Blazers Earn First Win Over Navy, 24-20

Friday, September 25

Birmingham, AL

6 p.m.

UAB

2-2 , 1-0

Navy

1-2 , 0-2

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Navy	0	13	7	0	20
UAB	0	17	0	7	24

Box Score (PDF)Navy Postgame Notes Season Stats (PDF)

Photo by: Ken Shepherd

Blazers Earn First Win Over Navy, 24-20

9/25/2026 10:13:00 PM | Football

Box Score UAB 24, Navy 20 Navy Postgame Notes UAB Football Season Stats 2026

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UAB used a pair of fourth-quarter takeaways and a 48-yard touchdown run from Bam McReynolds to earn its first-ever victory over Navy, defeating the Midshipmen 24-20 Friday night at Protective Stadium.

The victory moved UAB to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in American Conference play, while improving the Blazers to 2-0 at home this season. UAB had dropped the first three meetings in the series before breaking through Friday night.

"I'd start with resilience," head coach Alex Mortensen said. "I thought the guys were incredibly resilient. One of the things we talk a lot about is just competing, fighting to the end and staying together. Everything kind of starts there, and I thought tonight, man, they did that big time. I was so proud of them."

After a scoreless first quarter, the Blazers struck first on a 10-yard touchdown run by McReynolds to take a 7-0 lead. Navy responded on its ensuing possession with a four-yard touchdown run by Jackson Gutierrez to tie the game at seven.

UAB regained the lead on Jonah Delange's 44-yard field goal, his eighth make of the season, capping an 11-play, 49-yard drive that took 4:41 off the clock. The Midshipmen answered with a 34-yard field goal from Nolan Bartley to tie the game at 10.

The Blazers needed only 44 seconds to respond. Ryder Burton connected with Ty Mims for a 56-yard touchdown, giving UAB a 17-10 advantage with 1:11 remaining in the half. It marked Mims' first touchdown as a Blazer. Navy drove back down the field in the closing seconds, with Bartley connecting from 31 yards to send UAB into halftime leading 17-13.

Navy took its first lead of the night midway through the third quarter when Vic Listorti scored from seven yards out, putting the Midshipmen ahead 20-17. The Blazers were held scoreless in the third quarter, setting the stage for a defense-driven comeback in the fourth.

With Navy protecting its three-point lead, Marlin Dean forced a fumble that UAB recovered at the Navy 48-yard line with 10:46 remaining. On the very next play, McReynolds broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run, his second score of the night, to put UAB back in front 24-20.

Dean came up with another game-changing play on Navy's next possession, forcing another fumble with the Midshipmen at the UAB 44. The Blazer defense then slammed the door on Navy's final drive, forcing a turnover on downs with 1:01 remaining. UAB held the Midshipmen scoreless in the fourth quarter.

"Really a tough endeavor to get ready for a unique offense on a short week," Mortensen said. "I thought Coach Grantham and his staff did a great job, and the players did a great job understanding the plan. And then at the end of the day, there's something to just playing really hard, getting off blocks, shedding guys, swarming to the ball."

Dean turned in a dominant performance with 12 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Muaaz Byard also had 12 tackles, while Jo'Tavion Pierce added seven stops and 2.5 sacks. As a team, UAB registered 10 tackles for loss and six sacks while forcing three Navy fumbles and recovering two.

McReynolds led the UAB ground attack with 71 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries, averaging 8.9 yards per attempt. Burton finished 13-of-20 for 174 yards and a touchdown, while Mims led the Blazers with three catches for 76 yards and his 56-yard score.

UAB also received another strong performance from Oliver Straw, who averaged 47.8 yards on four punts with a long of 53. Two of Straw's punts traveled at least 50 yards and two were downed inside the Navy 20.

UAB returns to action next Saturday, Oct. 3, when the Blazers welcome the cross-town Samford Bulldogs to Protective Stadium for Family Weekend.

###

2026 UAB FOOTBALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW: Fans can secure their seats for the 2026 UAB football season now with season tickets, single-game tickets, group ticket packages, and premium fan experiences all available for purchase. Season ticket packages include all six home games at Protective Stadium and provide the best overall value, while group outings and premium experiences offer unforgettable ways to enjoy Blazer football. Fans can explore all ticket options and premium offerings by clicking here, request additional season ticket information, and learn more on group and premium fan experiences available. For questions or further assistance , contact the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.

SPORT GIFT ACCOUNTS: As UAB student-athletes begin a new year of competition, support through sport-specific gift accounts continues to play a vital role in the department's mission to Win Championships, Graduate with Honors and Make a Difference. Contributions provide essential resources in key areas such as recruiting, nutrition, student-athlete development and technology, helping equip Blazer teams for success in the American Conference. To learn more about supporting your favorite program, click here or contact Blazer Boosters to help fuel the continued success of UAB Athletics.

FOLLOW UAB FOOTBALL: Follow us at @UAB_FB on Instagram and X.