Army Falls Late to South Florida, 28–24
By: Greg Maresca and Peter Costarelli
Photo: Keith Martin
WEST POINT — On a warm, sunlit afternoon at Michie Stadium, Army West Point delivered the kind of performance that reflects the program’s identity: disciplined, physical, and unrelenting. For 59 minutes, the Black Knights controlled tempo, dictated possession, and stood toe‑to‑toe with South Florida. But a heartbreaking final minute turned a hard‑earned lead into a 28–24 defeat.
Army’s effort was defined by resilience. After falling behind 7-0 early on a Bulls touchdown pass, the Black Knights responded with one of their most methodical drives in recent memory a 9:57 march in the second quarter, their longest of the season, culminating in a 24‑yard touchdown strike from quarterback Cale Hellums to Zavier Mundell . It was Army’s first passing touchdown of 2026 a reminder of how far the offense has evolved.
Hellums was sharp throughout, completing 9 of 10 passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns, posting a career‑high .900 completion percentage . His poise helped Army seize a 14–7 halftime lead after a late scoring toss to Gabe Nwawuihe, who would later add a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Army’s ground game, the backbone of its identity, was steady and punishing. Nwawuihe carried 20 times for 94 yards, while the offensive line paved the way for 219 rushing yards on 51 attempts. The Black Knights controlled possession for 35:46, nearly twelve minutes more than USF, a testament to their ability to dictate pace.
Defensively, Army showed grit. Linebacker E. Walton led the way with 10 tackles, including a tackle for loss, and the unit held USF scoreless in the second quarter. Even as the Bulls found rhythm in the second half, Army refused to break, twice converting on fourth down and going a perfect 3-for-3 in the red zone.
The fourth quarter showcased Army’s trademark toughness. A 27‑yard field goal by Daniel Jones put the Black Knights ahead 17–14, and Nwawuihe’s 10‑yard touchdown run stretched the lead to 24–14 with under five minutes remaining. Michie Stadium roared — the kind of roar that has carried Army through decades of close battles.
But USF’s athleticism surfaced late. Quarterback Byrum Van Buren Jr. broke free for a 24‑yard touchdown run, cutting the lead to three. Then, with just 19 seconds left, he delivered a stunning 38‑yard touchdown pass to J. Porter, flipping the game’s outcome in a single play.
It was a cruel ending for a team that had done so much right. Army out‑rushed USF, matched them in first downs, and played turnover‑free football for the second straight week. They fought with the discipline and pride that define the Corps carrying the Black Flag onto the field and representing the 25th Infantry Division with honor.
Losses like this sting. But performances like this reveal character. Army played with heart, precision, and purpose. And while the final score favored South Florida, the Black Knights showed once again why they are one of college football’s most respected programs a team that never quits, never complains, and never stops fighting.
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