North Texas Defeats Navy at Home Stadium
The Mean Green handed the Midshipmen a 49-39 loss at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Does this loss suggest a decline in Navy football's program stability in your area?
North Texas secured a 49-39 victory against Navy in Annapolis, ending the Midshipmen's eight-game home winning streak. Despite outgaining North Texas 506 yards to 477, Navy struggled to overcome two defensive touchdowns by the visitors.
Why it matters
The loss drops Navy to a 2-5 overall record for the season. The result highlights the impact of big-play defensive scoring, as North Texas capitalized on special teams and a fumble recovery to secure the win.
Navy led the offensive production with 506 yards and 30 first downs, compared to 477 yards for North Texas. The visitors relied on a 76-yard punt return by Dalton Carnes and a 63-yard fumble return by Zakye Barker for 14 critical points.
The players
Jackson Gutierrez
He is a running back who led the Navy offense with 225 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Jahiem White
He is a running back who recorded 174 rushing yards and two touchdowns for North Texas.
Dalton Carnes
He is a player who scored a touchdown for North Texas via a 76-yard punt return.
Zakye Barker
He is a player who secured a defensive touchdown for North Texas on a 63-yard fumble return.
The details
Jackson Gutierrez led Navy with 225 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Jahiem White contributed 174 yards and two scores for North Texas. Navy controlled possession for over 37 minutes, but could not offset the defensive lapses.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: The game occurred, ending Navy's winning streak.
October 31, 2026: Navy plays Notre Dame at Gillette Stadium.
Season Trajectory
This loss marks a significant home defeat for Navy following the 2024 home loss to Tulane. The result complicates the Midshipmen's season path as they fall to 2-5 overall ahead of a high-profile matchup against Notre Dame.
The loss drops Navy to a 2-5 overall record, putting significant pressure on the team's remaining schedule to reach bowl eligibility. Fans should monitor the injury report and lineup adjustments following the 506-yard offensive performance.
The takeaway
North Texas successfully exploited special teams errors to overcome a statistical disadvantage in total yardage. Navy must address defensive consistency in the return game to avoid similar upsets during their upcoming contest against Notre Dame.
What happens next
Navy is scheduled to play against Notre Dame at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit Football.
Live Poll
Does this loss suggest a decline in Navy football's program stability in your area?
