Navy vs. Cincinnati prediction: Liberty Bowl picks, odds, bets, opt-outs

Cincinnati will take on Navy during the Liberty Bowl in Memphis on Friday. 

The Bearcats will be at half-strength – if that – with several key players hitting the transfer portal, giving the Midshipmen an excellent shot at their fourth straight bowl game victory. 

Cincy star quarterback Brendan Sorsby will not play on Friday after entering the transfer portal, having decided on either joining a new school or entering the NFL Draft. 

Senior Brady Lichtenberg, who has served as UC’s backup quarterback for four seasons, will be behind center in Sorsby’s place. 

And that’s not all. 

Starting running back Tawee Walker, who ran for 709 yards and four touchdowns this season, is also moving on from Cincinnati.

On offense, the run-heavy Midshipmen will take on a soft rushing defense.

Cincinnati allowed 182.7 yards on the ground per game, which ranked 104th in the nation. 

Brendan Sorsby #2 of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks to pass during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. Getty Images

If Navy needs to throw the ball, it appears they’re going to be able to do that, too – four of the Bearcats’ five starters in their secondary entered the portal and will miss the game. 

All-Big-12 linebacker Jake Golday and star defensive end Dontay Corleone also won’t be on the field on Friday.

Betting on College Football?

• Check out the best College Football betting sites
• Read our expert’s guide on how to bet on College Football
• Get the latest College Football National Championship winner odds

Aside from a few injuries, Navy will come into this game with the same team that went 10-2 during the regular season, including strong wins over South Florida, Memphis, and rival Army. 

Look for the Midshipmen to run away with this one against a depleted opponent.

The play: Navy -7 (-110, FanDuel Sportsbook)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.