Navy Midshipmen vs Cincinnati Bearcats Picks and Predictions for Friday, January 2, 2026
Navy plays Cincinnati in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Friday. Navy enters the postseason at 10-2 overall after a 17-16 win over Army to close the regular season. Cincinnati is 7-5 overall and last played on November 29, finishing the regular season with a 45-23 loss at TCU. End bowl season strong using our free college football picks.
Navy vs Cincinnati Game Information
- Date: Friday, January 2
- Time: 4:30 PM ET
- Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
- TV: ESPN
Navy Midshipmen Outlook
Navy’s offense is led by quarterback Blake Horvath, who leads the team in both passing and rushing. Horvath finished the regular season with 1,472 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, and six interceptions, while adding 1,147 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat production accounts for a large share of Navy’s scoring. Wide receiver Eli Heidenreich is the team’s leading receiver with 46 catches for 877 yards and five touchdowns.
On defense, Navy is led by linebacker MarcAnthony Parker, who recorded 93 total tackles. Defensive tackle Landon Robinson leads the team with 6.5 sacks and providing both a strong pass rush and clogging up the middle against the run. Navy closed the season by winning three of its final four games, including back-to-back wins over Memphis and Army.
Cincinnati Bearcats Outlook
Cincinnati’s offense is led by quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who finished the regular season with 2,800 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions, but Sorsby will not play after entering the transfer portal. The Bearcats’ rushing attack is led by Tawee Walker, who posted 709 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Cyrus Allen is Cincinnati’s top receiving option with 49 receptions for 665 yards and 12 touchdowns, giving the Bearcats a consistent scoring threat through the air.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Defensively, linebacker Jake Golday leads Cincinnati with 104 total tackles. Defensive lineman Jalen Hunt leads the team with 3.5 sacks. Cincinnati struggled down the stretch, losing four of its final five games since a midseason win over Baylor.
Navy vs Cincinnati Prediction
Navy enters the bowl game with stronger late-season results and a consistent offense led by Horvath, while Cincinnati looks to rebound after a difficult finish to the regular season. Navy’s ability to sustain drives and limit mistakes gives it the advantage in this matchup. Cincinnati will be without its starting quarterback, Brendan Sorsby who has entered the transfer portal. Final Score Prediction: Navy Midshipmen 31, Cincinnati Bearcats 14. Check out all the sportsbook promos to see if you are getting a great deal on your bets on Navy. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Cincinnati with the Kickr promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on Navy vs Cincinnati you are using the BetMGM bonus code.
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
Best Picks
- Navy Midshipmen -7
- Under 54.5
