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5 Shocking Takeaways From The Air Force Academy Football 2025 Season: CiC Trophy Heartbreak And The Future Of The Triple Option

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As of December 2025, the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) football program, known for its disciplined approach and unique offensive scheme, is navigating a critical offseason following a highly disappointing 4-8 campaign. The Air Force Falcons finished the 2025 season with a losing record, a significant drop from their recent run of success, leaving fans and analysts questioning the immediate future of the program and the sustainability of the vaunted Triple Option offense in modern college football. The team’s primary goal—securing the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy—also ended in heartbreak, marking a tough year for the cadets in Colorado Springs.

This deep dive into the Falcons’ most recent season provides a crucial, up-to-date look at the key moments, star players, and looming questions for Head Coach Troy Calhoun and his staff. From the unexpected struggles in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) to the dramatic losses against their service academy rivals, here is everything you need to know about Air Force Academy football right now.

The 2025 Season: A Commander-in-Chief's Trophy Heartbreak

The 2025 campaign will be remembered as one of near-misses and significant challenges for the Air Force Falcons. Finishing with a 4-8 overall record and a 3-5 mark in the Mountain West Conference, the team struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. The program, which prides itself on winning the annual service academy rivalry, failed to secure the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy (CiC) for the year, a result that overshadowed the entire season.

  • CiC Trophy Loss to Navy: In a thrilling, high-scoring affair, the Falcons fell to the Navy Midshipmen with a final score of 34-31. This defeat was the first leg of the trophy series and set a challenging tone for the season’s most important competition.
  • CiC Trophy Loss to Army: The final nail in the CiC Trophy coffin came against the Army Black Knights. Air Force lost a close, hard-fought battle 20-17, ceding the trophy to Navy for the 2025 season. This outcome was a major disappointment for the program, despite Air Force still holding the most all-time CiC victories with 21.
  • MWC Struggles: While the Falcons managed conference wins against teams like San Jose State, they suffered significant losses to Mountain West rivals such as Boise State and Utah State, preventing them from competing for a conference title.

The team’s overall 4-8 finish marks a rare down year for Head Coach Troy Calhoun, who has historically maintained one of the most consistent programs in the Group of Five. The focus now shifts to how the Falcons will regroup and leverage their experienced roster to bounce back in the 2026 season.

Decoding the Falcons' Triple Option Attack and Key Players

Air Force's identity is inextricably linked to the Triple Option offense, a run-heavy scheme that requires unparalleled discipline and execution. The 2025 season saw the Falcons continue to rank among the national leaders in rushing yards per game, averaging over 260 rushing yards per contest.

The Quarterback and Top Rushers

The success of the Triple Option hinges on the Quarterback's decision-making, and the 2025 season saw a committee of talented players leading the charge. Junior Kemper Hodges was listed as the starting quarterback, tasked with making the critical "reads" on every play. However, the rushing attack was often spearheaded by other key figures.

  • Liam Szarka (QB/Rusher): Szarka, a Sophomore, emerged as one of the team's top rushers, demonstrating the versatility required in the option scheme where the quarterback often functions as a primary running back.
  • Owen Allen (RB): As a Junior Running Back, Allen was another crucial component of the ground game, providing the tough, interior running that sets up the perimeter plays.
  • Bruin Fleischmann (TE): Senior Tight End Fleischmann was a key target in the passing game, an often-overlooked component of the option attack, and was recently noted for offensive statistics against Colorado State.

The offense’s ability to control the clock and keep opposing defenses on the field remains its greatest strength, but the 2025 results suggest that while the scheme is still effective, the team struggled to convert critical scoring opportunities, especially in the close losses.

The Troy Calhoun Era and the Future of Air Force Football

Head Coach Troy Calhoun remains the steady hand guiding the Air Force program. With a tenure marked by consistent success and a high level of performance despite the unique challenges of coaching at a service academy, Calhoun's leadership is seen as vital for the Falcons' future. His ability to rally the team after a tough start to the 2024 season was noted as a sign of his "coaching genius," a trait he will need to display again following the 4-8 finish in 2025.

Coaching Staff and Recruiting Outlook

The continuity of the coaching staff is a major asset. Key staff members, including Marc Bacote (Tight Ends), Jake Campbell (Slot Backs), and Tim Horton (Running Backs/Special Teams), are essential in refining the complex Triple Option scheme and developing the cadet-athletes.

Recruiting is always a unique challenge for the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), as potential players must also commit to a military career. The 2025 recruiting cycle, however, brought in promising talent, with commits like linebacker Nate Clifford and defensive back Mekhi Campbell. These incoming recruits are expected to bolster the roster and provide the depth needed to compete for the MWC title and the CiC Trophy in the coming years.

Game Day Experience: Traditions That Make Falcon Stadium Unique

Attending an Air Force Falcons game is more than just watching football; it is a full immersion into the unique culture and traditions of the Air Force Academy. The games are held at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, which first opened its doors in 1962. The atmosphere is consistently ranked among the best in college football, driven by the dedication of the Cadet Wing.

Must-See Air Force Traditions:

  • The Wings of Blue Parachute Team: Before kickoff, the renowned Wings of Blue parachute demonstration team descends into Falcon Stadium, often carrying the American flag, providing a breathtaking spectacle that highlights the Academy's mission.
  • The Cadet March-On: The entire Cadet Wing marches onto the field in formation, showcasing the military precision and discipline that defines the institution. This tradition is a powerful display of unity and patriotism.
  • The "Say Cheese" Tradition: One of the most quirky and beloved traditions involves fans throwing slices of yellow "American" cheese onto the field after the Falcons score a touchdown. While the exact origin is debated, it is a fun, unique element of the Air Force game day experience that fans look forward to.

These traditions, combined with the spectacular flyovers by various Air Force aircraft, make a trip to Falcon Stadium a bucket-list experience for any college football enthusiast, reinforcing the deep connection between the team and the larger U.S. Air Force community.

The Road Ahead: 2026 Outlook and Program Resilience

The 2025 season was a step back, but the Air Force Academy football program has a history of resilience. The core strength of the team—the disciplined execution of the Triple Option and the unwavering commitment of the cadet-athletes—remains intact. With key players like Szarka and Allen returning, and the coaching staff prepared to adapt, the Falcons are already focused on the 2026 season.

The primary goal will be to reclaim the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and improve their standing in the Mountain West Conference. The unique demands placed on these student-athletes, who balance rigorous military training with Division I football, means their mental toughness is rarely matched. The 2026 season will be a true test of this resilience as the Falcons look to prove that 2025 was merely an anomaly in the successful tenure of Head Coach Troy Calhoun.

5 Shocking Takeaways From the Air Force Academy Football 2025 Season: CiC Trophy Heartbreak and the Future of the Triple Option
air force academy football
air force academy football

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