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FAU enters the Navy game with Zach Kittley's full coaching staff and quarterback Caden Veltkamp returning. Slot target Easton Messer is back after 104 catches for 1,052 yards in 2025, while Texas Tech transfer Kelby Valsin opened 2026 with 10 catches for 92 yards at Florida. The preview sees their shared Air Raid experience as a continuity advantage, not proof of a new downfield emphasis.
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FAU ran 90 plays at 18.5 seconds per play against Florida but gained only 5.2 yards per pass attempt and 3.2 per rush, with no run beyond 11 yards. Running backs took 31 of 37 carries; Leonard Farrow averaged 5.1 yards on 10 attempts. Four backs share first-team 'or' listings. The preview considers a larger back-led run component possible against Navy, not a confirmed change.
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Navy coach Brian Newberry plans to retain some of last year's coverage disguises against FAU while adding new ideas. The preview says replacing departed tackle Landon Robinson's pass rush with line depth is critical: FAU's tempo may limit substitutions, and Navy needs pressure from three or four rushers to keep extra defenders in coverage. Open-field tackling and fixing Towson-game secondary mixups are additional tests.
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Navy ran 73 times for 506 yards against Towson. With Eli Heidenreich and Blake Horvath gone, the writer expects FAU to use its safeties more aggressively against the run than in their 2025 meeting. That leaves current questions about Braxton Woodson's protection and trusted receivers; no specific receiver promotion or FAU coverage call has been announced.
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FAU allowed Florida 280 rushing yards in its opener, a warning before Navy's option attack, though the preview cautions that the matchup differs. The defensive front includes returning sack leader CJ Doggette Jr. and Ohio transfer Jay Crable, who had six sacks in 2025. Linebacker Leon Hart Jr., last year's 96-tackle leader, made seven tackles at Florida; the writer sees his experience as important against Navy's misdirection.