Blake Horvath’s Record-Breaking Run Lifts Navy QB Into Legit Heisman Conversation

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Navy quarterback Blake Horvath has vaulted from promising sophomore to national headline in a span of three weeks, and the Midshipmen’s dual-threat star now sits on the cusp of history as the program’s first serious Heisman Trophy contender since Roger Staubach. Surge to stardom • Horvath’s 1,812 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns lead all FBS quarterbacks, while his 64.3 percent completion rate has silenced critics of the triple-option pass game. • The Heisman Trophy Trust informed Horvath on Tuesday that he is “under consideration” for finalist status, an unprecedented nod for an American Athletic Conference player since the league’s 2013 inception. Injury no longer a concern Horvath missed the Notre Dame clash on Nov. 9 with an upper-body injury but was cleared after a 12-day rehab window and returned last Saturday to roll up 346 total yards against East Carolina. Team doctors report no lingering limitations, easing fears sparked by last season’s thumb surgery. Thanksgiving spotlight vs. Memphis Navy (8-3, 5-2 AAC) visits Memphis tonight in a nationally televised holiday showcase that doubles as Horvath’s final résumé piece before ballots are due. Oddsmakers have installed a “Blake Horvath anytime TD” as the most-bet college prop of the week, reflecting surging public interest. What’s at stake 1. A Navy victory secures the program’s first AAC title-game berth since 2015. 2. Horvath can break the single-season service-academy rushing record (1,894) with 83 yards. 3. A strong outing could cement his place in New York, giving the Heisman ceremony a rare military-school storyline certain to captivate casual viewers. Quote of the week “He’s just different—tough as a Marine, fast as a fighter jet, and smarter than the blitz,” offensive coordinator Grant Chesnut said when asked why defenses struggle to corral No. 12. SEO takeaway With “Blake Horvath Heisman,” “Blake Horvath injury update,” and “Blake Horvath vs Memphis” spiking on search, tonight’s primetime duel offers the quarterback a national stage—and Navy fans a potential page in college-football lore.