Team Chemistry Stands Out to Dallas Daley Ahead of 2026 Season
8/28/2026 7:18:00 AM | Football
Team Chemistry Stands Out to Dallas Daley Ahead of 2026 Season
By Tanner Evans
When senior linebacker Dallas Daley arrived at Air Force, "the connection from player to player" was what convinced him he was in the right place.
"When you look at bigger schools that have been impacted by the transfer portal, people weren't as connected," Daley said. "But when you come here, you can really feel the bond between the team."
That bond was just as strong on his first day on campus as it is today, and it's that same connection that makes the linebacker room so special.
"We've all been together for four years now, so we're all super tight," Daley said. "I think we've got a legit group of guys in the linebacker room from top to bottom."
He went on to discuss the importance of linebackers being captains of the defense when asked if it was something he took pride in.
"Yeah, for sure, it's something that coach Lamendola harps on," Daley said. "It's our duty to take control of the defense, and I think we do a fair job of that."
But taking control of the defense extends beyond making plays on the field. The leadership has carried into the offseason, where Daley has looked for ways to make the group better while helping younger players adjust to the changes around them.
"There's a slight change in the playbook with , so just kind of getting a grasp on that," Daley said. "And then I'm just trying to build up the younger guys and create some depth there."
For Daley himself, the challenge now is building off the momentum he created in 2025. The standout senior put together a career year, averaging 6.5 tackles per game over his final six contests. He capped off the season with a strong performance against Colorado State, where he recorded five tackles, including one for loss, and a pass breakup.
That momentum carried into the offseason, where Daley and the rest of the linebacker room continued building toward their 2026 campaign without much of a break in preparation.
"I think it rolled into spring ball, and then spring ball hasn't really ended," Daley said. "We've kept everything together throughout the summer so we're just ready to hit the ground running."
By Tanner Evans
When senior linebacker Dallas Daley arrived at Air Force, "the connection from player to player" was what convinced him he was in the right place.
"When you look at bigger schools that have been impacted by the transfer portal, people weren't as connected," Daley said. "But when you come here, you can really feel the bond between the team."
That bond was just as strong on his first day on campus as it is today, and it's that same connection that makes the linebacker room so special.
"We've all been together for four years now, so we're all super tight," Daley said. "I think we've got a legit group of guys in the linebacker room from top to bottom."
He went on to discuss the importance of linebackers being captains of the defense when asked if it was something he took pride in.
"Yeah, for sure, it's something that coach Lamendola harps on," Daley said. "It's our duty to take control of the defense, and I think we do a fair job of that."
But taking control of the defense extends beyond making plays on the field. The leadership has carried into the offseason, where Daley has looked for ways to make the group better while helping younger players adjust to the changes around them.
"There's a slight change in the playbook with , so just kind of getting a grasp on that," Daley said. "And then I'm just trying to build up the younger guys and create some depth there."
For Daley himself, the challenge now is building off the momentum he created in 2025. The standout senior put together a career year, averaging 6.5 tackles per game over his final six contests. He capped off the season with a strong performance against Colorado State, where he recorded five tackles, including one for loss, and a pass breakup.
That momentum carried into the offseason, where Daley and the rest of the linebacker room continued building toward their 2026 campaign without much of a break in preparation.
"I think it rolled into spring ball, and then spring ball hasn't really ended," Daley said. "We've kept everything together throughout the summer so we're just ready to hit the ground running."
Players Mentioned
LB
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