Washington, D.C. (December 14, 2024) — The Foundation for Teamwork announced today that Army West Point's offensive line is the recipient of the 2024 Joe Moore Award for Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football.
In a presentation at the team's hotel in Washington, D.C., ahead of the iconic Army-Navy Game presented by CBS Sports and USAA, Army's offensive line was honored with the Joe Moore Award—the only award in college football that recognizes an entire unit. This historic achievement marks Army's first-ever Joe Moore Award win and the first time a unit from a military academy has received this prestigious honor.
The Black Knights' offensive line stood out throughout the 2024 season, showcasing their unmatched consistency, toughness, effort, and discipline in a year defined by uneven play across college football. Their performance reflects the values of Duty and Honor, which are ingrained in the United States Military Academies, where character, discipline, and unity are the foundation of success—on the field and beyond.
"I've never felt more confident and proud to make this announcement," said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-founder of the Joe Moore Award. Taylor, who played guard and tackle at the University of Notre Dame under the award's namesake, legendary offensive line coach, Joe Moore, reflected on the process. "Every year, despite the hundreds of hours spent on evaluating these units, I still find myself worrying if we got it right—it's just part of the deal when you take on this kind of responsibility. But this year, that worry has been at an all-time low, because this group embodies everything this award is about. The discussions were fierce, and every voice was heard, but when the votes came in, we spoke with one voice—and that voice was loud and clear: Army's offensive line was the best in college football this year."
"Army's offensive line exemplifies everything Coach Joe Moore stood for," said Harry Hiestand, Moore disciple and longtime NFL and college offensive line coach. "This unit has worked tirelessly to uphold the standards of toughness, teamwork, and physical dominance that Joe believed defined great offensive line play."
"Army stood out early, maintained their dominance throughout the year, and never wavered, said Cole Cubelic, SEC Network sideline analyst, and Chairman of the Joe Moore Award Voting Committee. "Their performance is as deserving as any winner in our award's 10-year history. It feels fitting and appropriate that this group is the first-ever winner from a military academy —proving once again that excellence has no boundaries. We hope this recognition serves as a salute—not just to their performance on the field, but to the spirit of service and sacrifice they represent."
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Army's starting offensive line featured the same five players throughout the season, a rare feat and a true luxury at the offensive line position. Despite the common and expected challenges of injuries in the trenches, Army's unit was exceptional at staying healthy, taking care of themselves, and showing up for their teammates each week. Leading the way were senior LT Connor Finucane (13 starts), sophomore LG Paolo Gennarelli (13 starts), sophomore C Brady Small (13 starts), senior RG Bill Katsigiannis (13 starts), and senior RT Lucas Scott (13 starts).
"I'm proud of the performance of our entire team this season but none more than our outstanding offensive line," said Army head coach Jeff Monken. "They are truly the best in the country and the best offensive line on any team I've ever been a part of. They are tough, rugged, physical, play together, and are well coached by Mike Viti and Matt Drinkall. They have paved the path for the nation's best run game and two rushers of over 1,000 yards. This award is an honor and a source of pride for our entire team."