Six weeks into the 2024 season, Navy was in a position to possibly make the College Football Playoff.
But after the Midshipmen lost to Notre Dame, and especially after they lost at Rice, those expectations changed. Nonetheless, Navy closed the year with a victory over Army to win the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy. The Midshipmen then defeated Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl to finish the year out with a 10-3 overall record.
Considering how much talent comes back after last year, there’s reason to believe Navy will contend for an American Conference title and a CFP berth again in 2025.
Navy Football’s American Conference Title Betting Odds
Navy’s odds to make the American Conference Championship game are +135, via BetMGM.
Navy Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Navy’s win total Over/Under is 8.5, with Under 8.5 at +100 and Over 8.5 at -120.
Navy Football’s 2025 Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. VMI
Sept. 6 vs. UAB
Sept. 13 @ Tulsa
Sept. 27 vs. Rice
Oct. 4 vs. Air Force
Oct. 11 @ Temple
Oct. 25 vs. FAU
Nov. 1 @ North Texas
Nov. 8 @ Notre Dame
Nov. 15 vs. USF
Nov. 27 @ Memphis
Dec. 5 American Conference Championship
Dec. 13 vs. Army
Bold indicates American Conference contests
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Key Navy Football Returners
2024 All-AAC 1st Team
DL Landon Robinson
Honorable Mention
OL Ben Purvis
Navy Football Among The Favorites In The American
Many believe Navy will compete for the American Conference title. And that’s in no small part because of who the Midshipmen have at quarterback.
Blake Horvath is back after rushing for 1,246 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024. He also threw for 1,353 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions on a 57.6% completion rate.
Navy also returns three of its top playmakers from a season ago.
Alex Tecza was second on the team with 576 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground while ranking third with 229 yards and two touchdowns on 12 catches.
Eli Heidenreich was first among the Midshipmen with 571 yards and six touchdowns on 39 catches and was third with 444 yards and three touchdowns rushing.
Brandon Chatman caught the second-most passes on the team with 18 receptions for 257 yards and four scores. He was also top five among Navy players with 250 yards and three touchdowns rushing.
Up front, Ben Purvis is among Navy’s top returners after being the team’s primary left guard and earning All-AAC honorable mention accolades. Cam Nichols is projected to be Navy’s starting center after lining up mostly at guard and starting nine games in 2024. Hoke Smith II is projected to be the team’s starting right guard after earning that role late last season.
On defense, some of Navy’s best players like Group of Five All-American safety Rayuan Lane III, who was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and linebacker Colin Ramos are gone.
But the Midshipmen also bring back some solid players. Nose guard Landon Robinson is one of the team’s top returners after earning first-team all-conference honors in 2024, a season in which he totaled 61 tackles, 5.5 for loss, as well as four sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles.
Linebacker Luke Pirris is the team’s leading returning tackler. He totaled 68 tackles, six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, one interception, a pass breakup, a fumble recovery, and one forced fumble a year ago.
Jaxson Campbell is also back after racking up 58 tackles, five TFLs, 2.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, one pick, and a fumble recovery.
Only four of Navy’s top 10 tacklers from a season ago are back. But this team should still be solid on that side of the ball.
Navy Football Season Prediction
I predict Navy won’t win the American Championship but will go Over 8.5 wins.
The Midshipmen’s roster is loaded this year. But they also have a tough schedule in the American.
I think they’re better than most of the teams in the conference, but at the same time, I don’t see them going undefeated in conference play. Particularly in November, when people are paying close attention to the CFP rankings, Navy is going to have a challenging stretch of games.
The Midshipmen play on the road at North Texas, Notre Dame, and Memphis to go with a home contest against a tough USF squad in November. I could see the Midshipmen dropping at least two games there.
However, I expect Navy will win the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy again and will compete at a high level all year.
