Air Force Offensive Line embraces ‘The Diesel’ identity ahead of 2026 season

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)--The Air Force football team's offensive line takes pride in doing the dirty work.

While running backs and quarterbacks often receive the headlines, the Falcons' success on offense starts in the trenches. Air Force finished third in the nation in rushing last season averaging 261 yards on the ground, and those up front believe setting the tone physically is what makes the offense go.

The group calls itself "The Diesel," a nickname that reflects exactly how the unit wants to play.

"We want lasting power," Head Coach Troy Calhoun said.

For senior linemen TJ Terascio and Alec Falk, that mindset is built on experience, toughness, and a commitment to running the football.

"We want to run the ball," Terascio said. "We want to dominate the game up front. That's what we pride ourselves on."

It is a role that often goes unnoticed outside of the meeting room and locker room, but one the group embraces.

"We don't get all the glory," Falk said. "Our pride comes from giving those guys the chance to get all the glory, score all the touchdowns and make all the plays."

For Falk, the offensive line mentality has been part of his football journey long before arriving at the Air Force Academy.

The Palmer Ridge graduate comes from a football family. His father played for the Falcons, and Falk helped anchor a dominant offensive line during his high school days as a member of a self-proclaimed group known as the "Monument Moving Company."

While the nickname may not have followed him to college, his connection to the community remains strong.

"There's a lot of pride being from here and representing the community," Falk said. "People know me, and they know I'm from Palmer Ridge. That's a cool feeling."

That local connection mirrors the chemistry Air Force's offensive line has built entering the new season. Veterans across the unit have created a group that prides itself on reliability, durability, and physical play.

"When your offensive line is that reliable and durable, they're so often the soul of your football team," Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun said. "The identity of your football team."

With another season approaching, Air Force is counting on "The Diesel" to once again power an offense that goes as its offensive line goes.