With the conclusion of spring football at West Point, Army has named three team captains for the 2026 season. As voted by their current teammates, safety Stephen Nnadozie, center Brady Small, and long snapper Owen Walter, all seniors, were elected to lead the next Army football team into battle this upcoming fall.
Coach Monken’s Thoughts
“These men have earned the confidence of their teammates as captains of the 2026 Army football team because of their outstanding character and commitment to excellence,” said Head Coach Jeff Monken. “They embody the values of duty, honor, and country and are examples of service and professionalism to the Army Football Brotherhood and the Corps.”
Head Coach Jeff Monken Army West Point Black Knights
The 2026 Army Black Knights Captains
Stephen Nnadozie, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, continues the legacy of captains representing the Lone Star State. Nnadozie made just two starts last season but has appeared in twenty-two games the past two years, recording 30 combined tackles. He also added one pass deflection, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 2025.
A four-year starter on the offensive line, Brady Small is the backbone of this Army team. Hailing from Mount Ephraim, New Jersey, Small is one of the most decorated linemen in the program’s history. Small is a two-time first-team American Conference selection, a 2024 Joe Moore Award winner (Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football, the first Group-5 school to win the award), and is considered one of the top centers in the country. Through three years at West Point, Small has started all 39 games he has played in at the Academy.
Michie Stadium is under construction and almost ready for its debut in Fall 2026! Mandatory Credit: Patrick Rebain/Bad Dawg Media -Sports
The third and final captain named for the 2026 season is long snapper Owen Walter of Arlington Heights, Illinois. Walter made history with this announcement, becoming the first ever “specialist” to be named a team captain at Army. He has been the Black Knights’ long snapper the past two seasons, in 2024 and 2025, playing in 27 consecutive games under special teams coordinator Sean Saturnio. Per the Academy, Walter has never recorded a botched snap in his collegiate career.
Building On Last Season
The 2025 Army football team was led by inside linebackers Kalib Fortner and Andon Thomas, both of whom received Infantry branch assignments on “Branch Night” this past December.
The Fall Will Showcase The Brand New Michie Stadium
The team will resume practice during fall camp, with players expected to report in late July, and will now transition into its offseason running and lifting program. The Black Knights are set to kick off the 2026 football season on September 5th when they host FCS school Bryant University at the newly renovated Michie Stadium.
Army’s new captains—Brady Small, Stephen Nnadozie, and Owen Walter—represent everything the program stands for: discipline, toughness, and accountability. Small brings the steady leadership of a veteran lineman, Nnadozie anchors the defense with relentless energy, and Walter makes history as the first special teams player ever to earn the honor in program history. Three paths, one standard—the Army standard.
If you want deeper coverage of Army Football’s leadership core—the stories behind the captains, the culture they’re building, and the edge that defines this program—subscribe to the Bad Dawg Sports Newsletter for just $2 for the whole freaking year.
Two dollars. One year. Full access. No fluff. No filler. Just football that respects your time and your passion. Army’s new captains—Brady Small, Stephen Nnadozie, and Owen Walter—represent everything the program stands for: discipline, toughness, and accountability. Small brings the steady leadership of a veteran lineman, Nnadozie anchors the defense with relentless energy, and Walter makes history as the first special teams player ever to earn the honor in program history. Three paths, one standard—the Army standard.
If you want deeper coverage of Army Football’s leadership core—the stories behind the captains, the culture they’re building, and the edge that defines this program—subscribe to the Bad Dawg Sports Newsletter for just $2 for the whole freaking year.
Two dollars. One year. Full access. No fluff. No filler. Just football that respects your time and your passion.
Freelance Content Producer, Sports Analyst, Podcaster and Writer. Covering the New Jersey Devils for Bad Dawg Sports and the New York Red Bulls for Area Sports Network.
