Navy

Navy's offseason centers on a quarterback puzzle that could define their 2026 campaign. Despite returning Blake Horvath, the Midshipmen face significant uncertainty at the position after losing key offensive contributors from their 10-2 season. The defense should anchor another strong campaign, grading out 50th nationally (+1.0 points) and providing the foundation for a team that projects 36th overall with a +4.9 rating. The offense, which ranked 27th last season at +3.6 points, must replace most of its production around a quarterback situation that remains fluid.

JP+ projects 8.4 wins for Navy in what shapes up as a season where defensive stability meets offensive uncertainty. The American Athletic Conference slate includes challenging road tests at Air Force and UTSA, plus a neutral-site showdown with Notre Dame, balanced by home games against North Texas and Towson. If the quarterback position stabilizes and the offense can maintain even average production, the Midshipmen have the defensive foundation to challenge for nine wins. If not, that same defensive strength becomes the floor keeping them competitive in every game.