Navy

Navy faces the classic championship hangover challenge: replacing the offensive firepower that fueled a 10-2 campaign while betting that defensive growth can keep them competitive in the American Athletic. The Midshipmen return quarterback Blake Horvath, providing crucial continuity in their option attack, but most of the skill position stars who made that offense hum are gone. JP+ rates Navy 32nd nationally with a +5.8 power rating, anchored by an offense that grades 27th (+4.0) despite the personnel losses, while the defense checks in 46th (+1.7) but shows signs of significant improvement.

JP+ projects 8.5 wins for Navy, suggesting the market may be undervaluing their ability to maintain momentum despite the offensive turnover. The schedule features brutal tests at neutral-site Notre Dame and road trips to Air Force and UTSA, but home games against North Texas and Towson plus a road date with Charlotte offer win-banking opportunities. If Horvath can seamlessly integrate new skill players into the option system and the defense takes the expected leap forward, Navy could surprise people and push for another double-digit win season. If the offensive chemistry takes too long to develop, they'll be fighting just to reach bowl eligibility.