The Black Knights’ first road trip of the 2026 campaign is scheduled for a 4 PM ET kickoff on ESPN.
Navy Falls Short of Florida Comeback
Last week, Navy quarterback Braxton Woodson was named to the watch list for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, which recognizes leadership, courage, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Unfortunately for Woodson and the Midshipmen, the excitement surrounding the recognition was followed by a difficult Saturday night in Boca Raton. The senior quarterback suffered an ankle injury as Navy fell to the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Owls in front of a crowd of 22,273 at Flagler Credit Union Stadium.
This early conference defeat, offensive struggles, and Woodson’s injury raise questions about early-season predictions that had Navy finishing atop the American Conference.
Despite the loss, Navy outgained FAU on the ground, 246-42. Woodson led the Midshipmen with 96 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries before leaving the game with an ankle injury. Junior quarterback Jackson Gutierrez provided a spark off the bench, completing 6-of-12 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 75 rushing yards and a touchdown.
FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp shredded the Navy secondary, completing 27-of-32 passes for 386 yards and five touchdowns. Easton Messer was his top target, catching eight passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
Navy’s inability to slow down FAU’s passing attack and their first-half mistakes ultimately proved too much to overcome. The Midshipmen surrendered 31 first-half points and entered halftime trailing by 24. Despite falling behind 38-7 late in the third quarter, Navy scored the game’s final 23 points behind Gutierrez and held FAU scoreless in the fourth quarter.
The Owls and Mids both struck quickly in the first two minutes of the contest. FAU scored first on a monster 76-yard touchdown pass. Out of the no-huddle shotgun, Veltkamp hit Messer right up the middle. With Collin Rogers’ extra point, the Owls led 7-0 at 14:18.
The Mids answered with a big play of their own, a 48-yard rushing touchdown that saw Woodson take off on the left side for the end zone. Officials reviewed the play and determined the senior quarterback was inbounds. Nolan Bartley’s extra point was good to tie the game at the 13:12 mark of the opening frame.
FAU was forced to punt on their following possession after the Navy defense “threw the kitchen sink” at them, with a quarterback hurry, incomplete pass, and sack helping to stall the drive. Navy’s offense failed to get any more points on the board, as Bartley’s field goal attempt from 46 yards was no good.
On the Owls’ next possession, Veltkamp continued to wreak havoc on the Navy secondary, connecting with Messer again deep down the middle for a 36-yard touchdown pass. With the extra point, FAU led 14-7 with 6:59 left in the first quarter.
Senior running back Vic Listorti couldn’t hold onto the ball during the second play of Navy’s possession, fumbling the ball in Navy territory. The fumble was forced by junior linebacker Nate Fischer and recovered by graduate student linebacker Leon Hart Jr.
FAU’s offense could not capitalize on their opponent’s mistake. Veltkamp and company managed to get their kicker into field goal range, but Rogers’ attempt from 54 yards out was no good at the 3:37 mark of the first quarter.
The Mids went three-and-out on their next possession. The Owls then used an eight-play series to take the game into the second quarter, turning the ball over on downs after Navy sophomore cornerback Cam Robinson broke up Veltkamp’s pass at 13:20 in the second quarter. A Navy punt on their next possession set up another FAU scoring drive. Veltkamp threw a 30-yard touchdown pass deep down the right side to senior wide receiver Kelby Valsin at the 5:26 mark of the second quarter.
Down 21-7, the Midshipmen offense again looked flat, punting after a five-play series. Veltkamp again made Navy pay, leading the Owls offense on a nine-play drive that culminated in a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dominique Henry with 19 seconds left in the half.
One of the Mids’ most costly mistakes of the game came with seven seconds left in the first half. Woodson, out of the no-huddle shotgun, was picked off by defensive back Bo Simpson-Nealy, who took the ball to the Navy 47-yard line. This play led to an FAU field goal. Rogers’ 60-yard attempt was good as time expired in the half.
