This college football season has been one of the most unpredictable and drama-filled in recent memory, largely thanks to the expanded College Football Playoff format and significant conference realignment. The changes have brought about more balanced matchups, heightened competition, and a larger margin for error compared to previous years.
As a result, several teams have emerged as surprises, and some coaches have done an exceptional job navigating the new landscape.
On Wednesday’s episode of the “Triple Option Podcast,” former college football head coach Urban Meyer shared his thoughts on the leading candidates for Coach of the Year. While many on the panel highlighted Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti for his work in a highly competitive Big Ten, Meyer had a different perspective. He believes that Army head coach Jeff Monken deserves more consideration for the remarkable job he’s done with the Black Knights this season.
“Jeff and I have known each other for a long time,” Meyer said. “When you talk about coaching, there’s not a single player on that Army team who probably received many scholarship offers to play at any major Division I school. They’re rugged, tough guys who play together, and they don’t stop.”
Meyer praised the discipline and unity that Monken has instilled in his players, adding, “I’ve coached against Army, Navy, and Air Force. It’s a nightmare playing at a service academy, and it’s even more of a nightmare when you’re facing an undefeated service academy, which is exactly what you’ve got with Monken and Army.”
Jeff Monken’s leadership this season has been nothing short of impressive. Taking a roster full of players who weren’t heavily recruited, with most of them never receiving Division I scholarship offers, Monken has built a resilient and unified team that thrives on discipline and toughness.
The Black Knights have fought their way to an 8-0 record, earning a No. 25 ranking in the nation, which is a significant achievement for the program. Army’s success this year has not gone unnoticed, and Monken’s ability to inspire his players and execute a winning strategy has been a testament to his coaching prowess.
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Currently, Army sits in first place in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) with a clear path to the conference title game. As they head into the final stretch of the season, the Black Knights have four games left to solidify their position. Two key matchups stand out: a Week 13 game against Notre Dame and their season finale against their historic rival, Navy.
The game against Notre Dame, although not affecting their conference standings, will be a major test and a chance for the Black Knights to prove themselves on a national stage.
In addition to the showdown with Notre Dame, Army also faces a tricky matchup against North Texas this week, followed by a contest against a 4-5 UTSA squad in Week 14. If Army can take care of business against North Texas and UTSA, they will set themselves up for a potential 10-2 record, with a prime opportunity to compete for the AAC title.
Meyer emphasized how Monken has managed to transform the Black Knights into a formidable force this year.
The coach has turned a group of players who were often overlooked by other programs into a cohesive unit that consistently outworks and outperforms its opponents. “What Jeff Monken has accomplished with these guys—who didn’t receive a slew of Division I offers and weren’t four- or five-star recruits—is incredibly impressive,” Meyer said. “The fact that Army is undefeated right now is a reflection of the culture, discipline, and resilience that Monken has built in that locker room.”
The praise from Urban Meyer carries weight, considering his own successful coaching background and his understanding of the challenges involved in managing a college football program.
Monken’s ability to navigate those challenges and guide Army to such a strong performance this season has earned him recognition as a Coach of the Year candidate, even if he isn’t the obvious choice compared to coaches from more high-profile programs.
Whether Army will ultimately capture the AAC title remains to be seen, but their journey so far has been nothing short of remarkable.
With Jeff Monken at the helm, the Black Knights are poised to make history, and their success is a reminder of the value of grit, discipline, and teamwork in a sport that is often dominated by star power and flashy talent.
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