Army West Point Set for 2026 American Kickoff in Florida

Monken, Small, and Walter to represent the Black Knights as the American Conference brings its annual media event to St. Petersburg

By: J.J. Pavlick | New York, NY | July 14, 2026 |

Army Heads South for a National Stage

Army West Point will take center stage next week as Head Coach Jeff Monken and captains Brady Small and Owen Walter travel to St. Petersburg, Fla., for the 2026 American Kickoff. The two‑day event, held July 23–24 at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, marks the conference’s first media gathering in the city and brings together 28 of the league’s top student‑athletes and all 14 head coaches.

For Army, the appearance underscores both stability and rising expectations. Small, an all‑conference center, and Walter, one of the league’s most respected specialists, will join Monken for Thursday’s media sessions beginning at 11 a.m. ET, followed by Friday’s full slate of press conferences. Commissioner Tim Pernetti will open Friday’s program with remarks at 8:05 a.m. ET.

A Conference Spotlight with National Reach

The American Kickoff has evolved into one of the league’s signature preseason showcases, offering fans direct access to players and coaches through press conferences, photo opportunities, and meet‑and‑greets. Registration is available through TheAmerican.org/Kickoff, and ESPN+ will provide live coverage Friday morning beginning at 7:50 a.m. ET as Maria Trivelpiece, Rene Ingoglia, and Leger Douzable interview representatives from all 14 programs.

This year’s roster reflects the conference’s competitive depth. Five attendees earned all‑league honors last season, including Small, Florida Atlantic defensive lineman DJ Doggette Jr., Rice running back Quinton Jackson, Temple tight end Peter Clarke, and Tulane safety Jack Tchienchou. Six projected starting quarterbacks will also be present, headlined by Florida Atlantic’s Caden Veltkamp, UTSA’s Owen McCown, and Tulsa’s Baylor Hayes.

Army’s Identity on Display

Army’s presence in St. Petersburg arrives at a moment of renewed momentum for the program. Monken’s leadership and the stability of veterans like Small and Walter position the Black Knights as one of the league’s most disciplined and identity‑driven teams entering 2026. The Kickoff offers a national platform to reinforce that message before preseason camp begins at West Point.

Fans can attend in person or follow the event live on ESPN+, with additional breakout sessions available Friday and during Thursday’s afternoon block. For Army, the trip to Florida is more than a media obligation—it is the first formal step into a season defined by expectation, leadership, and the continued evolution of the program within the American Athletic Conference.