American · 2026

Navy

2025 record 11–2 7–1 conference
Postseason Liberty Bowl W 35–13 vs Cincinnati; finished AP #23
Head coach Brian Newberry Year 4; 21–5 in 2024–25
Scheme Triple Option / Multiple
Conference
B+

Best continuity profile after an 11-win year; replacing Horvath/Heidenreich/Tecza star production is the caveat

Portal
N/A

Academy

Depth
C

Healthy OL/LB two-deep; option/academy rules still limit proven skill depth

Market odds

To Win AAC
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 8.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #13 51 commits · 99.4 pts
Portal NR 0 commits

Roster notes

QB

Braxton Woodson after Blake Horvath graduated (Liberty Bowl MVP)

Skill

Eli Heidenreich (Steelers R7) and FB Alex Tecza gone; Luke Hutchison is the top returning WR

OL

Returns 4/5 — LT Sean Crowley, C Cam Nichols, RG Hoke Smith II, RT Malcolm Johnson

Defense

ILB MarcAnthony Parker (97 tackles), DT Griffen Willis, SS Giuseppe Sessi / FS Phillip Hamilton. NG Landon Robinson (All-American) departed

Key offense

  1. 01
    Braxton Woodson QB
    Returning
    • 2025 (regular season) backup: 9/19, 110 pass
    • 44 carries, 414 yds, 6 rushing TD rush (9.4 YPC) in 10 G
    • Relief vs USF: 103 rush yds, 2 scores after Horvath injury
  2. 02
    Luke Hutchison WR
    Returning
    • 2025 (regular season): 5 receptions, 134 yds, 3 TD (26.8 YPC) + 1 rush TD — top returning skill threat after Heidenreich
  3. 03
    Sean Crowley LT
    Returning
    • Anchor of the OL that paved FBS #1 rushing (285.6 ypg)
    • four starting OL return around him

Key defense

  1. 01
    MarcAnthony Parker ILB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 97 tackles (team lead), 6.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 1 INT
    • Third Team All-AAC
  2. 02
    Griffen Willis DT
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): started all 13
    • 48 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3.0 sacks
  3. 03
    Giuseppe Sessi SS
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 81 tackles (ESPN
    • RS 73). Also notable: Coleman Cauley 79 tackles / 2 INT / 3 FF
    • Phillip Hamilton 49 tackles / team-best 3 INT