Navy QB Blake Horvath: “It’s kind of insulting to hear other teams throw around the term, say they’re a brotherhood, and meanwhile they’re bringing in 20, 30 guys in the portal, guys are leaving, guys are getting paid more than other dudes. This team is truly a brotherhood.”

The term "Brotherhood" is often misused in today's college football landscape to the point of where it discredits the player and program. In a new age of NIL and free agency (transferring) from one university to another due to the best deal available, there is no such word as "Brotherhood" anymore in today's Division One programs. 

Former Naval Academic quarterback Blake Horvath who is now an active duty Navy ensign, voiced his opinion about this topic and provided his own definition of the word “Brotherhood.” Horvath, a senior from Hilliard, Ohio, led his Navy team to an 11-2 record in 2025, culminated with a 35-13 win over Cincinnati. Horvath was a two year starter for the Midshipmen who accounted for a total of 60 touchdowns in his junior and senior season.

Service institutions such as the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the Air Force Academy do not have Name Image and Likeness programs (NIL) nor do they adhere to freely entering and taking in players from the Transfer Portal. After the stringent admission policy, service academy athletes adhere to strict academic and physical military standards first and foremost, then meet the demands from football.

Service academy athletes do not get paid like athletes at other Division One programs. Transfer students are not allowed, unless they are willing to restart their education as freshman (Academy Prep Schools). Each entering class will be together for four years unlike at other college programs. During this period is when academy players develop the necessary skills, discipline, teamwork, and become a brotherhood during this process. It is rare to find such continuity and team building at other college football programs.