Preseason Optimism
Phil Steele’s College Football Magazine has placed the Navy Midshipmen at No. 20 in its preseason Top 25, a placement that signals confidence in the program’s trajectory. The publication also forecasts the team to capture the American Conference title and earn a spot as the Group of 6 representative in the upcoming College Football Playoff.
Beyond the overall ranking, the magazine highlights the Midshipmen’s offensive line as the nation’s 12th‑best unit, underscoring the group’s depth and experience. Across the roster, Navy’s position groups are represented on multiple preseason all‑conference teams, reflecting a balanced outlook that spans quarterback, running back, wide receiver, defensive line, linebacker and secondary.
Key Players to Watch
Among the recognized players, senior guard Cam Nichols and sophomore tackle Malcolm Johnson earned second‑team honors, while senior quarterback Braxton Woodson and senior running back Vic Listorti received third‑team nods. Junior linebacker MarcAnthony Parker and senior cornerback Ira Oniha also made the second team, and senior defensive tackle Griffen Willis along with junior safety Phillip Hamilton were placed on the third team. Additional contributors such as senior linebacker Coleman Cauley, senior safety Giuseppe Sessi, senior long snapper Rayne Fry, junior punter Jacob Carlson and senior return specialist Isaiah Bryant round out a deep list of awardees.
Season Opener Details
The 2026 campaign opens at home on September 5 against Towson, followed by the first American Conference showdown against Florida Atlantic on September 12. Both games will be played on Navy’s home turf in Annapolis, Maryland, before the team travels to Boca Raton, Florida, for subsequent contests.
With a blend of veteran leadership and promising underclassmen, the Midshipmen appear poised to translate preseason expectations into on‑field success, making the upcoming season one of the most anticipated in recent memory for Navy football.