The Navy Midshipmen secured a 51-17 victory over the Charlotte 49ers on Saturday in Annapolis, improving to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the American Athletic Conference. This victory marks Navy’s first 6-0 start since 1979 and makes them bowl-eligible for the first time since 2019. The win is also Navy’s second consecutive triumph over Charlotte, bringing their all-time record against the 49ers to 2-0.
Historic Start for Navy Navy’s current season is only the seventh time in program history that they’ve begun 6-0, with the most recent instances occurring in 1978 and 1979. The Midshipmen are one of just 11 undefeated teams in the nation, alongside programs such as Army, BYU, and Oregon. With the victory, Navy remains one of three unbeaten teams in the AAC, along with Army and Tulane.
Head coach Brian Newberry expressed his pride in the team following the game. “We hadn’t won six games here since 2019, and that makes us bowl eligible, which is huge for our players,” Newberry said. “We’re not satisfied with just that, but it’s good to get to that sixth win, and it’s the first time we’re 6-0 since 1979. That’s not easy to do.”
Defensive Masterclass Navy’s defense was a dominant force, forcing five turnovers from Charlotte, including four interceptions and a fumble recovery. This performance marks the first time since 2019 that Navy has forced five turnovers in a game. The Midshipmen’s defense also scored two touchdowns off interceptions and set up multiple offensive scoring drives.
Senior cornerback Dashaun Peele had a career-defining game, recording two pick-sixes and setting a new school record for interception return yards with 145. Peele became the first player in Navy history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a single game and tied the AAC record for this feat.
“Peele made some outstanding plays,” Newberry said. “His ability to read the play and jump the route was just fantastic. He set the tone for our defense.”
Peele wasn’t the only standout on defense. Senior safety Rayuan Lane forced a fumble and recorded an interception, while linebacker Colin Ramos led the defense with 12 tackles, including a tackle for loss.
Navy’s opportunistic defense was instrumental in the team’s success, scoring 14 points on turnovers and setting up four more offensive scores.
Offensive Efficiency Junior quarterback Blake Horvath continued his solid season, completing 7 of 13 passes for 117 yards and three touchdowns. Horvath also added 56 rushing yards on 13 carries. His performance marked the first time a Navy quarterback has thrown three touchdown passes in a game since 2012.
Horvath’s favorite target on the day was Alex Tecza, who not only led Navy’s rushing attack with 68 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries but also caught a 46-yard touchdown pass on Navy’s opening drive. Tecza has now scored in back-to-back games, showcasing his versatility as both a rusher and receiver.
“Horvath has been outstanding all season,” Newberry said. “He runs, he throws, and makes great decisions. He’s really been the engine of our offense.”
Charlotte Struggles with Turnovers Charlotte head coach Biff Poggi acknowledged his team’s turnover woes after the game. “We gave Navy 31 points off turnovers, and we didn’t score any. It’s tough to win when that happens,” Poggi said. The 49ers struggled offensively, with quarterback Max Brown showing signs of rust after missing four and a half weeks due to injury. Brown completed 19 of 33 passes for 252 yards, but his four interceptions proved costly.
Despite the loss, Poggi praised Navy’s performance. “They have an excellent football team, and they do what they do incredibly well,” he said. “If you’re going to get beaten badly, it’s less painful when it’s by the Naval Academy, a great institution.”
Looking Ahead Navy’s next challenge will be hosting No. 12 Notre Dame at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, where they’ll aim for their first 7-0 start since 1978. Navy has struggled historically against Notre Dame, with the Fighting Irish leading the all-time series 82-13-1. Notre Dame has won the last six meetings, with Navy’s last victory coming in 2016.
The Midshipmen will need another strong defensive effort to contain Notre Dame, as they seek to remain one of the last undefeated teams in college football.
