Navy vs Tulsa Preview: Midshipmen Seek Turnaround at Home

On Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, the Navy Midshipmen (1‑3, 0‑2 American) will host the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3‑2, 0‑1 American) at Navy‑Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. The game marks the 12th meeting between the two programs, with Navy holding a 9‑2 series edge but only a 3‑2 record in games played in Annapolis.

Game Overview and Stakes

Both teams arrive after disappointing losses. Tulsa fell 45‑44 in overtime to North Texas, while Navy dropped a 14‑9 decision at Air Force. The Midshipmen have lost three straight games for the first time since 2021 and are looking to end a skid that includes three consecutive one‑score defeats—a streak not seen since 2011. A win would keep Navy’s bowl hopes alive; the last time the Midshipmen began a season 1‑3 and still reached a bowl was 2012.

Navy’s Recent Struggles and Home Field Edge

Despite the recent slide, Navy remains formidable at home. Under head coach Brian Newberry, the Midshipmen are 15‑3 (.833) in Annapolis and have won seven straight home games dating back to the 2025 season. Navy has not lost a home game when leading after three quarters since Oct. 23, 1999, a streak that now stands at 79 consecutive victories. The team will also benefit from a rare extended home stretch; Saturday’s contest is Navy’s first home game in 35 days after three straight road trips to FAU, UAB, and Air Force.

Tulsa’s Momentum and Offensive Threats

The Golden Hurricane come into the game with an impressive early‑season résumé, highlighted by a 24‑10 upset of Oklahoma State on Sept. 5. Tulsa’s offense features a versatile rushing attack led by redshirt senior Damari Alston (292 yards, five TDs) and senior Trequan Jones (221 yards, two TDs on 35 carries). Quarterback Baylor Hayes, a redshirt sophomore transfer from East Tennessee State, has thrown for 564 yards and four touchdowns with just one interception when healthy. Defensively, Tulsa ranks 13th nationally in turnover margin (+1.2 per game) and has forced 10 turnovers this season, the ninth most in the FBS.

Key Players to Watch

Jackson Gutierrez (Navy QB/RB) – First‑time collegiate starter who rushed for 134 yards and a TD against FAU.
Luke Hutchison (Navy WR) – Former quarterback now a starting wide receiver.
Damari Alston (Tulsa RB) – Leads the Golden Hurricane ground game with five rushing touchdowns.
Baylor Hayes (Tulsa QB) – Dual‑threat passer capable of big plays when healthy.
Chris Thompson Jr. (Tulsa LB) – Leads the team with 49 tackles, eighth in the FBS.

Broadcast Information and Game Day Timeline

CBS Sports Network will carry the contest with play‑by‑play announcer John Sadak, analyst Randy Cross, and sideline reporter Brandon Baylor. The Navy Football Radio Network (WBAL 1090 AM/Baltimore, WFED 1500 AM/Washington, WNAV 1430 AM/Annapolis, and affiliates) will begin its pregame show at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Game Day Schedule

1:00‑1:15 p.m. – Team arrival and walk‑through of NavyFest
3:11 p.m. – March‑on of the Brigade of Midshipmen
3:21:30 p.m. – National Anthem and flyover (two E‑2D Advanced Hawkeyes from VAW‑120)
3:28:20 p.m. – Teams take the field (Navy first)
3:32 p.m. – Kickoff
Halftime – Naval Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, Jolly Rogers Silent Drill demonstration
Postgame – Playing of “Navy Blue & Gold” as the team stands before the Brigade

Historical Series Context

Navy leads the all‑time series 9‑2, but the Midshipmen have won only three of the five games played in Annapolis. The most recent meeting, a 2023 contest, saw Tulsa prevail 31‑28 in overtime. Navy’s last home victory over the Golden Hurricane came in 2015, a 24‑10 win. The program’s overall record stands at 760‑608‑57 (.553) over 146 seasons, ranking 23rd among FBS programs and tops among schools outside the autonomy four.

Newberry’s tenure has produced a 29‑5 (.853) record when the defense achieves “Get 6” (a combined total of six three‑and‑outs, fourth‑down stops, and turnovers). The Midshipmen are 20‑35 (.364) when they fail to meet that benchmark.

Conclusion

Saturday’s clash presents a pivotal opportunity for Navy to snap a three‑game losing streak and reassert its home‑field dominance. Tulsa, riding the momentum of a major upset over Oklahoma State, will look to continue its turnover‑forcing prowess and exploit any lapses in the Midshipmen’s young roster. With CBS Sports Network broadcasting the game nationally and a rich tradition of pageantry surrounding the event, the atmosphere at Navy‑Marine Corps Memorial Stadium promises to be electric. The outcome could significantly influence both teams’ bowl aspirations and provide an early indication of each program’s trajectory for the remainder of the 2026 season.

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Navy Football Returns Home to Play Host to Tulsa