Both programs still live and die by the run, and that won't change. Army ranked 6th nationally in rushing a year ago, Navy 2nd — this is triple-option football at its purest, decided as much by discipline and clock control as by talent. Navy does return four starters on the offensive line, including All-AAC right tackle Malcolm Johnson, which should soften some of the hit from losing so many skill-position pieces.
Army's floor is higher on paper with Hellums, running back Godspower Nwawuihe and receiver Brady Anderson all back from a team that closed 2025 by blowing out UConn in the Fenway Bowl. Some American Conference previews are already floating Army as a dark horse. Navy still finished 11-2 with a Liberty Bowl win and a No. 23 ranking, but a new starting quarterback in a rivalry game is a different animal than a new starting quarterback in September.
History leans Navy's way at 64-55-7 all-time, and recent history leans even harder that direction with the current two-game streak. But rosters turn over fast in this rivalry, and Army returning its best offensive weapon while Navy replaces three of its top four skill players is the kind of split that can flip a series in a single Saturday.
Whichever way it breaks, this remains the one where records matter less than pride, tradition and a trophy neither academy will ever admit doesn't matter to them. Both sides will be running the option deep into the fourth quarter regardless of the scoreboard.