The Navy Midshipmen step into their October 4, 2025 rivalry matchup against Air Force with confidence, momentum, and the comfort of playing at home in Annapolis, where the crowd and atmosphere will provide a strong boost for a team that has looked sharp on both sides of the ball early this season. At 4–0, Navy has leaned heavily on its trademark option attack, which has averaged well over 300 rushing yards in key games and shown the type of precision and toughness that wears down defenses over four quarters, and perhaps most impressively, every single one of their red-zone trips so far this season has ended in a touchdown, making them one of the most efficient teams in the country once they get inside the 20. Their offensive line has been dominant in controlling the line of scrimmage, their quarterback has executed option reads with maturity and confidence, and their backs have punished opponents with consistency, creating a steady rhythm that allows them to grind games into their preferred pace. Against Air Force, Navy’s formula will be to maintain discipline on every play, stick to their reads, and avoid the kind of turnovers that can breathe life into an opponent built to shorten games.

Defensively, the Midshipmen must be prepared for a mirror-image test against Air Force’s own option scheme, which means staying true to gap assignments, wrapping up in space, and forcing the Falcons into uncomfortable third-and-long situations where they are least comfortable. Their front seven has shown the ability to handle physical play, and they will need to bring that same intensity to shut down the Falcons’ ground game, while the secondary must remain disciplined against the occasional deep shot Air Force uses to keep defenses honest. Special teams execution will also be a factor, as maintaining strong coverage, avoiding blocked kicks, and capitalizing on return opportunities could provide the type of hidden yardage that tips the balance in what is typically a tight, possession-focused rivalry game. With home-field advantage and the confidence of an unbeaten start, Navy enters this matchup as the clear favorite, but the coaching staff will emphasize that service academy games often come down to execution and mistakes rather than talent or depth. From a betting perspective, Navy’s consistency and red-zone perfection make them a strong play as a favorite, especially if they can score early and force Air Force to abandon balance and take risks outside of their comfort zone. If the Midshipmen stick to their strengths, avoid turnovers, and let their home crowd amplify their defensive effort, they have every chance not only to win but to do so convincingly, keeping their undefeated run alive and strengthening their grip on the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy race.