This past Saturday, the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Midshipmen took significant strides toward retaining the illustrious Commander-in-Chief trophy (CIC) for this football season. Each year, this esteemed accolade is contested among the three U.S. service academies: USNA, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Currently in possession of the trophy, the Midshipmen kicked off their series against the Air Force on Saturday.
The match proved to be an exhilarating showdown, ultimately concluding with Navy triumphing 34-31.
Despite both teams leaning heavily on their run-focused option systems, the Midshipmen and Falcons combined for an astounding 977 yards in a thrilling match brimming with explosive plays. Heidenreich emerged as the standout performer, amassing an impressive 243 receiving yards, setting a new Navy single-game record that surpassed the previous mark of 179 yards held since 1967 by Rob Taylor. Notably, Heidenreich established this record with over ten minutes left in the game, and he also became the academy’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns with 14 career scores.
Quarterback Blake Horvath also made history in the best performance of his career, completing 20 of his 26 pass attempts for 339 yards and three touchdowns, securing his position as fifth in Navy’s single-game history for passing yards.
Navy head coach Brian Newberry praised Horvath and Heidenreich, stating, “They’re playmakers.”
“You have to get the ball to your playmakers, and they executed that phenomenally today.”
Attendance at the game included Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who not only cheered from the stands but later celebrated the Midshipmen’s victory in the locker room, where he received a warm welcome.
Watch:
AMERICA’S SECRETARY OF WAR!!!! pic.twitter.com/O3mxxEgdsF
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) October 4, 2025
Hegseth not only joined the Midshipmen in their post-touchdown tradition of performing pushups, but he also helped break a Guinness WORLD RECORD with 3,068 people completing push-ups simultaneously for one minute.
. @SECWAR joined the Naval Academy as they set a new Guinness WORLD RECORD with 3,068 people doing push-ups simultaneously for one minute. pic.twitter.com/f2LDRFuuXX
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) October 4, 2025
After the game, Secretary Hegseth’s presence only heightened the celebratory atmosphere.
. @SECWAR visited the @NavyFB locker room AFTER defeating Air Force 34-31.
It was ELECTRIC… pic.twitter.com/ipBsjfdCl7
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) October 4, 2025
In the aftermath of Navy’s victory, he shared his thoughts with the team.
Secretary Hegseth remarked, “You know what? Nothing else matters. You got it done. You got it done.”
“Indeed, the most satisfying victories are those where the outcome is in doubt for a while. Defense and offense may struggle at first, but you prevailed.”
He continued with a pinch of humor, “Listen, I was an all-conference honorable mention wide receiver back at Four Slate High School, Minnesota. While I may not have excelled in deep passes, I ran those slant routes across the middle with pride. So believe me when I say, I respect what you’ve accomplished here.”
“When it was time for a big stop at the end, you got it. When you were presented with the chance to secure a first down, you seized it. This determination is not just relevant to this game but will resonate throughout your lives and your future responsibilities.”
“Understand that there will be challenging days ahead. You will encounter frustrating moments and find yourselves under various leaders, some of whom will be less effective than others, coupled with clear and unclear missions.”
“What you do in those pivotal moments will define your future—whether it’s for the sailors, seals, marines, or the Americans you will one day lead. You are their compass. Just as you rely on your quarterback, they will look to you.”
“You demonstrated that today.”
“I have immense respect for the Air Force, but they weren’t able to match up with you today.”
“It is my honor to serve as your Secretary of War. Remember, the nation supports you, your leadership backs you, and we are committed to providing you with everything you’ll need as you move forward.”
“Fight like hell. Do what you did in the field today, and America will only rise from there.”
“I pray for the day one of my children joins the ranks of those who have made the selfless choice all of you have. You put something larger than yourselves on the table, and that is commendable. You have my utmost respect.”
“Men, warriors, go Navy.”
Watch:
. @SecWar @PeteHegseth delivered a postgame locker room address after Navy’s 34-31 victory over Air Force pic.twitter.com/CGfS14agKC
— Tami Radabaugh (@TRadabaughDOW) October 4, 2025
