Army vs. Navy QB rushing yards: How Blake Horvath, Cale Hellums compare to NCAA running backs

By | December 13, 2025

Saturday will mark the 126th edition of the annual rivalry game between Army and Navy. Historically, both programs have relied heavily on the run. Although both service academies traditionally run the triple-option offense, Army passes more under head coach Jeff Monken.

Still, expect big rushing totals on Saturday, especially from the quarterbacks. Navy’s Blake Horvath and Army’s Cale Hellums rank among the nation’s leading rushers. The Midshipmen enter the game with the nation’s No. 1 rushing offense, averaging 298.36 yards per game, while Army is fifth at 256.91 yards per game.

Here’s a look at how both quarterbacks are contributing to their teams’ success on the ground.

MORE: CBS’ Gary Danielson reflects on his time calling Army-Navy games

Who is Navy’s quarterback?

Navy’s quarterback is senior Blake Horvath, who has been the Midshipmen’s starter since last season. In 2024, he rushed for a career-high 1,254 yards with 17 touchdowns. 

He’s on-pace to potentially match or surpass that, entering Saturday’s game with 1,040 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season. He’s helped Navy get off to a 9-2 record so far this season, and has been Navy’s leading rusher with over 100 yards in six games this season. 

MORE: What is Army’s all-time record against Navy?

Blake Horvath stats 2025

Here’s a look at Horvath’s stats this year. His 1,390 passing yards for 2025 is already a career-high for the senior. 

Season Pass Yds Y/A TD Int Rush Yards 2025 10 61.8 1,390 10.6 9 5 1,040 14 6.0

Who is Army’s quarterback?

Army’s quarterback this season is junior Cale Hellums. Hellums actually started the season as quarterback No. 2 on the depth chart, behind starter Dewayne Coleman.

But with Coleman dealing with several injuries throughout the season, Hellums has taken over under center. He’s led the Black Knights in rushing in six of their last seven games, as Army enters Saturday 6-5 on the year. 

MORE: Blake Horvath’s path to stardom at Navy

Cale Hellums stats 2025

Here’s a look at Hellums’ stats so far in 2025. His best game came against Tulane on Oct. 18. Although the Black Knights lost 24-17, he finished with a season-high 125 yards passing with another 163 on the ground, also a season-high. 

Season Pass Yds Y/A TD Int Rush Yards 2025 11 50.7 504 10.6 3 2 1,078 15 4.1

NCAA rushing leaders 2025

As you can see, both Horvath and Hellums are squarely inside the top-30 in rushing yards this season. In fact, the two are the only quarterbacks in the whole group, with Horvath checking inside the Top-10 in yards per game. 

Rank Player School Year Pos Games Att Yards TDs Y/C
1 Cam Cook J’ville St JR RB 13 295 1659 16 5.62
2 Ahmad Hardy Missouri SO RB 12 241 1560 16 6.47
3 Emmett Johnson Nebraska JR RB 12 251 1451 12 5.78
4 Jeremiyah Love Notre Dame JR RB 12 199 1372 18 6.89
5 Evan Dickens Liberty SO RB 11 229 1339 12 5.85
6 LJ Martin BYU JR RB 13 236 1305 15 5.53
7 Kaytron Allen Penn State SR RB 12 210 1303 11 6.2
8 Kejon Owens FIU SR RB 12 205 1298 20 6.33
9 Kewan Lacy Miss SO RB 12 258 1279 9 4.96
10 Wayne Knight James Mad JR RB 13 190 1263 14 6.65
11 Sieh Bangura Ohio SR RB 12 222 1243 13 5.6
12 Antwan Raymond Rutgers SO RB 12 244 1241 19 5.09
13 Lucky Sutton SDSU JR RB 12 239 1237 10 5.18
14 Caleb Hawkins North Texas FR RB 12 200 1236 23 6.18
15 Jadan Baugh Florida SO RB 12 220 1170 8 5.32
16 Raleek Brown Ariz State JR RB 12 186 1141 4 6.13
17 Cam Edwards UConn JR RB 12 199 1132 14 5.69
18 Cameron Dickey Texas Tech SO RB 13 198 1095 14 5.53
19 Dylan Riley Boise State SO RB 13 185 1091 10 5.9
20 Anthony Hankerson Oregon State SR RB 12 247 1086 9 4.4
21 Kentrel Bullock South Alabama SR RB 12 218 1085 14 4.98
21 Caden Creel J’ville St SO QB 13 169 1085 7 6.42
23 Cale Hellums Army JR QB 11 264 1,078 15 4.08
24 Mike Washington, Jr. Arkansas SR RB 12 167 1,070 8 6.41
25 Dominic Richardson Tulsa SR RB 12 212 1,065 5 5.02
26 J’Mari Taylor Virginia SR RB 13 222 1062 14 4.78
27 Robert Henry, Jr. UTSA SR RB 11 151 1,045 9 6.92
28 Blake Horvath Navy SR QB 10 174 1,040 14 5.98
29 Bo Jackson Ohio State FR RB 12 168 1,035 5 6.16
30 Jordan Gant Akron JR RB 12 213 1,032 6 4.85

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