The Army Black Knights are gearing up for the 2026 college football season, and one of the key figures in their preparations is quarterback Cale Hellums. Offensive coordinator Cody Worley recently spoke about Hellums' development, drawing parallels to former quarterback Bryson Daily, who also had to wait two years before taking the reins as the starting signal caller.
Both Hellums and Daily faced challenges during their junior years, but they ultimately found success, leading Army to six wins in the regular season. As the team looks ahead to their season opener on September 5 against Bryant, Hellums is poised to take on a crucial leadership role, having made significant improvements in his understanding of the game and offensive system.
“I can’t wait,” Hellums expressed, reflecting his eagerness to showcase his growth on the field. Worley emphasized the strides Hellums has made, particularly in his comfort with the team’s offensive scheme and the pace of the game. He noted that Hellums’ progress mirrors the improvements Daily made from his junior to senior year.
Daily, who was the starting quarterback for the 2023 season, struggled with turnovers during his junior year but rebounded spectacularly in 2024, leading Army to 11 victories and finishing just outside the top five in Heisman Trophy voting. This trajectory serves as a hopeful model for Hellums as he enters his senior season.
In 2025, Hellums rose from third-string quarterback to starter after an injury to Dewayne Coleman. He made an immediate impact, setting a program record with 41 carries in a game against Kansas State, where he also contributed to a thrilling 24-21 upset victory. However, his early success was tempered by struggles in subsequent games, leading to a temporary return to the bench. Nonetheless, he regained the starting position by game six and maintained it for the remainder of the season.
Reflecting on his junior year, Hellums stated, “I think the best teacher is learning (first-hand) and learning from your mistakes, and that’s how you become better.” His performance was commendable, as he averaged over 23 carries per game, accumulating 1,223 rushing yards and scoring 18 touchdowns, while also passing for four touchdowns and 694 yards with only three interceptions.
As the offseason progressed, Hellums faced competition from sophomores Bryson Luter and Ethan Washington for the starting quarterback position. However, it was widely recognized that the job was Hellums’ to lose. Worley praised Hellums for his drastic improvement, noting that the game has slowed down for him, allowing for better decision-making and execution of the offense.
“Cale Hellums has made a drastic improvement, and I’ll say drastic,” Worley stated. “He’s been really consistent with decision making, much improved in fundamentals and option (offense) framework.” This growth has not only enhanced his performance but has also positioned him as a leader within the team.
Hellums himself acknowledged the importance of his offseason work, stating, “I think just having that year under my belt and then coming into the offseason with the guys and continue to perform and get better, I’m hoping that I (improved) on the right skills.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Black Knights, sharing that fulfilling his childhood dream of being a Division I quarterback has been a humbling experience.
As the Black Knights prepare for their season opener, all eyes will be on Cale Hellums to see how his offseason improvements translate into performance on the field. With a solid foundation built from his experiences, he is ready to lead Army into what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.
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