WEST POINT, N.Y. — Army West Point senior linebacker Kalib Fortner has been selected to compete in the 2026 Hula Bowl, one of college football’s most prestigious all-star showcases for senior athletes. The game kicks off Saturday, January 10 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DeLand, Florida, airing live on CBS Sports Network and featuring coaching by NFL veterans Jon Gruden and Jay Gruden.
A Leader On and Off the Field
Fortner’s journey at Army has been defined by relentless leadership, consistency, and a knack for rising to the occasion when it matters most. As a team captain in 2025, he anchored the Black Knights’ defense, starting all 13 games and leading by example both in the locker room and on the field. Coaches and teammates alike have praised Fortner’s work ethic, football IQ, and ability to inspire those around him.
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Stats and Accolades: A True Defensive Force
- 2025 Season:
- 13 starts
- 83 total tackles
- Team leader with 7.5 tackles for loss
- Fenway Bowl Defensive MVP
- Historic Honors:
- Only Army player ever to earn major-game defensive MVP honors in three consecutive years:
- 2023 Army–Navy Game MVP
- 2024 Independence Bowl Defensive Player of the Game
- 2025 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Defensive MVP
- Only Army player ever to earn major-game defensive MVP honors in three consecutive years:
- Career Totals:
- 39 career starts
- 232 total tackles
- Model of consistency and impact at linebacker
Black Knights News:
- Kya Smith Named Patriot League Player of the Week After Record-Breaking Week
- Army Women’s Basketball Dominates Colgate for Coach Kuester’s First Conference Win
- Army Men’s Basketball Win Streak Ends in 76-69 Loss to Colgate
Hula Bowl: The Next Challenge
The Hula Bowl is reserved for 120 of the nation’s top senior college football players, providing a critical stage for NFL, UFL, and CFL scouts. During Hula Bowl week, Fortner will participate in practices, one-on-one interviews, and game action against elite competition from across the U.S., Canada, and Japan. It’s a proving ground for the next level, and Fortner’s resume is built for the spotlight.
Army’s Hula Bowl tradition is strong—Lucas Scott competed last year before landing with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. Now, Fortner steps up to represent the Black Knights’ legacy of toughness, discipline, and leadership.
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#GoArmy #HulaBowl #BlackKnights
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