Name: Brandon Ihle


Nickname: Nighthawk, B, B-man


Year: Sophomore


Position: Striker


Height: 6'3


Weight: 220


Hometown: Apex, N.C.


High School: Middle Creek 


Major: Oceanography


What other schools offered you and what was it about Navy that made you come here? A lot of the Patriot League schools. I ultimately chose Navy because of the coaching staff and the future that the academy will set me up for.


What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football? Coming here will be the best decision of your life. The relationships that are formed from this institution are unmatched. You also get to do some really cool things.


If you could play another position, what position would you play and why?  Wide receiver. I played it in high school and really enjoyed it. Before playing wide receiver and OLB, I was a QB so I have some experiences playing other positions.


If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule, who would you choose and why?  Ohio State! I have been a lifelong fan because both of my grandparents went there and I feel like it would be a full circle moment to play against the team I have watched my entire life.


Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why? Chemistry. I really enjoyed the challenge and the ability to help a lot of my teammates who struggled in the class.


Favorite teacher at the Naval Academy?  Captain Fisher


Favorite form of social media and why? Snapchat, that's where I talk to most of my friends.


Favorite person to follow on social media and why?  3 Year Letterman on X, his posts are hilarious.


If you could have dinner with any 4 people that are currently at the Naval Academy who would you choose and why? Cody Fair, Hunter Fay, Malcolm Johnson and Connor Young


Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why? Men's soccer. My roommate is on the soccer team and I love the guys on the team so I enjoy keeping up with how they're doing. 
 
What is your dream vacation?   Switzerland
 
Favorite Coach Newberry Quote: "Elite EAT"
 
Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2026?  Landon Dolhancyk
 
Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2026?  Christian Johnson
 
Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team?   Gage Leonard
 
What player epitomizes Navy Football?  Giuseppe Sessi
 
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on offense in 2026?  Braxton Woodson
 
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on defense in 2026?  Coleman Cauley
 
What are you most looking forward to in 2026? I'm excited to see how this team plays together and win another CIC championship.
 
Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know?  I compete in a hot dog eating contest every 4th of July
 
 If there was a movie about your life what would it be called and who would play you?  Madness, played by John Cena
 
If you could play another sport at the Naval Academy, what would it be? Basketball
 
Who is your favorite Navy athlete to watch outside of football? Will Cawlfield (men's soccer)

What does it mean to wear "Navy" across your chest? It is a great honor to represent not just the Navy but the United States Military and I feel a great pride in wearing Navy every time I step on to the field.
 
What leadership lesson has football taught you? It's impossible to be successful unless everyone is bought in.
 
Which upperclassman impacted you the most when you arrived? Kenneth McShan
 
What's one quality every successful midshipman needs? Work ethic
 
Which teammate would make the best Commandant? Luke Lawson
 
Which teammate would make the best Superintendent? Will Miller
 
Who talks the most trash in practice? Phillip Hamilton
 
Which player would make the best coach someday? Gavin Woods
 
Who has the best game-day energy? Phillip Hamilton
 
Favorite road stadium you've played in? M&T Bank Stadium
 
Favorite uniform combination? Blue bottoms, blue tops
 
Which current NFL player do you model your game after? Harrison Smith
 
What's one thing fans should watch for from your position group this year? How disruptive we are
 
What's your favorite part of game day? Playing with my brothers

Who's the funniest teammate? Luke Lawson

Name two players that you think are future team captains? MarcAnthony Parker and Jackson Gutierrez