Matchup: FAU (3-4, 2-2) vs Navy (6-0, 4-0)
When: Saturday, October 25th, 3:30 PM ET
Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Radio: FoxSports 640
Opening Line: FAU +14.5
All-time Meetings: Navy leads the series 2-0 with the Midshipmen’s most recent win coming in 2017 in Boca Raton, 42-19.
The Owls have had a gauntlet of a schedule after their first bye week during week four and things are not slowing down. After their contest against USF, Florida Atlantic will head to Maryland as they face off against Navy.
FAU has faced an option offense before, but there is none as explosive as the Midshipmen. Looking to pull off an upset, the Owls will have to play their best game if they want to pull off an upset.
FAU
Zach Kittley’s squad has gone 2-2 over the Owls past four games with the program’s two losses coming against two of the top four teams in the American.
Offense
For the Owls, a win will have to rely on Caden Veltkamp. The redshirt junior has to keep his mistakes minimal in this one. Veltkamp has thrown at least one interception in FAU’s past three games. Veltkamp also must become mobile. After leading Florida Atlantic in rushing yards against Memphis, the reigning CUSA offensive player of the year shared that he must get involved in the rushing game. Since then, he has earned -11 yards on the ground. If the Owls want to make a push for a bowl game, Veltkamp’s legs must play a major factor.
For the remainder of the passing game, it will be important for the receivers to make separation against a top three in conference Navy defense. But, the midshipmen secondary has not been the best in terms of pass defense. Navy ranks 13th in the conference in yards allowed per pass attempt. The pass game will play a major part, as always, for Florida Atlantic but the big three in Easton Messer, Jay Platt, and Asaad Waseem will be influential if the Owls earn a victory.
On the other side of the coin, the running game has not been up to par, and multiple times FAU has had games slip away because of that. With Gemari Sands still not 100% and Xavier Terrell being out the past two weeks the ground game has relied on Kaden Shields-Dutton. The sophomore back has not been able to get a push, but that has not been on him. The USF game was against a top d-line in the conference and was going to be a problem. It does not help the Owls knowing they will face another solid run defense in Navy.
Ones to Watch
The Offensive Line
The injury of Alex Atcavage has made an impact on the offensive line that has hurt the Owls. Last week, FAU finished with only 23 yards on the ground. That same o-line allowed five sacks as well. The issues have been there all season for FAU up front, but they were made clear last week.
With a Navy team coming in that averages 2.3 sacks per game, it will be another challenge for the offensive line. Keep in mind, the Midshipmen also rank fourth in rushing defense in the American. The o-line will have to show something they have not had all season if the Owls are to come back to paradise victorious.
WR Easton Messer
Messer’s role has been big since joining the Owls. This season, the redshirt junior leads the nation in receptions per game, but has been a huge play waiting to happen in the punt return game. For Saturday’s showdown, Messer should look to have his usual role, but do not be surprised to see the former Hilltopper get involved in the running game. With the o-lines problems, it makes sense to see Messer be used on the outside.
#FAU Coach @ZKittley taking a play out of Coach Howard Schnellenberger's book today during his #Navy Week Presser. "I want people who want to be here." His extended message to Owl Nation 🔽🔽🔽 pic.twitter.com/R90f7vsSYZ
— FAU Owls Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) October 21, 2025
Defense
The main focus for many going into this game is Navy’s option attack. The Midshipmen have been known for that type of offense under HC Brian Newberry. This leaves FAU’s defense in an odd situation.
Kittley shared that it is a benefit to play an option team more than once in a year because the team now has a familiarity to it. The Owls looked decent against Rice, but will need a little bit more when it comes to Navy quarterback, Blake Horvath.
A major difference between that Rice squad and this Navy squad, an elite quarterback. Horvath is known for his legs, but has been a tremendous player in the passing game. With nearly 1,000 passing yards and seven touchdowns through the air, the Midshipmen know when to catch a team sleeping.
