USF vs. Navy 2025 Preview: Keys, Players, and Predictions

If the USF Bulls wanted to make a statement in Week 11, consider it a job well done. Coming off a bye, the Bulls firmly stood their ground in a dominating win against UTSA. That performance granted USF a returning spot in the AP Top 25, landing at No. 25, and their first ever appearance in the College Football Playoff Rankings at No. 24. Many of the eyes across the national college football landscape have shifted to South Florida, and while the media may be buzzing around them, this program is remaining solely focused on their next challenge ahead – the Navy Midshipmen in Week 12. With all of that being said, let’s dive right into this 2025 game preview.

USF Bulls vs. Navy Midshipmen 2025 College Football Preview

It’s not getting any easier in Week 12,  as USF’s gauntlet of a schedule continues. The Bulls will travel to Annapolis, Maryland, to go up against Navy in a critical American Conference matchup. This game has the potential to shake up the rankings and have further implications for both of these teams.

USF vs. Navy: Matchup History and Excerpts

USF and Navy have had five previous meetings, with Navy currently leading the series 3-2. For the most part, the matchups have been fairly split with Navy taking a 28-7 victory last season in Tampa, and USF coming out on top with a 44-30 win in the 2023 season at Annapolis.

Navy is currently first in the conference, just above the second-place South Florida, holding a 7-2 record and a 5-1 record in conference play. USF holds the same overall record and is 4-1 in the conference. The Midshipmen are coming into this matchup after dropping their last two games, one to their only conference loss in North Texas and the second against Notre Dame. With that in mind, it’s fairly safe to assume that this team is hungry for a big win.

At this point in the season, this matchup is shaping up to be a conference showdown like no other.

Keys, Players, and Predictions

Key Players for South Florida

It’s difficult not to start off by mentioning quarterback Byrum Brown as he continues to put on incredible performances week after week. Following USF’s win over UTSA, Brown became the first player in 30 years, both in the NFL and collegiate level, with 200 passing yards, 100 rushing yards, and a 90-percent completion rate. He continues to lead the Bulls in rushing yards with 705 for the year. Brown is not only a force to be reckoned with on the field, but a well-respected leader and presence for the team and the entire program.

The Bulls’ wide receiver core continues to improve each week. Keshaun Singleton now leads with 573 receiving yards and had several impressive catches last week, continuously displaying a strong and reliable connection with Byrum. Freshman Christian Neptune has also put on great performances and been a go-to target for Brown as well. Chas Nimrod, while missing the last few games after suffering an injury against North Texas, has practiced this week and is improving day by day. The expectation is that if all continues to go well and the pain is manageable, he will be back out on the field for the Bulls this Saturday.

In terms of USF’s rushing attack, Nykahi Davenport has had a huge impact. The sophomore running back had seven carries for 94 yards and two touchdowns last week.

USF’s defense continues to show up and show out, and as they prepare to go up against Navy’s offense this week, they may have to put on their fastest cleats and cleanest performance yet. Anchored by the likes of Mac Harris, Jhalyn Shuler, and Tavin Ward, Jarvis Lee has also very much solidified himself as a huge force in the secondary. The nickelback currently holds 41 tackles for the season and had two sacks against UTSA.

Key Players for Navy

While he didn’t play last week against Notre Dame, Blake Horvath is the starting quarterback for the Midshipmen, and there is a high probability that he will be back on the field this week against the Bulls. Horvath is similar to Byrum Brown in the sense of being a dual-threat quarterback. He currently has over 1100 passing yards and is a very dominant force in the run game with 926 rushing yards.

Eli Heidenreich is the leading wide receiver with 33 receptions for 595 yards and four touchdowns. Brandon Chatman and tight end Cody Howard are also frequent targets. Chatman and Heidenreich are big in the run game as well, alongside leading running back Alex Tecza, who currently holds 543 rushing yards.

The Navy defense is led by linebackers MarcAnthony Parker, Luke Pirris, and safety Giuseppe Sessi. Parker and Pirris have a combined total of 130 tackles, with Sessi holding down the secondary tallying 57 tackles, including 33 solo.

2025 Preview: Keys to Victory for USF

Strong immunity to adverse factors

This game presents its own unique challenges for USF, such as going on the road, an earlier kick time, and colder weather. All of these factors are ones that the Bulls either haven’t gained much experience with this season, or haven’t played too well in.

Luckily, Florida happened to bring some cooler, windier weather this week, just in time for USF to get some practice in what will likely be similar playing conditions to what they will face in Annapolis on Saturday. All in all, the Bulls will need to prioritize their preparedness and gain comfort in being able to play throughout any of these factors and more that could potentially be thrown their way.

Stop the run

This Navy offense runs the ball a lot. In order to hold this team, the defense will need to be able to halt the Midshipmen’s rushing attack.

Next-play mentality

For the Bulls, this is a tough matchup on the road. Despite how the game may be playing out, maintaining a next-play mentality will help to keep their minds right, focusing just on what’s in front of them and playing their best football possible.

Keys to Victory for Navy

Control the Game

USF is a walking big play on offense, whether it is on the ground or through the air. They are a terrible matchup for Naby’s defense, who has been gashed by opponents ranging from Temple to North Texas. As a result, Navy needs to force the Bulls to play their game all day. They need to get their run game rolling, force USF to play out of their element, and make the Bulls make mistakes. It will be a massive challenge for Navy to stop the Bulls, and in order to do so, they will have to play the game on their terms.

Stay Disciplined

Navy cannot get frustrated against the Bulls. They, as they do in most games, need to not commit unnecessary penalties or unforced errors. They are not more talented than USF, but they can win on the margins. Without that level of play, Navy could be in store for a long game on Saturday.