The Midshipmen entered the locker room trailing the Owls 31-7.
Navy’s first possession of the second half proved costly for their starting quarterback, Woodson, who left the game midway through the nine-play series with an ankle injury. Gutierrez then entered the game behind center, but was unable to get the offense kick-started, with Navy punting at the 9:52 mark.
FAU’s offense “punched the Mids in the mouth” again with a 16-play scoring drive that wiped 7:13 off the game clock. This drive ended with Veltkamp hitting tight end AJ Johnson for a five-yard touchdown pass. With the extra point, the Owls led 38-7 at 2:39 in the third quarter.
Navy’s near-comeback behind quarterback Gutierrez began on the following drive when the junior put together a beautifully executed three-play drive that culminated in a 64-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Collins. Bartley’s extra point made the score 38-14 with just over a minute left in the third quarter.
FAU’s next possession consisted of 10 plays and ended in a punt. Gutierrez and the Navy offense again went on the attack, effectively balancing running and passing plays on their way to another passing touchdown. At the 5:41 mark of the fourth quarter, Gutierrez connected with junior slotback Charles Robinson for an eight-yard touchdown pass. The Mids hoped to cut the Owls’ lead even more with a two-point conversion but failed to convert the play. The Midshipmen trailed 38-20.
On the kickoff, Navy recovered their own onside kick to get the offense back on the field. On a four-play possession, three incomplete passes forced Gutierrez and the Mids to turn the ball over on downs.
Navy’s defense then supported their offense’s comeback effort by securing a safety with 3:12 left to play. Down 38-22, the Mids offense got the ball back. With a sense of urgency and the game on the line, Gutierrez and the visiting offense strung together a six-play scoring drive in just 1:21. Gutierrez showed off his wheels with a 49-yard touchdown run with 1:46 left to play. A successful two-point conversion, a Gutierrez pass to Listorti, made the score 38-30.
Navy attempted another onside kick following the touchdown, but the attempt traveled only four yards and FAU took possession. Unfortunately for the Navy side, the comeback magic came to an end on FAU’s final possession, as the Owls kept the ball on the ground and ran out the final 1:46 of the game.
With this loss, the Midshipmen’s record now stands at 1-1, with FAU improving to 1-1. Navy is also 0-1 in American Conference play, while FAU improved to 1-0 in conference action. Navy enters a much-needed bye week before another road game against the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) at Protective Stadium on September 25. This American Conference matchup is scheduled for a 7 PM ET kickoff and will air on ESPN.
Air Force Rally Falls Short Against North Dakota State
The Air Force Falcons fell to Mountain West Conference newcomer North Dakota State 38-32 on Saturday night at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs.
Junior quarterback Liam Szarka led the Air Force offense, rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries while completing 5-of-10 passes for 103 yards. Sophomore quarterback Evan Medders provided a spark late in the game, completing 3-of-4 passes for 47 yards and a touchdown while adding 31 yards on six carries. Senior linebacker Blake Fletcher led the Falcons defensively, recording 14 tackles and returning an interception 85 yards for a touchdown.
For North Dakota State, fifth-year quarterback Nathan Hayes completed 15-of-23 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns while adding a 17-yard rushing touchdown. Running back Myles Mitchell carried the ball 15 times for 61 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite the loss, Air Force outgained North Dakota State 386-374, including a 207-146 advantage on the ground. The Falcons also held advantages in first downs, plays run, and time of possession, but found themselves playing from behind for much of the contest.
The weekend also provided an opportunity for the Air Force Academy to honor one of the most important figures in program history. On Friday, the Academy dedicated a statue of legendary former head coach Fisher DeBerry outside the Kucera Legacy Center at Falcon Stadium. DeBerry, the winningest coach in program history with a 169-109-1 record over 23 seasons, led the Falcons to three conference championships, 12 bowl appearances, and a record 14 Commander-in-Chief’s Trophies. The College Football Hall of Famer and his family were also recognized during the first quarter of Saturday night’s game.
