The Air Force football team is channeling the lessons learned from an unpredictable 2024 season into their spring practices. Despite early setbacks, the squad's confidence has grown significantly, driven by a strong finish to the previous campaign. The players now possess a firsthand understanding of what it takes to succeed, which sets them apart from last year when they were adjusting to new roles.
While the team faced significant personnel changes over the offseason, including the departure of several key players, the remaining members are focused on capitalizing on their recent successes. Sophomores Josh Johnson and Liam Szarka lead the quarterback competition, supported by Maguire Martin, Jackson King, and Brody Fortunati. On defense, despite losing some experienced players, the defensive front remains robust with returning seniors Daniel Grobe, Payton Zdroik, and Aiden Schwartz, along with promising freshman Jaylin Reese.
The team's resilience is evident as they build upon their late-season surge, where they averaged over 300 rushing yards in their final four games. This performance has instilled a sense of belief that they can replicate and even surpass those results. As the Falcons prepare for the upcoming season, their experiences have fueled their motivation, creating a determined and confident atmosphere in practice. The players are eager to translate this momentum into consistent success, demonstrating the power of perseverance and teamwork.