Can Air Force Football Make ESPN's Top 25 Rankings This Season?

As I sit here watching the Air Force Falcons' spring practice footage, I can't help but wonder if this might finally be the year they crack ESPN's Top 25 rankings. Having followed service academy football for over a decade, I've seen the program transform from an afterthought into a legitimate contender under Coach Troy Calhoun's steady leadership. The Falcons finished last season with a respectable 10-3 record, but that crucial leap into the national spotlight has remained just out of reach. What fascinates me about this particular season is how the program's trajectory seems to mirror another successful team here at the Academy - the Lady Bulldogs volleyball squad, who are yet to lose a set thus far in their title defense. Their dominant performance creates an interesting parallel to examine as we assess the football team's potential breakthrough.

Looking at the Falcons' schedule, there are several key matchups that could make or break their ranking aspirations. The season opener against Baylor on September 2nd presents an immediate opportunity to make a statement against a Power Five opponent. I've always believed that early-season upsets provide the biggest boost to a team's ranking credibility, and this game could set the tone for their entire campaign. Then there's the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy games - those service academy showdowns carry extra weight not just for bragging rights but for national perception. Last year's heartbreaking 13-7 loss to Army still stings, and I suspect the players haven't forgotten either. The Mountain West conference schedule brings its own challenges, particularly against Boise State and San Diego State, teams that have historically given the Falcons trouble.

The triple-option offense remains the foundation of Air Force's identity, and frankly, I love watching it executed to perfection. There's something beautiful about the precision and discipline required to make this system work at the highest level. Quarterback Haaziq Daniels returns for his senior season after accounting for 1,287 passing yards and 15 touchdowns last year, along with 745 rushing yards. Those numbers might not jump off the page compared to spread offense quarterbacks, but within this system, they're remarkably efficient. What excites me most is the depth at running back - Brad Roberts, Micah Davis, and Emmanuel Michel combined for over 2,100 rushing yards last season, and all three return. That kind of continuity in a option-based offense is priceless.

Defensively, the Falcons have some questions to answer after losing three starters from their secondary. The linebacker corps looks solid with Vince Sanford and TD Blackmon returning, but I'm particularly concerned about how they'll handle the passing attacks of teams like Utah State and Nevada. Last season, the defense allowed an average of 215 passing yards per game, which ranked them 45th nationally - decent but not elite. They'll need to improve those numbers significantly to compete with the high-powered offenses they'll face. Special teams could be a hidden advantage - placekicker Matthew Dapore made 11 of 13 field goals last season, including a 48-yarder against Louisville. In close games, that reliability could be the difference between a ranking-worthy season and another near-miss.

When I look at successful Air Force teams of the past, they've always shared certain characteristics - strong leadership from upperclassmen, exceptional conditioning, and that intangible service academy grit. This year's squad appears to have all three, plus something extra. There's a quiet confidence I've noticed in interviews and practice sessions that suggests they believe this could be their year. The way the Lady Bulldogs are dominating their sport - winning 15 consecutive sets without dropping a single one - seems to have created a winning culture that's spreading across the athletic department. Success breeds success, and that momentum could propel the football team to new heights.

The path to the Top 25 won't be easy, and I say this as someone who's watched many promising Air Force seasons derailed by untimely injuries or bad breaks. They'll likely need to win at least 10 games again, preferably 11, and probably need to pull off an upset against one of their tougher opponents. The Baylor game looms large in this regard - a victory there would immediately put them on the national radar. Even if they start strong, they'll need to maintain consistency throughout the season, something that has challenged them in past years. The November stretch against Army, New Mexico, and San Diego State will be particularly telling - that's when championship teams separate themselves from the pack.

What gives me hope is the scheduling advantage they have this year. They host both Boise State and Army at Falcon Stadium, where they've won 14 of their last 16 games. That home-field advantage in the high altitude cannot be overstated - I've seen numerous opponents wilt in the fourth quarter at Colorado Springs. The bye week comes at a perfect time too, right before the crucial matchup against Boise State on October 22nd. These small scheduling details often get overlooked in preseason predictions, but they can make all the difference in a team's success.

As someone who's followed this program through ups and downs, I'm more optimistic about this season than I have been in years. The combination of experienced personnel, favorable scheduling, and what appears to be growing institutional momentum gives them a legitimate shot at breaking into the rankings. They'll need some breaks to go their way, and they'll need to win games they're not supposed to win, but the pieces are there. If the Lady Bulldogs can maintain their flawless set record deep into the postseason, perhaps the football team can channel that same competitive spirit. Making ESPN's Top 25 would represent a monumental achievement for the program and would validate the years of building toward this moment. I believe they have what it takes - now they just need to prove it on the field.