Meet Bryson Daily: Army’s Unstoppable Quarterback and the Heart of a Historic Season
WEST POINT, N.Y. — When Army assistant head coach for offense Mike Viti first watched high school tape of Bryson Daily, he knew he was looking at something special. But even he couldn’t have predicted the meteoric rise of the Black Knights’ record-setting quarterback. Viti’s initial evaluation of Daily still sits on his computer, and it reads more like a description of a street brawler than a football player.
“It looked like he was in a street fight every time he carried the ball,” Viti said. “He looked like he was fighting, just a different running style. And then you find out he was a hurdler on the track team and a coach’s kid, and you get real excited. You knew you were watching a brawler.”
Daily’s journey from a small-town Texas high school to leading the unbeaten and No. 19 Army Black Knights into a prime-time showdown against No. 6 Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium is nothing short of remarkable. This Saturday night, the stakes couldn’t be higher, with College Football Playoff implications on the line. Army, a two-touchdown underdog, hasn’t played a game of this magnitude in decades.
A Small-Town Star with Big-Time Grit
Daily’s toughness was forged in Abernathy, Texas, a town of just 230 students located 20 miles north of Lubbock. As a ninth grader, he became the starting quarterback for Abernathy High and led the Antelopes to the 3A state semifinals. But he wasn’t just a quarterback. Daily also played linebacker, kicked field goals, punted, and even nailed a game-winning 27-yard field goal as a freshman. (His dad jokes that Bryson now claims it was a 47-yarder.)
In addition to football, Daily was a multi-sport athlete. He played point guard on the basketball team, pitched and played shortstop in baseball, and competed in hurdles and discus on the track team. His versatility and competitive spirit screamed “Army football player,” according to Black Knights head coach Jeff Monken.
“He’s tough as s—,” Monken said of the 6-foot, 221-pound senior captain. “He runs hard. He does everything hard, and what he does for us as a leader is just as important.”
Leading the Charge for Army’s Triple-Option Attack
Daily has been the face of Army’s historic season, matching the best start in program history at 9-0. The Black Knights’ triple-option offense, which leads the nation in rushing with 334.9 yards per game, is powered by Daily’s relentless running style. He ranks fifth nationally in rushing (132.7 yards per game) and is tied for second with 21 rushing touchdowns, trailing only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who has played two more games.
Daily’s physicality is unmatched. In Army’s 14-3 win over North Texas, he carried the ball 36 times—the most by any FBS player this season. “Bryson wants to punish you,” said Army center Brady Small. “When we see him lower that shoulder, whether it’s for an extra yard or 2 yards, that’s why we love him. It’s never about him.”
Overcoming Adversity
Daily’s toughness was tested earlier this season when he missed the Air Force game due to a painful foot infection that required a procedure to drain swelling. Watching the game from a hospital room, he was frustrated when technical issues prevented him from streaming the first quarter. “He about threw that sucker [laptop] across the room,” his father, Darrell Daily, said.
Despite the setback, Daily returned the following week to carry the ball 36 times against North Texas. “I’m not sure anybody or anything was going to keep him out of that game,” his father added.
A Family of Competitors
Daily’s competitive spirit runs deep. His parents, both retired coaches, instilled in him a love for sports and a relentless work ethic. His grandfather, Buddy Comer, taught him to channel his intensity into determination, often reminding him to keep a “cool head and hot heart.” Daily even has “CHHH” tattooed on his arm as a tribute to that mantra.
Although no one in his family has a military background, Daily felt an immediate connection to West Point. “It wasn’t just about football. It was about being a part of something bigger than just yourself,” he said.
What’s Next for Army and Daily?
With a bye week to recover, Daily and the Black Knights are gearing up for their biggest test yet against Notre Dame. Army is one of just three unbeaten FBS teams, alongside Oregon and Indiana, and the only one to win every game by double digits. But Notre Dame’s defense, which has allowed just seven rushing touchdowns in 10 games, will be a formidable challenge.
Daily’s family will be in the stands at Yankee Stadium, cheering him on as he leads Army into uncharted territory. Beyond this season, Daily plans to begin his military service in infantry, but not before spending next year coaching at West Point’s prep school.
For now, though, Daily is focused on the task at hand. “We’re just trying to enjoy every moment and chase that winning feeling,” he said. “It’s no different this game than it was last game.”
Whether it’s a street fight or a battle against the Fighting Irish, Bryson Daily is ready to lead Army into the spotlight.
Originally Written by: Chris Low
