Navy's prowess with the running game is well known. The Midshipmen lead the nation in rushing, yards per carry, and rushing touchdowns. But as USF prepares for Saturday's huge American Conference game at Annapolis, the Bulls also have an explosive ground game that they no doubt will rely on to try and keep their spot as the top Group of 5 team in the College Football Playoff rankings.
We know about quarterback Byrum Brown's ability to hurt opponents with his legs, but in the last few weeks another rushing threat has emerged for USF. That would be redshirt freshman Nykahi Davenport. His playing increased after Cartevious Norton suffered a season-ending injury against Charlotte. In the five games since then, Davenport has 347 yards and four touchdowns.
He is averaging 6.94 yards per carry in that span.
"Nykhai is a young man who that as a freshman was banged up, and we went into spring and really didn't know what we were going to have there in terms of the player. He's worked incredibly hard since he's been here, but he was literally hurt virtually the entire his entire freshman year," Bulls coach Alex Golesh said.
"We knew what we saw in high school film. We knew the human being that he is, which is just a really quiet, humble, hard-working kid that is still quiet, still humble, still hard working, but now has this elite level of confidence that he's earned the right to have. He's brought a really physical approach back in the backfield, both in the protection side and the run game itself, which we lost some of that when, when we lost Cartavious."
There should be some options in the game for the Bulls. Navy ranks 56th in the country in run defense, while USF's rushing offense is 10th in the nation at 226.9 yards per game.
We are SOLD OUT for Saturday! pic.twitter.com/FmigwYDM1Z
— Navy Athletics (@NavyAthletics) November 12, 2025
How to watch USF vs. Navy in Week 10
Date: November 15
Time: 12 noon
How to watch: ESPN2
How to listen: Q105 radio and streaming on Bulls Unlimited
USF record: 7-2 overall, 4-1 in the conference
Navy record: 7-2 overall, 5-1 in the conference
What broadcast crew is calling the game?
Roy Philpot (PxP), Sam Acho (analyst), Taylor Davis (sideline)
What are the betting odds for USF vs. Navy?
USF is favored by 10.5 points on FanDuel Sportsbook. The ESPN matchup predictor gives the Bulls an 81,8 percent chance of winning,
Series between USF and Navy
Navy leads 3-2.
What is the weather forecast for Saturday's game?
Gametime temperature is forecast 52 degrees with light winds and possible light rain.