Navy's Eli Heidenreich aims to represent service academies at NFL combine

The Pittsburgh native looks to showcase his versatility and leadership skills in front of NFL scouts.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:55am

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Eli Heidenreich, a running back prospect from the U.S. Naval Academy, is using his opportunity at the NFL combine to represent not only Navy, but all service academy football programs. The Pittsburgh native finished his college career with impressive stats as both a receiver and a rusher, and he is eager to prove his versatility to NFL teams. Heidenreich was recently assigned to the Marine Corps upon graduation, but his focus is currently on making the most of his chance to showcase his skills on the national stage.

Why it matters

Service academy football players often face unique challenges compared to their peers at larger programs, but Heidenreich's journey shows that they can compete at the highest levels. His performance at the combine could help raise the profile of service academy football and open doors for future players from those institutions.

The details

Heidenreich, listed at 6 feet and 205 pounds, was primarily used as a receiver at Navy, finishing his career with 109 receptions for 1,994 yards and 16 touchdowns. However, he also had 169 rushes for 1,157 yards and 7 touchdowns, showcasing his versatility. Pro Football Focus charted him with 374 snaps at receiver and 331 snaps in the backfield in his 2025 season. Despite being listed as a receiver, the NFL combine has designated him as a running back prospect.

  • Heidenreich learned in November 2025 that he was assigned to the Marine Corps upon graduation.
  • Heidenreich will participate in on-field drills at the NFL combine on Saturday, February 29, 2026.

The players

Eli Heidenreich

A running back prospect from the U.S. Naval Academy who is looking to represent service academy football players at the NFL combine.

Navy

The U.S. Naval Academy, where Heidenreich played college football and developed his leadership skills.

Mt. Lebanon

Heidenreich's former high school, where he led the team to a Class 6A PIAA state championship in 2021.

Marine Corps

The branch of the U.S. military that Heidenreich has been assigned to upon his graduation from the Naval Academy.

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What they’re saying

“It's something I don't take lightly. I want to represent not only Navy, but just all the other service academies, kind of as a whole show. I think it kind of brings some positive light to service academy football and shows that we can hang up there with the big dogs in football, too. So that's the big thing.”

— Eli Heidenreich, Navy running back (centredaily.com)

“I've heard a lot about my versatility. You look at my film and you've seen me kind of playing a bunch of different positions, running back, slot receiver, outside receiver. I do a lot, and I think that's something they really appreciate.”

— Eli Heidenreich, Navy running back (centredaily.com)

“The big thing about Navy is they call it a leadership factory. The whole point of the academy is to develop leaders in the military. I think the biggest thing that I've taken away from Navy is how to form relationships and how important those are.”

— Eli Heidenreich, Navy running back (centredaily.com)

What’s next

Heidenreich will participate in on-field drills at the NFL combine on Saturday, February 29, 2026, where he hopes to showcase his quickness and explosiveness to NFL scouts.

The takeaway

Heidenreich's journey from Mt. Lebanon to the Naval Academy and now the NFL combine showcases the talent and leadership that can come from service academy football programs. His performance at the combine could help open doors for future players from these institutions and raise the profile of service academy football.