VMI vs. Navy Preview: Tradition Meets Transition in Annapolis

Two programs with shared military roots will meet in Annapolis on Saturday, but they arrive at very different stages. Navy opens its 2025 campaign looking to build on a breakthrough 10-win season, while VMI begins the long climb back from a year derailed by injuries and setbacks. Kickoff is noon ET at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with the game televised on CBS Sports Network.

Navy: Building on Momentum

The Midshipmen return to action after one of their best years in the past decade. Navy went 10-3 in 2024, topped rival Army, and stunned Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl. Now in his third year at the helm, head coach Brian Newberry has a roster built to content again.

Senior quarterback Blake Horvath is the centerpiece. Efficient and dynamic, he threw and ran for more than 1,200 yards apiece last season, ranking sixth nationally in QBR. Horvath has been careful with the football, throwing just four interceptions in 151 career passes. He’ll be supported by proven playmakers in running back Alex Tecza and slotback Eli Heidenreich, who have combined for 29 touchdowns in their careers.

Defensively, Navy leans on lineman Landon Robinson, who posted 89 tackles and eight sacks last season. Just as important is the Midshipmen’s performance in the red zone: they finished first nationally in red zone touchdown percentage and fourth in red zone defense a year ago. That efficiency on both ends often turns close games into comfortable wins.

VMI: Searching for Stability

For VMI, Saturday is less about national spotlight and more about program identity. The Keydets limped to a 1–11 finish in 2024, but that mark came with an asterisk. Quarterback Collin Shannon went down with a season-ending injury in Week 2, several veterans followed, and even long snapper Nathan Payne was lost for the year. Despite the adversity, VMI played four one-score games and upset Furman in November.

Now in year three, head coach Danny Rocco finally has a roster shaped to his style. Shannon’s return provides leadership, and he’ll throw to a deeper set of targets than in past years. Tight ends Morgan McPhaul and Nathan Lhotsky could be central to the passing attack, joined by 6-foot-8 red-zone option Ryan von Brandt. Out wide, Ethen Horne and Destin Moore give the Keydets a more complete receiver group, while sophomore backs Aslin Shipe and Leo Boehling look to fill the void left by Hunter Rice.

On defense, VMI is anchored by linebackers Stephen Dean III and Henry Berling. In the secondary, Kouri Crump and Steven Riveros bring range and physicality after combining for 95 tackles a year ago. Up front, veterans Owen Ham and Jacob Moore provide experience, while punter Ben Shrewsbury remains a field-position weapon after averaging 41.21 yards per kick with 18 punts of 50-plus.

What to Watch

For Navy, the keys are straightforward: let Horvath set the pace, keep the ground game rolling, and continue last year's dominance in the red zone. History says a strong opener leads to a strong year—the Midshipmen have reached a bowl game in 11 of the last 12 seasons when winning their first game.

For VMI, success may not show on the scoreboard. Protecting Shannon, competing physically at the line of scrimmage, and flipping the field with special teams will be the benchmarks. The challenge is steep, but the experience could accelerate the growth of a young roster.

The Bottom Line

Navy enters as a heavy favorite, and for good reason. The Midshipmen have proven experience, a veteran quarterback, and the balance to push for another double-digit win season. VMI, meanwhile, is measuring progress by competitiveness and resilience.

It’s a matchup steeped in tradition, but Saturday is more about trajectory. Navy looks to confirm its place as a contender beyond the service academies, while VMI begins the climb toward stability in the Southern Conference.