North Dakota State “drew first blood” on their opening drive of the game, a nine-play possession that set up a 31-yard rushing touchdown for Mitchell out of the shotgun. With Drew Klein’s extra point, the Bison led 7-0 at the 9:54 mark of the opening quarter. Air Force also suffered an early loss on defense when safety Cade Paterson was ejected for targeting on the fifth play from scrimmage.
Air Force went three-and-out on their first possession. North Dakota State’s offense then maintained control of the football for 8:44, ending a 16-play possession with Hayes’ 17-yard touchdown run in the opening minute of the second quarter. The Bison led 14-0.
Air Force and North Dakota State exchanged punts on the next two possessions of the game. The Falcons finally scored at 8:14 of the second quarter, when junior wide receiver Mason Hayes, on a trick play, threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to fellow wide receiver Adam Hrynciw. Carter Cremascoli’s extra point was good to make the score 14-7.
The Bison answered by marching down the field for their third touchdown of the game, a 44-yard pass from Hayes down the middle to wide receiver Mekhi Collins. North Dakota State led 21-7 with 5:20 left in the first half.
Air Force’s next series resulted in an interception. Szarka was picked off near the Falcons 50-yard line by linebacker Gavin Sell. Air Force linebacker Blake Fletcher came to the rescue on the Bison’s next possession. His interception and 85-yard return for a touchdown made the score 21-13 with just under two minutes in the second quarter. Cremascoli’s extra point was blocked after the pick-six.
North Dakota State got the ball back and scored again before halftime. A monster 51-yard pass from Hayes to wide receiver Jackson Williams set up Mitchell’s one-yard touchdown run. Air Force had time for one play before time expired in the half.
The Bison led the Falcons 28-13 at halftime.
Air Force went three-and-out on their opening possession of the second half. North Dakota State’s offense “came out swinging” on their first series of the third quarter. Hayes’ 41-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Logan Conklin, coupled with the extra point, increased the Bison’s lead to 35-13.
The Falcons’ 12-play, 7:02 possession ended in heartbreak as Air Force had to settle for a field goal, one that Cremascoli missed from 28 yards.
After North Dakota State went three-and-out on their next possession, Szarka and the Air Force offense put together a 14-play touchdown drive that culminated in the quarterback’s two-yard rushing touchdown. Air Force’s two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score 35-19.
The Falcons’ defense was again able to stop the Bison offense, forcing North Dakota State to punt. On the following series, Air Force used three of their quarterbacks, Szarka, Medders, and Kemper Hodges, on a scoring drive. Hodges’ two-yard rushing touchdown brought the drive to an end. Another failed two-point conversion left the score at 35-25 with 4:26 to play.
North Dakota State increased their lead to 38-25 on Klein’s 56-yard field goal, the longest field goal in program history. Medders led the Air Force offense on their final drive of the game, the third consecutive to produce a touchdown. The sophomore playcaller completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Matt Long with 50 seconds left in the game. With the extra point, the Falcons still trailed by six.
Cremascoli’s attempt at an onside kick failed, and North Dakota State took two knees to end the hard-fought contest 38-32.
With this victory, North Dakota State improved to 3-0, while Air Force fell to 1-1. The Falcons head into the bye week before hitting the road for the first time this season to face off against Mountain West foe Nevada on Saturday, September 26. The game has been selected by Fox Sports, but the network and kickoff time are still to be determined.
Bye Weeks All Around
Week 2 proved to be a difficult one for the service academies, with Army, Navy, and Air Force each falling to 1-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play. All three programs now enter a bye week before returning to conference action.
Army and Navy will both hit the road on Friday, Sept. 25, with the Black Knights facing Temple and the Midshipmen taking on UAB. Air Force returns to action the following day with a road matchup against Nevada. For all three teams, the early season conference losses leave little room for error as they move deeper into the 2026 campaign.
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