So, you’re looking for the score of Navy football game today, Sunday, January 18, 2026. I'll give it to you straight: there isn't one. The Midshipmen aren't on the field today, and honestly, if they were, it would be a massive shock to the college football world.
College football seasons wrap up their traditional schedules long before mid-January. While the NFL is currently deep into its divisional playoff round—with teams like the Bears and Rams duking it out—the Navy football team is already back in Annapolis, likely hitting the books or the weight room. Their season ended on a high note a couple of weeks ago.
The Real Final Score: 2026 Liberty Bowl Recap
If you’re wondering how they finished the year, Navy’s most recent game was the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on January 2, 2026. They faced off against the Cincinnati Bearcats in Memphis, and it was a statement win for the Mids.
Navy took that game 35-13.
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It wasn't even as close as the score looks. Quarterback Blake Horvath, who has been the engine of this offense all year, was named the game's MVP. He threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. On a rainy, grey day in Memphis, Navy’s ground game just wore Cincinnati down. Alex Tecza was a hammer, rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown, while Eli Heidenreich caught a 13-yard score that basically put the game out of reach in the third quarter.
That 17-16 Thriller Against Army
You can't talk about Navy’s current status without mentioning the 126th Army-Navy game from December 13, 2025. This is usually what people are thinking of when they search for scores. In a game attended by President Donald Trump at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Navy edged out Army 17-16.
It was a classic defensive struggle. Army led 16-7 deep into the third quarter, but Horvath found Heidenreich for an 8-yard touchdown with about six minutes left to seal the comeback. That win secured a 11-2 season for Navy, one of their best in recent memory.
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Why the Navy Score Matters Today
Even though they aren't playing today, Navy is actually in the news this morning. President Trump just announced he intends to sign an executive order to protect the Army-Navy game's traditional broadcast window.
With the College Football Playoff (CFP) expanding, there's been a lot of talk about the playoffs "bleeding" into that second Saturday in December. The President basically said "not on my watch," promising a four-hour exclusive window so the Midshipmen and Black Knights don't have to compete with "Big TV Money" playoff games.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Since you've missed the boat on a game today, you're probably looking at when they play next. The 2026 schedule isn't fully kicked off yet, but Navy usually opens their season in late August. Last year they started against VMI and absolutely crushed them 52-7.
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Expect the 2026 opener to be a similar vibe—a warm afternoon in Annapolis at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the 2026 Schedule: The official Naval Academy athletics site (navysports.com) typically releases finalized kickoff times for the fall season in late spring or early summer.
- Watch the Liberty Bowl Highlights: If you missed the 35-13 win over Cincinnati, the highlights are all over YouTube and ESPN. It shows just how much this "run-heavy" team has evolved into a multi-dimensional threat.
- Get Tickets Early: If you're planning on the 2026 Army-Navy game, start looking at the ticket lottery now. After an 11-2 season, demand is going to be through the roof.
Navy finished the season ranked No. 22 in the nation. It was a hell of a run. While there's no score to report for January 18, the momentum they’re carrying into the off-season is the real story.