The Navy Midshipmen return to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on November 15, 2025, determined to protect their home turf and reinforce their position as one of the American Athletic Conference’s most fundamentally sound and resilient teams. Under head coach Brian Newberry, the Midshipmen have successfully modernized their traditional triple-option offense into a more flexible, hybrid system that balances their trademark physicality with new-age spread and play-action concepts. This evolution has allowed Navy to keep its ground dominance while introducing enough unpredictability to keep defenses guessing. Quarterback Blake Horvath remains the catalyst for the offense, commanding one of college football’s most disciplined units. His ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions has elevated the Midshipmen’s execution, and his legs continue to be one of their most potent weapons. Horvath’s leadership and poise under pressure allow Navy to dictate tempo and grind defenses into exhaustion. Fullback Alex Tecza sets the tone between the tackles, running with power and precision, while slotbacks Eli Heidenreich and Brandon Chatman provide burst and agility on the edges. This combination creates a balanced attack that forces opponents to defend the entire width of the field, something South Florida’s defense—despite its improvement—will struggle to do for four quarters. Navy’s offensive line, led by veteran center Ben Buerlein, embodies the unit’s identity: disciplined, physical, and rarely penalized. Their chemistry and execution make them particularly effective in sustaining long drives, often chewing up half a quarter at a time. The Midshipmen’s offensive rhythm depends heavily on first-down efficiency; when they stay ahead of schedule, they control both the clock and the game’s momentum. Defensively, Navy has built a reputation for toughness and discipline, ranking near the top of the AAC in rushing defense and third-down stops. Coordinator P.J. Volker’s unit excels at gap integrity and tackling fundamentals, relying on strong communication rather than overwhelming athleticism.

Linebacker Colin Ramos anchors the defense with his instincts and pursuit, while defensive lineman Donald Berniard Jr. consistently disrupts blocking schemes and collapses pockets. In the secondary, cornerback Mbiti Williams and safety Rayuan Lane Jr. lead a veteran group that thrives in man coverage and opportunistic turnover creation. Against South Florida’s high-tempo offense, Navy’s defense will prioritize containment—keeping quarterback Byrum Brown from breaking outside the pocket and forcing him into checkdowns rather than deep strikes. Expect the Midshipmen to mix their coverages, occasionally sending pressure from disguised alignments to throw off USF’s timing. On special teams, Navy’s attention to detail is another strength. Punter Nathan Kent has been reliable in flipping field position, while kicker Evan Warren provides consistency inside 45 yards. Their return coverage remains among the best in the conference, rarely giving up big plays—a key advantage against South Florida’s dangerous return unit. The Midshipmen’s biggest intangible, however, lies in their culture. Playing in Annapolis has historically given Navy an emotional edge; their energy, precision, and crowd engagement often unsettle visiting teams not accustomed to their physical, relentless style. From a betting standpoint, Navy’s track record at home is impressive—they’ve gone 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games, routinely outperforming expectations against both ranked and unranked opponents. To secure another victory, Navy must execute its signature formula: win time of possession, limit turnovers, and capitalize on red-zone opportunities. If Horvath and the offense establish rhythm early, the Midshipmen’s methodical drives will keep South Florida’s high-powered attack off the field, gradually wearing them down as the game progresses. This is the kind of matchup that highlights Navy’s identity—discipline over flash, efficiency over explosiveness, and execution over chaos. If the Midshipmen stick to their game plan, their home-field edge and control-oriented approach could deliver another decisive win in front of their loyal Annapolis faithful.