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

Army vs. Navy QB rushing yards: How Blake Horvath, Cale Hellums compare to NCAA running backs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.