WEST POINT, N.Y. — Bryson Daily has made quite an impact in the American Athletic Conference, earning recognition as the offensive player of the year and the MVP of the championship match. Coaches and fans alike believe he deserves an even more prestigious accolade: the Heisman Trophy, the highest honor in college football.
Following the Army Black Knights’ 35-14 triumph over Tulane, head coach Jeff Monken advocated for Daily’s inclusion in the Heisman race. Monken articulated that a quarterback with such tremendous performances, including rushing for over 100 yards in ten consecutive games, is rightly deserving of a place in New York for the Heisman presentation next Saturday.
“Why wouldn’t the starting quarterback of an 11-1 Army team, who just clinched the conference title, be considered?” Monken expressed. He emphasized Daily’s essential contribution to his team, asserting, “There’s a lot of great players in college football; however, no one is more crucial to their squad than Bryson Daily.” Monken pointed out that Daily’s status as the most valuable player in college football is undeniable.
In the championship game, Daily made his mark by scoring four rushing touchdowns, which not only matched the AAC Championship record but also pushed his season total to 29 touchdowns—a new conference record. This remarkable feat ties him with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, another strong contender for the Heisman.
The 221-pound Texan accumulated 126 yards on 25 carries, showcasing his remarkable prowess on the field. He successfully led the Black Knights on crucial fourth-down attempts, scoring on runs of 5, 3, 4, and 7 yards. Tulane coach Jon Sumrall likened Daily’s playing style to that of a linebacker, illustrating the unique and robust style he brings to the quarterback position.
During a post-game reflection, Daily credited his offensive line for their exceptional performance. He noted the line’s ability to create significant movement, stating, “The line of scrimmage was getting moved 2-to-3 yards and by the fourth quarter 4-to-5 yards.” Their efforts exemplified a well-coordinated team effort, even against a strong opponent noted for their defensive strategies.
Despite the simplicity of Army’s offensive scheme, it remains difficult for opponents to counter largely due to Daily’s remarkable skills. He has amassed 1,480 rushing yards this season, even after missing one game and with one more regular-season match remaining. That final game will take place next Saturday against Navy in Landover, Maryland.
Monken continues to support the idea of Daily being recognized with the Heisman award, yearning to see him join the ranks of Army legends such as Felix “Doc” Blanchard, Glenn Davis, and Pete Dawkins. “I don’t have a vote, but I truly believe he deserves to be recognized,” Monken stated. He expressed optimism that Daily’s performance and talent make him a worthy candidate for this historic honor in college football.
