Name: Ryan Brass

Nickname: Knuckles

Year: Sophomore

Position: QB

 

Height: 6'0

 

Weight: 210

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

 

High School: Elder

Major: Political Science

What other schools offered you and what was it about Navy that made you come here?  Navy was the only FBS offer I had coming out of high school, which made it an easy choice. The coaches not only believed in me, but they were outstanding to be around. The visit was so good that I committed on my visit.

What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football? I would tell them that college football is different from high school football and you need to have a hungry mindset in everything you do. Also, build as many relationships with your teammates because this place is a true Brotherhood and the people in that locker room will be your best friends for the rest of your life. Finally, there isn't another school in the country where you can get this level of education, while also competing to go to the college football playoffs every year.

If you could play another position, what position would you play and why?  Linebacker, I played linebacker through grade school.

If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule, who would you choose and why?  Cincinnati. It was awesome beating them in the bowl game, especially since the majority of the people I know from high school go to college there.

Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why?   Cyber Security because my teacher, Captain Dorchuck, made it entertaining. It was also interesting taking a class like that for the first time.

Favorite teacher at the Naval Academy?  Captain Burke

Favorite form of social media and why? Instagram, It's the app I use to keep up with my friends and see what is going on.

Favorite person to follow on social media and why?   Alonzo Manning. He's the funniest dude at the Naval Academy.

If you could have dinner with any 4 people that are currently at the Naval Academy who would you choose and why? Landon Dolhancyk, Trent Gray, Connor Young and Maddax Fayard. It was hard to pick four people, but I went with my day one guys from NAPS. We all represent 2-1 and have gone through everything together the last two years.

Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why?  Rugby, because my friend Maximus Diepenbrock is the best scrum-half in the country.

What song is playing on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the field?  Can't Turn You Down - Jon Pardi

What is your dream vacation?  I would like to visit Northern Ireland to see the Game Of Thrones studio.

Favorite Coach Newberry Quote: Cherry Juice

Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2026?  Charles Robinson

Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2026?  Christian Johnson

Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team? Jake Norris

What player epitomizes Navy Football?  Braxton Woodson and Jackson Gutierrez

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? Keep stacking wins.

Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know?  I can play the piano.

If there was a movie about your life what would it be called and who would play you? Underdog played by myself

If you could play another sport at the Naval Academy, what would it be? Rugby

Who is your favorite Navy athlete to watch outside of football? Max Diepenbrock (rugby)

What does it mean to wear "Navy" across your chest? It means everything to me and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Being able to represent the big Navy, the Naval Academy and all the former players on the field is awesome. We embrace the toughness and culture of our team when we put that jersey on. There is no one I would rather battle with than my teammates wearing the same jersey.

What leadership lesson has football taught you?  The most valuable lesson I have learned is how do you expect to lead people if they don't trust you. You have to build that trust within the people who are following you in order to be effective.

Which upperclassman impacted you the most when you arrived? Vic Listorti

What's one quality every successful midshipman needs? Resiliency

Which teammate would make the best Commandant? Brandon Ihle

Which teammate would make the best Superintendent? Cody Fair

Who talks the most trash in practice? Hunter Fay

Who has the best game-day energy? Luke Lawson

Favorite uniform combination? White on gold pants

Which current NFL player do you model your game after?  Josh Allen

What's one thing fans should watch for from your position group this year? How consistent we are and the playmaking ability we possess in the quarterback room.

 

What's your favorite part of game day? The flyover
 

Name two players that you think are future team captains?  Malcolm Johnson, Brandon Ihle