Midshipmen Aiming with Enthusiasm for the 2025 Showdown versus VMI
The Navy Midshipmen football team is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, following a strong 10-3 finish in 2024 under third-year head coach Brian Newberry. With high expectations and a player-led mentality, the team is looking to surpass last year's success.
The Midshipmen's roster benefits from stability, as the transfer portal has minimal impact on service academies. This allows many key players from last year's team, including Blake Horvath, Alex Tecza, Landon Robinson, Kenneth McShan, and Eli Heidenreich, to return.
Horvath, entering his second year in the current system, brings confidence and stability to the quarterback position. Last season, he led the team's balanced approach, which features a dynamic offense and a defense that ranked well nationally for interceptions.
The team's leadership is emphasized, with a focus on a "next-man-up" mentality. Senior players like Landon Robinson have expressed confidence in the younger players who will step into new roles on defense.
The 2025 schedule is viewed as challenging, especially within the competitive American Athletic Conference and non-conference matchups. The Midshipmen will start their season at home against VMI on August 30, with the game broadcast live on CBS Sports Network. Key games later in the season, including the storied Army-Navy rivalry, may carry additional significance if the Midshipmen contend for a Group of Five College Football Playoff bid.
Navy's fall camp began on July 30, and open practices have been held leading up to August 16. Fan engagement ahead of the season has included events like Media Day, Fan Fest on August 2, and the Blue & Gold BBQ on August 9.
Head coach Newberry described the team as "player-led" and emphasized the strength of the senior class. Blake Horvath and Landon Robinson have been named captains of the 2025 Navy football team.
The AAC Championship game will be hosted by Navy, with the Midshipmen taking on the Temple Owls on December 3rd. A critical game for the team is the showdown with Army, which will be held at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on December 13th.
The Navy football team has a culture of consistency, confidence, and a close-knit team environment. Coach Newberry praised the consistency of the offseason effort, stating that the team has consistently stayed above the standard. Players like Horvath, Tecza, Smith, and Campbell keep the locker room loose and create a close brotherhood.
Blake Horvath spoke about building trust with receivers like Heidenreich and tight end Brandon Chapman, and putting on weight in the offseason to reduce injury risk. The team dominated Bucknell in their season opener with an explosive offense.
With solid leadership, returning talent, and a disciplined, turnover-focused defense, the Navy Midshipmen are poised for another standout year. The team talks about going 1-0, focusing on their season opener against VMI and building on last year’s success.
The Navy Midshipmen are preparing for a provocative American-football season, particularly in the competitive American Athletic Conference, staring at the quarterback position with Blake Horvath, who demonstrated leadership and confidence during the 2024 campaign. Furthermore, the team's focus on a "next-man-up" mentality and the absence of significant influence from the transfer portal ensure the return of key players for the 2025 NCAA-football season.
