WEST POINT, N.Y. — Air Force came through in the closing minutes Saturday, defeating Army 24-21 to reclaim the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for the first time since 2022.
The Falcons relied on a strong rushing attack, timely defensive plays and a fourth-quarter touchdown connection between quarterback Evan Medders and tight end Simon Kibbee to secure the victory at West Point.
The win completed a sweep of the service academy rivalry for Air Force, which previously defeated Navy 14-9 on October 3. With victories over both Army and Navy, the Falcons (7-2) earned the coveted trophy and ended their three-year wait to regain bragging rights among the nation’s military academies.
Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun added another milestone to his program’s history. The Falcons have now captured the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy 22 times, including six championships under Calhoun, who is in his 19th season leading the program.
Air Force also improved its record against Army to 39-21-1 in the longest uninterrupted intersectional rivalry in college football.
The Falcons established control early, receiving first-half touchdown runs from Kemper Hodges and Medders to build a 17-7 halftime advantage.
Army (5-4), however, refused to go quietly.
The Black Knights responded with consecutive scoring drives in the third quarter, taking their first lead of the afternoon and putting pressure on Air Force heading into the final period.
But the Falcons quickly regained control.
On the opening play of the fourth quarter, Medders connected with Kibbee on a pass over the middle of the field. The 6-foot-6 tight end found himself wide open and raced into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown, restoring Air Force’s advantage and giving the Falcons the lead for good.
The defense followed with another important contribution.
Air Force defensive back Korey Johnson intercepted an Army pass on the Black Knights’ next possession, giving the Falcons an opportunity to extend their lead. However, Army’s defense responded with a crucial fourth-down stop near the goal line to prevent another score.
With the game still within reach, Army needed one final offensive response.
Instead, the Black Knights went three-and-out and were forced to punt with 5:18 remaining. Air Force took possession and successfully managed the clock, preventing Army from getting another opportunity to tie or win the game.
When the final seconds expired, the Falcons celebrated a hard-fought victory and reclaimed the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
Army’s Ground Game Falls Short
Despite the loss, Army produced several positive performances offensively, particularly on the ground.
Godspower Nwawuihe led the Black Knights with 82 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Bryson Luter added 81 yards and another score.
However, Army could not find the necessary offensive production late in the game to overcome Air Force’s fourth-quarter touchdown.
For the Falcons, Hodges and Medders provided the early scoring punch, while Medders’ connection with Kibbee ultimately delivered the decisive play.
Air Force’s defense then made sure the lead stood, producing the stops needed to close out the rivalry victory.
Up Next:
Air Force: Returns home next Saturday to host San Jose State as the Falcons look to build on their Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy victory.
Army: Remains at West Point to host East Carolina on November 21, looking to bounce back from the disappointing loss.
