Navy Football 2026 Preview: Veteran Core, Dual-Threat QB Position Midshipmen as AAC Contenders
The Navy Midshipmen are entering 2026 with a clear target on their backs-and for good reason. After back-to-back double-digit win seasons and two convincing bowl victories, Navy has positioned itself as one of the American Athletic Conference’s top dogs.
Head coach Brian Newberry, now in his fourth year, has turned this program into a model of consistency, going 21-5 over the last two seasons after a 5-7 debut. And while they’ll have to replace some serious firepower on both sides of the ball, this team isn’t rebuilding-it’s reloading.
A New-Look Offense Built on a Veteran Foundation
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Navy’s offense took some major hits this offseason. The trio of Horvath, Tecza, and Heidenreich accounted for a massive chunk of the team’s production.
Horvath alone was a one-man wrecking crew-over 1,500 passing yards, 1,200 rushing yards, and 28 total touchdowns. Tecza added nearly 1,000 yards on the ground, and Heidenreich was a versatile weapon who could beat you as both a rusher and receiver.
And with Chatman, the team’s fourth-leading rusher and second-leading receiver, also moving on, that’s a lot of yards and touchdowns walking out the door.
But if there’s a silver lining-and for Navy, it’s a big one-it’s what they’ve got up front.
Four of five starters return along the offensive line, and these aren’t just bodies-they’re battle-tested veterans. Crowley, Nichols, Smith II, and Johnson have racked up 53 combined starts, and they’ll be the backbone of this offense. Losing Purvis and his 32 career starts at left guard hurts, but the continuity elsewhere makes this one of the most experienced lines Notre Dame-or any opponent-will face this year.
And then there’s quarterback Braxton Woodson.
Woodson isn’t the same kind of passer Horvath was, but he brings a different kind of threat. He’s a true dual-threat quarterback who already has a bit of a reputation-just ask Notre Dame.
Last season in South Bend, Woodson became the first 100-yard rusher the Irish defense allowed all year. He only threw for 110 yards on 9-of-19 passing, but his legs did the talking: 414 rushing yards on just 44 carries, with six touchdowns in limited action.
If he takes a step forward as a passer, this offense could be even more dangerous in 2026, albeit in a different way.
Defense Returns Its Core, Ready to Lead
The defensive side of the ball didn’t take quite the same hit as the offense, and that’s good news for coordinator PJ Volker. He’s got a veteran group returning, especially at linebacker and in the secondary.
Linebackers Parker and Cauley were tackling machines last season-Parker led the team with 97 stops, while Cauley wasn’t far behind with 79 and added two interceptions. Sessi, who tallied 81 tackles from the secondary, gives Navy a physical presence on the back end.
Up front, Moutome and Willis return to anchor the defensive line. They combined for 89 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2025, and their presence in the trenches should help ease the loss of one of the team’s top defensive linemen to graduation.
In the secondary, there’s plenty to like. Hamilton brings ball-hawking ability with three interceptions and seven passes defended, while Oniha adds depth and coverage ability at corner. Sessi’s versatility allows him to play multiple roles in the defensive backfield, giving Volker flexibility with his schemes.
This unit may not have a single superstar, but it has cohesion, experience, and playmakers at every level. That’s often a winning formula in the AAC.
The Road Ahead: A Tough Slate, But a Proven Track Record
While the full schedule hasn’t been released, we already know Navy will be tested early and often. Road trips to Air Force and UTSA won’t be easy, and home games against Notre Dame, Memphis, North Texas, Tulsa, and rival Army ensure there won’t be many breathers.
But Navy’s recent track record suggests they’re more than capable of handling the grind. They’ve shown they can win close games (see: 21-20 over Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl) and dominate when everything clicks (like the 35-13 win over Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl).
And perhaps just as importantly, Navy is one of the few AAC programs that didn’t undergo a coaching change this offseason. That continuity matters-especially when you’re trying to reload rather than rebuild.
Final Thoughts
Yes, Navy has some holes to fill. But with a veteran offensive line, a dynamic quarterback in Woodson, and a defense returning its core, this is a team built to contend. They’ve proven they can win big games, they’ve got leadership in the right places, and they’re not shying away from a tough schedule.
If you’re looking for an early AAC favorite, don’t overlook the Midshipmen. They’ve got the pieces, the pedigree, and the momentum to make another serious run in 2026.