The Navy Midshipmen are often a fun story in college football. They're one of the smaller, non-football schools that historically does pretty well, but they're not really a legitimate contender. Per FOX Sports insider Michael Cohen, they could be in line to change that in 2025 with the program's first College Football Playoff berth.
"Navy fits the bill given everything the Midshipmen are returning from a team that won 10 games for the first time since finishing 11-2 in 2019," Cohen said. First-year offensive coordinator Drew Cronic is not returning, but he's an incoming addition that very well could help this dynamic offense get even better.
Returning stars like Blake Horvath, who could be in Heisman discussions, are the key, though. "Eight starters from last season’s high-powered offense return in 2025, headlined by dual-threat quarterback Blake Horvath, now a senior," Cohen added. The offense is the same with a better coach, which spells doom for defenses in 2025.
"A soft strength of schedule in the American Athletic Conference remains arguably the biggest impediment to the Midshipmen’s hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff. The early November showdown at Notre Dame will likely be their only game against a ranked opponent," Cohen said. If they can survive or even win that contest handily, they'll be an easy candidate for the Playoff.