The United States Naval Academy’s football team achieved a historic milestone by defeating Cincinnati 35-13 in the Liberty Bowl on December 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee. With this victory, Navy secured its 11th win of the season, tying a program record previously set in 2015 and 2019. Under the leadership of third-year head coach Brian Newberry, the Midshipmen celebrated back-to-back seasons with over ten wins for the first time in the program’s history.
This season has been marked by remarkable performances, and the Liberty Bowl victory was no exception. Navy’s quarterback, Blake Horvath, delivered an impressive performance, earning MVP honors with 108 passing yards and 53 rushing yards, along with three total touchdowns. Horvath leaves Annapolis with a legacy that includes two Army-Navy wins and two bowl MVP awards, ranking fourth in passing touchdowns and sixth in rushing touchdowns in Navy’s all-time records.
Key Player Contributions
Senior running back Alex Tecza also made significant contributions, recording a game-high 80 rushing yards. Tecza’s agility was evident as he set up Horvath’s first touchdown with a 34-yard run in the first quarter, later scoring his final collegiate rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Another standout, Eli Heidenreich, showcased his versatility with 62 rushing yards and 64 receiving yards, including a touchdown reception. Heidenreich exits Navy as the all-time leader in receiving yards, finishing his career with 1,994 yards and setting a single-season record of 941 yards.
The Midshipmen’s defense was equally commendable, led by Landon Robinson, who became Navy’s first AP First Team All-American since 1975. He recorded six tackles, playing a crucial role in limiting Cincinnati’s offense to just 239 yards and 13 points, marking a season-low for the Bearcats.
Cincinnati’s season concluded on a disappointing note, suffering its fourth consecutive loss. The Bearcats faced challenges leading up to the game, including the absence of several key starters due to transfer portal departures. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby was notably missed, with Brady Lichtenberg making his first start since 2023 and finishing with 78 passing yards on a 10-of-15 completion rate.
Despite being backed by a strong offensive line, Cincinnati struggled offensively, particularly with its ground game, managing just 142 rushing yards compared to Navy’s 241. The Bearcats managed to stay competitive for nearly two quarters but fell behind after Navy established a 14-7 lead just before halftime.
Final Moments and Season Reflections
Navy extended its lead to 21-7 early in the third quarter following a meticulous 75-yard drive. The game’s decisive moment came when inside linebacker Coleman Cauley scored a pick-six with 2:49 remaining, solidifying the Midshipmen’s 35-13 victory. Cauley not only contributed defensively with ten tackles but also celebrated his first career touchdown.
With the win, Navy concluded its season with an 11-2 record and a 7-1 mark in the American Athletic Conference. The Midshipmen have now triumphed in seven of their last eight bowl game appearances. As they await their final ranking in the AP Poll, Navy stands poised to enjoy its first ranking since 2019, commemorating a remarkable season alongside an unforgettable senior class.
Cincinnati, finishing the season at 7-6 and 5-4 in the Big 12, will need to regroup after a disappointing ending. This marks the Bearcats’ second consecutive season finishing with a five-game losing streak, culminating in their fourth consecutive bowl loss. As they reflect on a season that began with promise, Cincinnati faces a pivotal offseason to address the challenges ahead.
