Navy picks up 11th win of the season at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Final: #22 Navy 35 Cincinnati 13 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
Navy Football 2026 AutoZone Liberty Bowl Champions
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 02: Lieutenant General Michael J. Borgschulte and Head coach Brian Newberry of the Navy Midshipmen hold the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Bell trophy after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats in the 2026 AutoZone Liberty Bowl game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on January 02, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee Photo credit Justin Ford / Getty Images

Navy closed out the 2025 AutoZone Liberty Bowl with a convincing 35-13 win over Cincinnati on January 2, 2026, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. Blake Horvath delivered a standout performance, accounting for three touchdowns and earning Liberty Bowl MVP honors. Horvath was efficient through the air, completing 9 of 15 passes for 108 yards and two scores, while adding 53 rushing yards and a touchdown to pace the Midshipmen offense.

Navy’s ground game also shined, as Alex Tecza and Eli Heidenreich combined for 142 rushing yards, with Tecza scoring on a short touchdown run. Heidenreich added a 13-yard receiving touchdown, and Luke Hutchison hauled in a 30-yard scoring catch. Defensively, Navy dominated, holding Cincinnati under 250 total yards. Coleman Cauley sealed the win with a late pick-six, capping a strong defensive showing as the Midshipmen finished the season 11-2 with an emphatic bowl victory.

Tune in to 92.9 FM ESPN for the College Football Semifinals

Featured Image Photo Credit: Justin Ford / Getty Images