What Is 2015 Army Black Knights football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Army Black Knights football team represented the United States Military Academy in the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 3–9 record under head coach Jeff Monken. They played their home games at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, competing as an independent. The team ended a 14-year bowl drought by defeating Navy in the 2015 Army–Navy Game, securing bowl eligibility.

Key Facts

The 2015 Army Black Knights finished the season with a 3–9 overall record
They defeated Navy 21–17 in the 2015 Army–Navy Game, ending a 14-year losing streak
Army became bowl-eligible for the first time since 1996 after the Navy win
Head coach Jeff Monken was in his second season leading the program
Army played home games at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York

Overview

The 2015 Army Black Knights football team represented the United States Military Academy during the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Jeff Monken in his second year at the helm and played its home games at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York.

Despite finishing the regular season with a 2–10 record, Army achieved a significant milestone by defeating archrival Navy 21–17 in the 116th Army–Navy Game. This victory made the Black Knights bowl-eligible for the first time since 1996 and snapped a 14-year losing streak in the rivalry.

Record: The team finished the season with a 3–9 overall record after participating in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, where they lost to North Texas 38–35 in double overtime.
Head Coach: Jeff Monken entered his second season as head coach and led the team to its first winning season since 1996 by securing bowl eligibility.
Stadium: Michie Stadium, located at West Point, New York, served as the home field for all Army Black Knights home games during the 2015 season.
Offensive Scheme: The team ran a triple-option offense, a hallmark of Army football, which emphasized ball control and disciplined execution over passing.
Rivalry Win: The victory over Navy on December 12, 2015, was Army’s first in the series since 2001 and marked a turning point for the program’s resurgence.

Season Performance

The 2015 season was a pivotal year for Army football, marked by both struggles and breakthroughs. While the team faced challenges against stronger opponents, key wins and improved discipline signaled progress under Monken’s leadership.

September 5: Army opened the season with a 42–13 loss to Vanderbilt, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities early in the year.
October 3: A 41–37 win over UConn snapped a long losing streak and provided momentum heading into the rivalry game.
November 7: Army defeated Eastern Michigan 45–28, showcasing improved offensive consistency and depth.
November 21: A close 28–21 loss to Wake Forest demonstrated competitive improvement despite the final result.
December 12: The 21–17 win over Navy in Philadelphia was the defining moment of the season and secured bowl eligibility.
December 26: In the Heart of Dallas Bowl, Army lost 38–35 in double overtime to North Texas, finishing the year at 3–9.

Comparison at a Glance

Army’s 2015 season compared to recent years shows a clear trajectory of improvement, particularly in rivalry outcomes and bowl eligibility.

Season	Record	Army-Navy Result	Bowl Game	Head Coach
2011	3–9	Lost 17–14	No	Rich Ellerson
2012	3–9	Lost 17–14	No	Rich Ellerson
2013	3–10	Lost 34–0	No	Jeff Monken
2014	3–9	Lost 17–14	No	Jeff Monken
2015	3–9	Won 21–17	Lost to North Texas (38–35 OT)	Jeff Monken

While the overall win total remained low, the 2015 season marked a psychological and programmatic shift. Ending the losing streak against Navy and reaching a bowl game after nearly two decades demonstrated tangible progress under Monken’s leadership and laid the foundation for future success.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a turning point in the revival of Army football, symbolizing resilience and institutional pride. The victory over Navy and return to postseason play energized cadets, alumni, and fans alike.

Historic Win: The 21–17 victory over Navy ended a 14-year losing streak, the longest in the rivalry’s history, and restored pride in the program.
Bowl Eligibility: Army became bowl-eligible for the first time since 1996, marking a major step in competitive resurgence.
Recruiting Boost: Success on the field improved the team’s national profile, aiding future recruiting efforts for West Point.
Cultural Impact: The win over Navy was celebrated across military installations, reinforcing the symbolic importance of the rivalry.
Foundation for Growth: The 2015 season laid the groundwork for future winning seasons, including an 8–5 record in 2017.
Leadership Development: The season exemplified discipline and perseverance, core values emphasized in cadet training at the U.S. Military Academy.

The 2015 Army Black Knights may not have posted a winning record, but their achievements transcended the win-loss column. The season marked the beginning of a new era for Army football, one defined by renewed competitiveness and institutional pride.