As the anticipation builds, the Navy Midshipmen are set to kick off their 2025 football season in just one week. The team will host Virginia Military Institute (VMI) on August 30, looking to capitalize on a successful 2024 campaign. Last season, under the leadership of second-year head coach Brian Newberry, the Midshipmen achieved an impressive overall record of 10-3 and a 6-2 finish in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
In 2024, Navy secured significant victories against their rivals, dominating Air Force with a score of 34-7 and defeating Army 31-13 in the highly regarded Army-Navy game. These triumphs allowed the team to reclaim the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for the first time since 2019. Star quarterback Blake Horvath was a standout player, amassing over 1,000 yards in both rushing and passing, and leading the Midshipmen to a bowl victory over the Oklahoma Sooners.
High Expectations for the Upcoming Season
With the core roster largely intact, the expectations for the 2025 season are soaring. Analysts project the team to win an average of 8.5 games and give them +425 odds to take home the AAC title. The Midshipmen are favored in their first eight matchups, setting the stage for a promising start. However, November could present challenges, particularly with a game against Notre Dame looming on the schedule.
The Midshipmen have outlined clear goals for the season: defend the CIC Trophy, secure another bowl berth, and possibly earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. Key matchups include their rivalry games against Air Force on October 4 and Army on December 13.
Coach Newberry’s Focus on Discipline and Teamwork
Coach Newberry embraces the pressure that comes with high expectations, emphasizing the values of discipline and teamwork that are instilled at the Naval Academy. The upcoming season represents a significant opportunity for Navy football to make an impact on a national level. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the Midshipmen will perform, hoping this could be the year they truly make waves in collegiate football.
As preparations continue, the excitement surrounding Navy football is palpable. The Midshipmen have the potential to build on last year’s success and achieve new heights in 2025, reinforcing their status as a formidable force in college football.
