Jackson Gutierrez Will Make First Navy Start
The junior quarterback will lead the Midshipmen offense against UAB this Friday.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Football
Junior quarterback Jackson Gutierrez will earn his first career start for Navy in Friday's game against UAB on September 26, 2026. Head coach Brian Newberry selected Gutierrez to lead the team following a quarterback competition with Braxton Woodson.
Why it matters
The decision to start Gutierrez signals a shift in leadership for the Navy offense as the team looks to optimize its performance against UAB. This strategic change follows a competitive evaluation process conducted by the coaching staff during the lead-up to the contest.
In 14 career appearances, Gutierrez has logged 48 rushing attempts for 294 yards and three touchdowns, while maintaining a 6.1 yards per attempt average. He has completed six of 14 pass attempts for 100 yards and two touchdowns.
The players
Jackson Gutierrez
He is a junior quarterback for the Navy football team who has previously appeared in 13 career games.
Brian Newberry
He is the head coach of the Navy football team responsible for selecting the starting quarterback.
Braxton Woodson
He is a quarterback for the Navy football team who competed for the starting position.
The details
Gutierrez emerged as the starter after competing for the position with fellow quarterback Braxton Woodson. The junior athlete now takes over the starting role for the Midshipmen for the upcoming Friday matchup.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: The announcement regarding the starting quarterback was publicized.
September 26, 2026: Navy plays the UAB football team.
Season Trajectory
This roster move shifts the current season trajectory for the Midshipmen as the team integrates a new field leader. It directly impacts the competitive balance of the Navy offense and influences the team's depth chart moving forward.
Gutierrez brings a 6.1 yards per carry average to the starting role, providing a dynamic rushing threat for the offense. His performance against UAB will determine his viability as a dual-threat option for the remainder of the season.
The takeaway
Quarterback changes in early season play often serve as a bellwether for a team's offensive identity and adaptability. Fans should observe how the transition from a competition format to a primary starter affects the consistency of the team's drive production.
Further reading
Find more updates and analysis on the team at Annapolis Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ClutchPoints.