Staying aware is what the Owls defense will need to do to win. Florida Atlantic has not proven themselves against a mobile quarterback and with Horvath’s legs it could be another long day for FAU. But, if the Owls can make sure to limit the explosive plays and keep an eye on the Navy QB, it should be a nicer day for Florida Atlantic.
Ones to Watch
The Linebackers
Last week, a player to watch was Tyler Stolsky. The former Golden Gopher has been a great player over the middle, and led the Owls in tackles last week against USF. Beside him will be Leon Hart Jr. Between the two, they make up 91 of Florida Atlantic’s 482 tackles as a team.
On Saturday, the duo will be the first line of defense on the option. These two will be the ones to decide on if they crash on the QB or go after the RB. Regardless, they will have to be locked in for every snap as a couple of big plays could turn this game on its head. If the Owls can stick around we will have Stolsky and Hart to thank.
Navy
Led by Brian Newberry, the Midshipmen have had a good winning streak that runs deep into last season. Currently, Navy has the second longest winning streak in the country at nine wins. Newberry’s offense has remained close to the same compared to last season, but close games have brought the passing game into the equation.
🗒️ WHAT THEY ARE SAYING 🗒️ #Navy Head Coach Brain Newberry highlighted @faufootball’s high-tempo offense, emphasized keeping #FAU’s run game in check, & not overlooking the Owls defense during his weekly presser before Saturday's matchup. 🦉🏈 pic.twitter.com/5yLrl6oqQW
— FAU Owls Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) October 20, 2025
Offense
We already highlighted starting QB Horvath’s arm, but on the ground he has been good as well. Averaging over 100 yards rushing per game, the senior is second in the nation at his position in the running game. He also leads Navy in rushing yards with 679.
The Midshipmen’s second and third rushing leaders are RB Alex Tecza and slotback Eli Heidenreich. Tecza is averaging 6.4 yards per carry while his backfield mate in Heidenreich has 7.6 YPC. Regardless, anyone who touches the ball knows how to get up field in chunks.
Furthermore, the slotback position is one that is rarely seen, but is known for the versatile role of being a running back or wide receiver at the drop of a hat. Heidenreich fits that role well as he also leads Navy in receiving yards with 485. Cody Howard, a tight end, is second on the team in receiving yards with only 128; a 357 yard difference. It’s clear who the top pieces for Navy’s offense are going to be on Saturday.
Defense
Navy, although 6-0, have had their problems defensively. The Midshipmen rank third in the American in points allowed with only 21.5 PPG allowed. On the other hand, Navy’s passing defense ranks 11th in the conference in yards allowed per game. This is something that stands out for an air-raid attack in FAU.
But, keep in mind, last week’s contest against South Florida saw a Bulls team that ranked last in the conference in passing defense. So for now, these are just numbers, but it is always nice to have a sign of things to come.
The Midshipmen are anchored by nose guard Landon Robinson. The Senior has five sacks and six TFLs on the year. According to PFF’s interior defender pressure data, Robinson ranks fifth in the country. He will be a force against an Owls o-line that has struggled this season, and will be one that FAU will keep a lot of focus on. Six other Navy defenders have at least one sack on the year as well.
MarcAnthony Parker and Luke Pirris make up the linebacker positions with their combined nine TFLs on the year and 97 total tackles. The duo also has five quarterback hurries as well.
In the secondary, Navy in pass breakups by Irabonoise Oniha. The junior cornerback has six breakups on the year while three Midshipmen have an interception. It will be a tall task for Navy’s secondary on Saturday, but their goal will be to keep receivers in front of them and make FAU run the ball.
Final Thoughts
After the disappointing performance last week, Florida Atlantic would love nothing more than to earn the upset over an unbeaten opponent. Navy has looked weak this season with close wins coming against Rice, Temple, and Air Force. It will be up to FAU on how well they can keep themselves in this game.
The biggest keys to success will be slowing down the Navy rushing attack, getting off the field on third downs, and trusting in your receivers as the Owls run game will most likely suffer in this one. Overall, this should be a close contest, but do not be surprised if a few Florida Atlantic mistakes cost the Owls a shot to make this a game in the fourth quarter.
