Army has a first-time FCS opponent for the second straight year this weekend. After welcoming Tarleton State to Michie Stadium to open the season in 2025, the Black Knights welcome the Bryant Bulldogs for this year’s opener. Luckily, the Bulldogs do not have the track record that Tarleton had and are not the upset threat the Texans proved to be. Nonetheless, the Black Knights find themselves up against an upstart program from Rhode Island hungry to prove itself in the national spotlight.
The Bulldogs are an even younger program than Tarleton State, beginning play in 1999. Bryant’s program began at the Division II level, winning two Northeast-10 championships in 2006 and 2007 and making the playoffs both years. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs did not make it past the first round either time.
Season Opening Victory pic.twitter.com/odcg6ZeIvT
— Bryant Football (@BryantUFootball) August 30, 2026
In 2008, the Bulldogs joined the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), entering the Northeast Conference. Bryant did not stay in the Northeast Conference and instead became proof of the ridiculousness of contemporary conference realignment.
Bryant’s football program needed a home after the school left the Northeast Conference for the MAAC in Olympic sports in 2022. Despite being in Smithfield, Rhode Island, Bryant joined the Big South to join natural rivals North Carolina A&T and Charleston Southern in that six-team league. The following year, two schools left the Big South, forcing the remaining four teams to form an alliance with the Ohio Valley Conference. Overnight, Bryant found itself football conference mates with the likes of Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee State, and Eastern Illinois. Thankfully, that arrangement lasted just one year before the northeast-heavy Coastal Athletic Association added Bryant for football.
Some Big time plays from Big time players last night. pic.twitter.com/1Dh45H68BN
— Bryant Football (@BryantUFootball) August 30, 2026
The Bulldogs have yet to reach the FCS Playoffs but have a commendable track record against FBS schools. Bryant is 1-3 all-time against the FBS. Outside of a 44-14 loss to UNLV in 2023, the Bulldogs have been competitive against FBS opponents. In 2021, they entered the fourth quarter of their first FBS game ever against Akron deadlocked at 14 apiece. The Zips pulled away for a 35-14 win, but the Bulldogs made a statement. The following year, Florida International needed a two-point conversion in overtime to escape with a 38-37 win.
Bryant finally got its first FBS win last year, beating UMass 27-26. The Bulldogs overcame a 20-3 deficit thanks to this year’s returning starting quarterback Brennan Myer’s 318 passing yards and three touchdowns. Fortunately for Bryant, Myer returns this year.
RECAP | The Bulldogs defeat Stonehill 24-6 in Massachusetts to begin the season 1-0.
— Bryant Football (@BryantUFootball) August 30, 2026
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The Bulldogs may not be as talented as Tarleton State, but they will rise to the occasion against Army. This game is arguably the biggest stage in the program’s history, at least at the FCS level. The Bulldogs will play on national linear television for the first time ever and travel to face one of college football’s most recognizable programs. If there were ever a time to make a statement to the college football world, this is it. Hopefully, Army recognizes this and prevents a repeat of last year’s opening day nightmare.
Go Army! BEAT BRYANT!!!
