2025 AAC Football Preview: Army and Navy Set to Shake Up the Conference Again

The 2025 AAC football season promises to be another thrilling chapter in college football, with Army and Navy once again poised to disrupt the balance of power. After a remarkable 2024 season that saw both service academies dominate the conference, the question on everyone's mind is: Can they do it again?

Army and Navy's 2024 Dominance

In their first year as conference rivals, Army and Navy combined for an impressive 22-2 record against AAC opponents, excluding their games against each other and national finalist Notre Dame. Army's defense was particularly formidable, allowing an average of just 10 points per game in their first nine victories. Navy, on the other hand, showcased a high-powered offense, outscoring AAC favorite Memphis 56-44 in a thrilling early-season matchup.

Key Players to Watch

Army Black Knights: With quarterback Bryson Daily leading the charge, Army's offense was nearly unstoppable. Daily rushed for 1,677 yards and 32 touchdowns, making him one of the most dynamic players in the conference. However, with Daily graduating, the pressure will be on senior Dewayne Coleman to fill his shoes.
Navy Midshipmen: Quarterback Blake Horvath was the heart of Navy's offense, rushing for 1,298 yards and 17 touchdowns while also throwing for 1,353 yards. His dual-threat capabilities make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. With Horvath returning, Navy is well-positioned for another strong season.

AAC Championship Contenders

While Army and Navy stole the spotlight in 2024, other teams in the AAC are not to be overlooked. Memphis and Tulane both won 20 combined games last season, and both programs continue to recruit at a high level. UTSA, ECU, and USF also showed promise, with each team finishing the season on a strong note.

2025 Projections

According to SP+ projections, Tulane is the early favorite to win the AAC, but Memphis, Navy, and Army are not far behind. The conference is expected to be highly competitive, with several teams having a legitimate shot at the championship.

Key Matchups

Army at Tulane (Oct. 18): A rematch of the 2024 AAC Championship game, this contest could have major implications for the conference title race.
Tulane at UTSA (Oct. 30): A Thursday night showdown that could determine the AAC's top contender heading into November.
Tulane at Memphis (Nov. 7): A critical late-season game that could decide the AAC's representative in the College Football Playoff.

Conclusion

The 2025 AAC football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With Army and Navy looking to repeat their 2024 success, and other teams like Tulane and Memphis vying for the top spot, fans can expect a season full of thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned as the action unfolds on the gridiron!