Army’s Jaydan Mayes Earns American Conference Defensive Player of the Week After Historic Pick-Six

Junior Cornerback’s 73-Yard Interception Return Propels Black Knights to Bowl Eligibility

IRVING, Texas – Army West Point junior cornerback Jaydan Mayes was named American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday, December 1, 2025, following his game-changing performance in the Black Knights’ 27-24 victory over UTSA on November 29.

Mayes returned an interception 73 yards for a touchdown late in the first half, providing a crucial momentum swing that helped Army secure bowl eligibility for the second consecutive season.

Historic Interception Return

The Fairfield, Ohio native’s pick-six was Army’s first interception returned for a touchdown since Bo Nicolas-Paul’s score at ULM in 2023, and the first takeaway return of any type since Kalib Fortner’s strip sack fumble return against Navy that same year.

Mayes’ 73-yard return was the longest interception return for a score since Chris Carnegie’s memorable 99-yard pick-six against UConn at Yankee Stadium on November 8, 2014. The play ranks as the third-longest interception return for a touchdown in Army history since at least 1995, trailing only Carnegie’s 99-yarder and Brian Hill’s 79-yard interception return at Hawaii on November 22, 2003.

Mayes’ Defensive Impact

The interception was Mayes’ first of the 2025 season after recording four interceptions in 2024. The junior defensive back now has six career interceptions through his first three seasons with the Black Knights.

Mayes’ ability to read the quarterback and make a game-changing play in a critical moment exemplifies the defensive playmaking that has become a hallmark of Army’s program under Head Coach Jeff Monken.

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Bowl Eligibility Secured

The victory over UTSA propelled Army to six wins on the season, clinching bowl eligibility for the second consecutive year. Bowl announcements are scheduled for December 7, the Sunday before the Army-Navy Game.

A bowl berth will mark Army’s 12th all-time bowl appearance. The Black Knights boast an impressive 8-3 all-time record in bowl games and are 5-1 under Monken, demonstrating the program’s ability to perform on college football’s biggest stages.

Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy on the Line

The Black Knight’s attention now turns to the most important game of the season: the 125th meeting with Navy on December 13 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Black Knights can reclaim the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy with a victory over the Midshipmen, which would mark the fifth time in nine years that Army has captured the prestigious service academy trophy. The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy is awarded annually to the service academy with the best record in games among Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Army enters the rivalry game with momentum from the UTSA victory and the confidence of having secured bowl eligibility. The Black Knights will look to carry that energy into one of college football’s most storied rivalries.

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Monken’s Defensive Philosophy Paying Dividends

Mayes’ recognition highlights the continued development of Army’s defense under Monken’s leadership. The Black Knights have emphasized creating turnovers and capitalizing on opponent mistakes, and Mayes’ pick-six perfectly exemplifies that philosophy in action.

The junior cornerback’s ability to not only intercept the pass but also return it 73 yards for a touchdown showcases the athleticism and playmaking ability that Monken has cultivated in his defensive backs.

Looking Ahead

With bowl eligibility secured and the Army-Navy Game on the horizon, the Black Knights have positioned themselves for a successful conclusion to the 2025 season. Mayes’ award-winning performance serves as a reminder of the talent and determination that define Army football.

The December 13 showdown with Navy will determine whether Army reclaims the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy and carries additional momentum into its bowl game. For Mayes and his teammates, the opportunity to defeat Navy and compete in a bowl game represents the culmination of a season’s worth of hard work and dedication.

Key Information

Player: Jaydan Mayes, Junior CornerbackHometown: Fairfield, OhioAward: American Conference Special Teams Player of the WeekPerformance: 73-yard interception return for touchdown vs. UTSA (November 29, 2025)Season Stats: 1 interception (2025), 4 interceptions (2024), 6 career interceptionsTeam Record: 6 wins (bowl eligible)

Upcoming Game: Army vs. NavyDecember 13, 2025M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD, The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy on the line

Bowl History:

• 12th all-time bowl appearance (pending)
• 8-3 all-time bowl record
• 5-1 bowl record under Jeff Monken

Historic Context:

• Longest Army interception return TD since Chris Carnegie’s 99-yarder vs. UConn (2014)
• Third-longest interception return TD since 1995
• First interception return TD since Bo Nicolas-Paul at ULM (2023)

Army West Point is bowl eligible for the second consecutive season and will face Navy on December 13 with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy on the line.