How Can Army Make College Football Playoffs After Latest Rankings Update? Exploring Black Knights’ Hopes

Army football fans are dreaming big, but let’s not sugarcoat it—it’s a tightrope walk to the playoffs. The Black Knights have had a diabolical season in their first year as members of the AAC, flexing a crazy 10-1 record. Their lone Blemish? 49-14, a complete obliteration on week 13 against Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame. Yet here they stand, ranked 24th, with an AAC title game against Tulane Green Wave (9-3) on the horizon. But even if they pull off a win against Tulane, Army’s road to the playoffs is far from clear-cut.

To even sniff the playoffs, the Army needs to execute flawlessly and cross their fingers for some chaos. Still, it might not be enough. First, they must handle Tulane in the AAC Championship. After that, they need to beat the Navy in the legendary Army-Navy game because here, style points literally matter. Then comes the tricky part: rooting for No. 20 UNLV to pull off the crazy upset by beating No. 10 Boise State in the Mountain West Championship.

The big issue? Boise State has Ashton Jeanty, who’s going to put in his best performance of the season to lock in on that Heisman trophy. According to bookies and analysts, the Broncos have a 66% chance of sealing the deal. So yeah, it’s giving underdog vibes, but Army’s got more heart than a Hallmark movie, so anything can happen. Then they need the playoff committees’ blessing and the football gods’ miracle to pull this through.

Even if the chips don’t fall their way, and Broncos beat UNLV this weekend. Army season is nothing short of legendary. The committee might not hand them a playoff ticket, but they’ve already earned respect in their AAC debut. Whether they’re gunning for the playoffs or taking out their frustrations on Navy in Week 16, one thing’s for sure: this season’s been all about proving they belong. And for the Army, “belonging” goes far beyond just football.

Army’s dual commitment

Here’s the thing about the Black Knights—they’re not just playing the ball; they’re building character for life. These guys aren’t just athletes; they’re future military officers with a commitment to serve their country for five years. Sure, a handful might shoot their shot at the pros with a waiver, but most of them are locked in on a mission that’s bigger than touchdowns or rankings. At West Point, football isn’t just a game—it’s a way to instill discipline, leadership, and teamwork.

That same commitment shines through in their football journey. Stepping into the AAC was a bold move, but it showed the program’s hunger for growth. Skeptics figured the Black Knights might fold under the weight of conference competition, but they’ve done quite the opposite, finishing with a stellar record and shutting down the doubters and naysayers. Now, with an AAC Championship berth and a chance (no matter how slim) at the playoffs, the Army is rewriting its narrative.

If Boise State rains on their playoff parade, Army will still have the Navy game to channel all that frustration. And even if the playoffs don’t come calling, the Black Knights can hold their heads high. This season’s already a W for a team that’s proving they belong on the national stage—whether it’s on the gridiron or the battlefield.