1. Game Overview
The No. 22 Navy Midshipmen will face the Cincinnati Bearcats in the 2026 AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The game is scheduled for Friday, January 2, with kickoff at 4:30 p.m. EST from Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. This bowl matchup will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
2. Team Form and Analysis
Navy Midshipmen (10-2)The No. 22 ranked Midshipmen enter the Liberty Bowl with a strong 10-2 record. A key to their success has been the steady leadership of quarterback Blake Horvath, who has compiled an impressive 20-5 record as a starter over the past two seasons. Under Head Coach Brian Newberry, Navy continues to be a formidable opponent, relying on discipline and a consistent offensive attack. The game also marks the culmination of a 16-year football journey for seniors like Alex Tecza and Eli Heidenreich, who will be crucial contributors.
Cincinnati Bearcats (7-5)The Cincinnati Bearcats, led by Head Coach Scott Satterfield, finished the season with a 7-5 record. This will be the program’s 23rd bowl game appearance in school history, where they hold a 10-12 all-time record. While the Bearcats have earned a spot in the postseason, sources raise questions about the team’s roster availability for this matchup, with one report asking if Cincinnati can “field enough of a team to handle a dangerous Navy squad.” How the Bearcats manage their personnel will be a critical factor in their performance.
3. Injury Report
The provided search results do not contain a specific or detailed injury report for either Navy or Cincinnati. However, reports suggest potential roster depletion for Cincinnati, which could impact their depth and overall strength against a well-prepared Navy team. No significant injuries were noted for the Midshipmen.
4. Betting Odds Breakdown
- Point Spread: Navy -7.5The Navy Midshipmen are favored to win by 7.5 points. For a bet on Navy to be successful, they must win the game by 8 or more points. A bet on Cincinnati would win if they win the game outright or lose by 7 points or fewer.
- Total (Over/Under): 54.5The total points for the game is set at 54.5. Bettors can wager on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under this number. One source indicated a line of 53.5, suggesting some market movement, but the primary line is 54.5.
Specific moneyline odds were not available in the provided data. A moneyline bet is a wager on the outright winner of the game, regardless of the point differential.
5. Prediction
Prediction: Navy 31, Cincinnati 20
Navy enters this contest as the more stable and statistically superior team. Their 10-2 record, national ranking, and the proven success of quarterback Blake Horvath provide a solid foundation for victory. Conversely, the questions surrounding Cincinnati’s roster availability for the bowl game create significant uncertainty. While Cincinnati has a history of solid program performance, the consistency and discipline of Navy’s system are built to withstand the challenges of the postseason. Expect the Midshipmen to control the tempo of the game and win by a comfortable margin, covering the 7.5-point spread. The final score is projected to fall just under the 54.5-point total.
Sources:
Navy vs Cincinnati AutoZone Liberty Bowl Prediction – College …
2025-26 college football bowl game schedule, scores, TV channels …
Cincinnati Set for AutoZone Liberty Bowl Matchup vs. No. 22 Navy …
The AutoZone Liberty Bowl/Cincinnati Preview – On3
Scott Satterfield – University of Cincinnati Athletics – Official Athletics …
Navy vs. Cincinnati Prediction, Odds, Picks – January 2, 2026 | FOX …
Navy football Head Coach Brian Newberry spoke to the media this …
NCAAF – Navy Midshipmen vs Cincinnati Bearcats | Odds Shark
Media Links and Videos for Thursday – Naval Academy Athletics
Navy vs Cincinnati Prediction, Odds & Best Prop Bets – Liberty Bowl