The author of this article is Ralph D. Russo, who writes about college football for the Associated Press.

On Wednesday, the American Athletic Conference declared that it will include Army as a member for football only, beginning in 2024.

“I believe this will provide a great challenge for the Army,” stated AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco. “I am confident that Army will be highly competitive within our conference.”

The American football league will maintain a total of 14 teams by replacing SMU, who will be joining the Atlantic Coast Conference. Aresco has stated that there will be no further expansion for his conference at this time.

He stated that we are content with the number 14.

The inclusion of Army and Navy football in the same conference will not change their annual end-of-season game, which will still be considered a nonconference matchup in order to allow it to take place after the conference championships.

“When we first started, it was clear to us that we needed to maintain a distinction between Army and Navy,” Aresco stated.

One additional challenge that needed to be addressed was Army’s agreement with CBS Sports to televise their home games until 2028. The AAC has a separate agreement with ESPN until 2031-32.

The Army primarily participates in the Patriot League, alongside Navy. However, their football program has primarily been an independent team. From 1998-2004, the Black Knights were a part of Conference USA but were unable to win more than three games in a single season.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Army’s football team achieved two national championships and produced three Heisman Trophy recipients.

During its time in Conference USA, the Army football program experienced a prolonged period of decline that was marked by a 14-game losing streak against Navy.

Since 2016, under the leadership of coach Jeff Monken, Army has experienced greater and more steady achievements. They have participated in five bowl games and had two seasons with double-digit victories. In their last seven games against Navy, they have a record of 5-2.

During this season, Army has a record of 2 wins and 5 losses.

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Source: wralsportsfan.com