Football | 6/28/2026 8:15:00 AM

Name: Jonah Cali
 
Year: Sophomore 
 
Position: Safety
 
Height: 5'10
 
Weight: 190
 
Hometown: Montverde, Fla.
 
High School: Lake Minneola
 
Major: Quantitative Economics 
 
What other schools offered you and what was it about Navy that made you come here?  Memphis, Liberty, Bowling Green, Richmond, Mercer and Army all offered me opportunities. I chose Navy because of the culture, the brotherhood within the team, the top-tier education and the chance to be part of something bigger than myself through military service.
 
What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football?   This place will challenge you in every aspect of your life, but it will also help shape you into the man you want to become. The Naval Academy offers an experience that is far different from the traditional college lifestyle and it's something your friends playing football elsewhere will never fully understand.

If you could play another position, what position would you play and why? I would love to play quarterback. I played the position throughout middle school and for part of my high school career. There's something special about leading the offense, being involved in every play and having the ball in your hands each snap.
  
If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule, who would you choose and why? University of Wisconsin at their stadium to beat my family's favorite team.
 
 Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why? Cyber Security has been my favorite class so far. It was fascinating to learn how technology works and just how advanced and complex modern systems have become.
 
Favorite form of social media and why? Snapchat, because it is my way of staying in contact with my friends back home.
 
Favorite person to follow on social media and why? ESPN, because it is an easy way to stay up to date with everything in the sports world. 

If you could have dinner with any 4 people that are currently at the Naval Academy who would you choose and why? Jeremiah Chalmers, Nash Beenen, Brady O'Connor and Collin Seals. It would be just like any other weekend.
 
Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why?  Baseball. I grew up playing it and have always loved the game.
 
What song is playing on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the field?  
 "On me" by Gunna
 
What is your dream vacation?   Going on a big yacht and exploring different countries in Europe with my family and friends.
 
Favorite Coach Newberry Quote: Go1-0 in everything that you do.
 
Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2026?  Charles Robinson
 
Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2026?  Collin Seals
 
Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team?   Marcus Blaezard
 
What player epitomizes Navy Football?  Braxton Woodson
 
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on offense in 2026?  Braxton Woodson
 
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on defense in 2026?  Giuseppe Sessi
 
What are you most looking forward to in 2026? Winning football games with the boys.
 
Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know?  I am really good at wake surfing.
 
If you could play another sport at the Naval Academy, what would it be?  Baseball
 
Who is your favorite Navy athlete to watch outside of football? 
 Jude Ballinger (Men's Rugby)
 
What does it mean to wear "Navy" across your chest?  It means representing something much bigger than yourself. You're carrying on the legacy of those who came before you while honoring the sacrifices made by the men and women serving in our nation's armed forces.
 
What leadership lesson has football taught you?  Football has taught me to have a next-play mentality. Whether something good or bad happens, you have to move forward, stay focused and give your full attention to the next opportunity.
 
Which upperclassman impacted you the most when you arrived?  Giuseppe Sessi
 
What's one quality every successful midshipman needs?  Grit
 
Which teammate would make the best Commandant?  Nash Beenen
 
Which teammate would make the best Superintendent?  Trent Gillis
Who talks the most trash in practice?  Phillip Hamilton
 
Which player would make the best coach someday?  Ira Oniha
 
Who has the best game-day energy?  Trent Gillis 
 
Favorite uniform combination?  All White
 
Which current NFL player do you model your game after?  Cooper Dejean (Eagles)
 
What's one thing fans should watch for from your position group this year?  We're going to make a lot of plays on the ball, create turnovers and have a major impact on the game.
 
What's your favorite part of game day?  Winning
 
Who's the funniest teammate?  Charles Robinson

Name two players that you think are future team captains?   Jackson Gutierrez and Phillip Hamilton