A college football player wearing a white jersey, gold pants and gold helmet carries the ball and is surrounded by three defenders wearing dark blue jerseys, dark blue pants and gold helmets.

The Navy defense converges to bring down UAB receiver C.J. Smith (1) during the first half in Birmingha, Ala., on Sept. 25, 2026. (Navy Football/X)

STARS AND STRIPES

Published September 26, 2026

Bam McReynolds ran for a 48-yard touchdown one play after UAB recovered a Navy fumble to give the Blazers a 24-20 victory Friday night in their American Conference opener.

UAB defender Marlin Dean leveled Navy quarterback Jackson Gutierrez for a sack early in the fourth quarter, forcing a fumble that Chris Spencer recovered. On the first play of the ensuing drive, McReynolds bounced outside and raced down the left sideline for the go-ahead score with 10:36 left.

McReynolds finished with 71 yards on the ground and two TDs. Quarterback Ryder Burton went 13-for-20 passing for 174 yards with one score and one interception.

Gutierrez led the Midshipmen with 134 yards rushing on 34 carries, with one touchdown. He added 104 yards passing.

Michael Barrow added 48 yards rushing for Navy, and Vic Listorti had a rushing touchdown.

Navy piled up 249 yards on the ground and outgained UAB 353-290, but was done in by Gutierrez’s fumble

The Midshipmen fell to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in American Conference play with their second consecutive loss following a season-opening win. They play at service academy rival Air Force next Saturday.

Navy

college football

STARS AND STRIPES VIDEOS

AROUND THE WEB

STRIPES TOP NEWS