Exactly two months ago, the 2024-25 football team played their final game in Shreveport, Louisiana. We’re back with what seems like yesterday, preparing for the 2025-26 season.
It's always exciting to be back on the practice field for another spring season, especially as new cadets arrive, eager to compete for a spot. The first practice brings a special kind of energy for returning players, who are pumped for another season. For those stepping onto the field for their first last spring practice, it’s a bittersweet moment. It’s exciting, but it also hits a little differently. Each practice brings you one step closer to your last first game, the last time you’ll travel with the team, and the realization that the “lasts” are quickly becoming a reality.
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| 2026 Seniors Gavin Shields and Collin Matteson during first spring practice |
While the days are long, hard, and exhausting, this is what they train for—not just on the field, but as Army Cadets, where the physical and mental challenges prepare them for battle.
As I step onto the field, I take in the sights of new faces alongside the familiar ones, and I can't help but reflect on each drill unfolding before me. I wonder which players will step into the key roles vacated by seniors who are moving on to the next chapter of their journey. Some who show up that once wore that Army jersey to display their skills in a completely different position!
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| 2025 Senior Safety Max DiDomenico in the Quarterback position during Spring Practice |
Catching glimpses of coaches demonstrating drills, shifting body positions for correct technique, and calling one out good or bad!
Many colleges are moving away from spring games for a variety of reasons. I get it’s tough for some—there’s no real off-season, and concerns about player safety, pushing bodies too hard, and the transfer portal tampering are all valid. Personally, I love the spring game and the season that comes with it. I appreciate the chance to get a glimpse of the new talent coming in. Army typically starts with a fairly large roster, with players coming from prep school combined through the senior class. The spring season provides coaches with the time to work during practices and offers a valuable opportunity to see what these athletes can do in a game setting.
I had the chance to chat with returning senior Casey Larkin along with head coach Jeff Monken after the team wrapped up practice.
Larkin is excited to be back on the field, despite the quick turnaround. His passion for football is evident as he talks about how great it feels to be back with the team—energized and ready to go. As he speaks about working on his personal football IQ, he explains how understanding the offense's movements, focusing on key details, and getting his eyes right have been crucial to improving his game. "It's about upping that football IQ to slow the game down so you can play the game a lot faster," he says.
For these players, balancing football, academics, and other obligations at the academy doesn’t leave much room for free time during the season. Casey emphasizes the importance of sticking to a regimented routine. He’s found what works for him and remains committed to it.
And here’s a fun fact: did you know Casey has been snowboarding since he was 2? If it weren’t for football, he’d likely be snowboarding professionally!
Head coach Jeff Monken took some time to talk with me as well. He talked about how exciting it is to see the guys who were on the scout team last year. It's exciting to see their physical development since they first arrived as plebes. Seeing the team in full gear and watching who plays physically has him excited to get the next season underway.
When it comes to goals, Coach Monken emphasizes the importance of setting tangible objectives. However, he cautions his players not to dwell too much on them. Instead, he’d rather see them concentrate on doing their job to the best of their ability and following the plan they’ve set for success. Focusing on being the best we can be.
With college athletics, turnover is inevitable—whether from graduation or now with the transfer portal. It brings about year-to-year changes as key players graduate or move on. This year, the obvious departures include Daily graduating and Kanye Udoh who transferred. The team also loses some strong leaders in the locker room, like DiDomenico, Winokur, and Lewis, as well as three starting offensive linemen who played significant roles last season.
The excitement now comes from watching who will step up to fill those positions. One position to keep an eye on is quarterback, where four different players will be competing for the role.
This season is different. Guys will have to step up—it’s part of college football. Players graduate, and with the added turnover from the transfer portal, change is inevitable. But for us, it’s business as usual.
We’re still going to be a team that wants to run the football, and we want to be a team that can stop the run.
Coach Monken spoke about the tradition of spring practice and the spring game. It’s a great reward for the guys and a lot of fun, and it’s also a valuable opportunity for the coaches to learn a lot about their team.
As for notable players to watch this spring, the quarterback position stands out as one of the most interesting. There are four guys competing for the spot. Dewayne Coleman brings the most experience, Cale Hellums has limited experience, and Ethan Washington has almost none. Zach Mundell, back from injury, he’s different and he’s dynamic.
There are three key offensive lineman to fill, along with the loss of DiDomenico on defense. He was not only a captain and leader but also the quarterback of the defense. (Speaking of that QB of defense—just check the video proof).
There’s a lot going into this spring season as we move ahead into the new one!
One of my favorite parts of each season’s practices is the 4th Quarter Warrior competition. It’s always a blast to watch these guys let loose and have some fun after a hard practice. It’s not easy jumping into the mix when you’re surrounded by towering football players who don’t even realize you’re there because the excitement is through the roof—and it is loud!
