Name: Matthew Karpinsky
 
Nickname: Karp
 
Year: 2/C (Junior)
 
Position: Linebacker
 
Height: 6'0
 
Weight: 215
 
Hometown: Centerville, Ohio
 
High School: Centerville High School
 
Major: Political Science
 
What other schools offered you and what was it about Navy that made you come here? Butler. I came to Navy for the opportunity to do something hard and be a part of something bigger than myself while playing football at the highest level.
 
What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football?  Navy is a tough place, from football to academics to military responsibilities, every day is a challenge. It isn't like any other school. But if you want to be the all-around best version of yourself while playing high level football and being a part of a true brotherhood, Navy is the only option.
 
If you could play another position, what position would you play and why?  I would be a running back so I could score touchdowns and run through guys.
 
If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule, who would you choose and why?  I would play Ohio State because that's the team I grew up watching.
 
Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why?   Comparative Politics, I've enjoyed learning about the world and how different political systems work.
 
Favorite teacher at the Naval Academy?  John Polga Hecimovich
 
Favorite form of social media and why? Instagram because of reels
 
Favorite person to follow on social media and why?   
Conor McGregor, because you never know what you're about to see.
 
If you could have dinner with any 4 people that are currently at the Naval Academy who would you choose and why? 
The Superintendent, Harry Beacham III, Teddy Androus and Noah Beck. All of these people are either current or former Naval Academy linebackers and I imagine it would make for a very interesting dinner.
 
Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why?  Wrestling, because the wrestling team produces hard-nosed athletes who compete every time they hit the mat.
 
What song is playing on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the field?  Black Flag Army
What is your dream vacation?   Spend a month touring Europe

Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2026?  Quinton Ezzard

Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2026?  Maxwell Williams
 
Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team?   MarcAnthony Parker
 
What player epitomizes Navy Football?  Vic Listorti
 
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on offense in 2026?  Braxton Woodson
 
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on defense in 2026?  Phillip Hamilton

What are you most looking forward to in 2026? I am looking forward to my junior year and getting back to football
 
Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know?  I'm a huge Star Wars fan 
 
If there was a movie about your life what would it be called and who would play you? Tenacity, Chris Bumstead 

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

Who is your favorite Navy athlete to watch outside of football? Dylan Elmore (Wrestling)
 
What does it mean to wear "Navy" across your chest? It means working your butt off every day and trying to be the best player/teammate/man you can to represent the people who came before you as well as America's Navy as a whole. It is an extreme honor that I am extremely thankful for every time I put my gear on.
 
What leadership lesson has football taught you? Take care of your people no matter how big or small their role is
 
Which upperclassman impacted you the most when you arrived? Ian Pourciau
 
What's one quality every successful midshipman needs? Resilience 
 
Which teammate would make the best Commandant? Dom Purcell
 
Which teammate would make the best Superintendent? Giuseppe Sessi
 
Who talks the most trash in practice?  JaSean Mclean
 
Which player would make the best coach someday? Jake Polito
 
Who has the best game-day energy?  Gage Leonard
 
Favorite uniform combination? White over blue pants
 
Which current NFL player do you model your game after?  Matt Milano (Buffalo Bills)
 
What's one thing fans should watch for from your position group this year?  There's a lot of depth and every guy is going to make plays and hit hard
 
What's your favorite part of game day? Singing Blue and Gold with my brothers after a win
 
Who's the funniest teammate?  Mason Frey
 
Name two players that you think are future team captains? Jackson Gutierrez and MarcAnthony Parker