The 7-1 Navy Midshipmen have a chance to make a statement to the College Football Playoff selection committee. On Saturday night, Navy will go on the road to take on No. 10 Notre Dame. At 7-1 on the season and first in the American Athletic Conference, Navy could potentially make a case for a CFP bid.
But unfortunately for the Midshipmen, they will be without their best player, as starting quarterback Blake Horvath was ruled out of the game prior to kickoff with an injury.
Here's everything you need to know about Horvath's injury.
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What happened to Blake Horvath?
ESPN's Pete Thamel first reported Horvath being ruled out, citing an upper body injury. According to Thamel, the Midshipmen signal-caller suffered the injury last week against North Texas:
Sources: Navy QB Blake Horvath is out for today’s game at Notre Dame with an upper body injury that he suffered toward the end of the North Texas game. Navy will start Braxton Woodson, who beat ECU last year in his only other career start. Pic.twitter.com/j4WKIhgEI7
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 8, 2025
Although Horvath was seen warming up on the sideline, him playing was a game-time decision:
Blake Horvath was limited in practice this week and was a game-time decision. I think the @NavyFB coaching staff is being cautious considering next Saturday's game against @USFFootball is more important in terms of reaching the @American_Conf championship game.
— Bill Wagner (@BWagner_CapGaz) November 9, 2025
The good news is that the injury is not one believed to be a long-term one:
Horvath was considered a game-time decision today. The injury is not considered long-term, and there’s a chance he returns when Navy plays USF in Annapolis. Navy is likely to also give QB snaps to sophomore Jackson Gutierrez today.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 8, 2025
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Who is Navy's backup QB?
Starting in-place of Horvath will be junior Braxton Woodson, who has just one career start. Over his three seasons with the Midshipmen, he has 455 yards passing with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He's added 556 yards rushing with seven scores on the ground.
How long is Blake Horvath out?
It appears as though it'll likely be just for the Notre Dame game. Navy plays South Florida next week, followed by a bye before taking on Memphis on Nov. 27.
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Blake Horvath stats
Horvath has thrown for 1,143 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions. He's rushed for another 926 yards with 13 scores on the ground, too. Entering Saturday, he was fifth in the nation in rushing yards.
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