Offense
The quarterback position belongs to Braxton Woodson. Woodson started multiple games last season and will be remembered for his fourth quarter performance against South Florida last season. He has sprinter speed and is a great athlete. Jackson Gutierrez is next in line.
The running back room is lacking experience compared to last season. Vic Listorti has dealt with injuries but could be the feature back. Isaiah Bryant, Michael Barrow, and Charles Robinson, among others, will see carries. In the triple option offense, you never know who may be running the ball.
Navy utilizes wide receiver more than most Wing-T offenses. Luke Hutchinson returns and he could really be a downfall threat for this offense. He is one of the fastest players on the team. Joshua Guerin and tight ends Jake Norris and Jordan Collins will also see passes thrown their way.
The offensive line room returns four starters in Hoke Smith II, Cam Nichols, Malcolm Johnson, and Sean Crowley. With the style of this offense, this unit is heavily relied upon. Jake Polito, Taran Smith, and Connor Heater also have experience. This unit paved the way to an average of 285.6 rushing yards per game last season.
Defense
The defensive line room will be anchored by Griffin Willis. He has been productive over his first three seasons in Annapolis. Others must emerge as Landon Robinson was an All-American last season and an NFL Draft pick. Aiden Lyczek, Xavyer Arrington, Chris Herock, and Benjamin Franklin will be first in line.
The linebacker room features two very solid players on the interior in MarcAnthony Parker and Coleman Cauley. The two combined for 176 tackles last season. Christian Johnson, Will Miller, Job Grant, and Trent Gillis will man the outside.
The secondary returns experience in Phillip Hamilton, Giuseppe Sessi, Ira Oniha, Nick Bell, Cam Robinson, Bryce Allen, and Matthew Seliga. Hamilton and Sessi are one of the best safety duos in all of the Group of Six.
Specialists
Punter Jacob Carlson returns after having a solid first season as a starter. The kicking role will see a competition between Justin Welch and Lance Gossett that could last well into fall camp.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Towson
- 9/12 at Florida Atlantic
- 9/25 at UAB
- 10/3 at Air Force
- 10/10 Tulsa
- 10/17 at UTSA
- 10/24 North Texas
- 10/31 vs Notre Dame in Foxborough, MA
- 11/7 Temple
- 11/21 Memphis
- 11/28 at Charlotte
- 12/12 vs Army in East Rutherford, NJ
Final Analysis
Navy loses a lot from last season. The Midshipmen will need several unproven players to fill important roles. Brian Newberry has built a program with development as one of the cornerstones. That will be put to the test this season. A test Navy has passed more often than not of late.
