ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Growing up in San Antonio, Giuseppe Sessi learned early that football success requires discipline, toughness and teamwork. Those qualities have carried the former Ronald Reagan High School standout from the Texas high school ranks to one of college football’s most demanding environments: the United States Naval Academy.
Now entering his senior season, Sessi has become one of the leaders of the Navy Midshipmen football program. In April, teammates voted the 5-foot-11, 204-pound safety as a team captain for the 2026 season, one of the highest honors in the program. Head coach Brian Newberry announced the selection following spring practice, recognizing Sessi’s impact both on and off the field.
For Sessi, the honor reflects years of steady development.
After arriving at Navy from Reagan High School, he spent his freshman season learning the system. When veteran defensive backs graduated following the 2024 season, Sessi earned a starting role and quickly established himself as one of the Midshipmen’s most reliable defenders.
His breakout season came in 2025. Starting all 13 games at safety, Sessi recorded 81 tackles, ranking second on the team. He also recovered a fumble, broke up a pass and helped anchor a defense that held each of its final three opponents to fewer than 300 yards of total offense. Career highlights included an 11-tackle performance against Temple and a 10-tackle effort against North Texas.
Those numbers only tell part of the story.
Coaches and teammates often point to Sessi’s consistency and leadership. During Navy’s successful run over the past two seasons, he has become known as a dependable presence in the secondary, helping organize the defense and setting the tone with his physical style of play. His emergence has coincided with a resurgence for the Midshipmen program, which has returned to national relevance in recent years.
Off the field, Sessi balances the demands of Division I football with the rigorous academic and military requirements of the Naval Academy. A Quantitative Economics major, he has expressed interest in serving in either Naval Aviation or the Marine Corps after graduation. He has frequently described the Academy’s “Brotherhood” culture as a major reason for choosing Navy over other opportunities.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named a captain of this team,” Sessi said after his selection. “We have a special group of men.”
As Navy prepares for the 2026 season, expectations are high for both the program and one of its most respected leaders. For San Antonio football fans, Sessi’s journey serves as a reminder that talent, dedication and character can carry an athlete far beyond Friday night lights.
From Reagan High School to Annapolis, Giuseppe Sessi has become more than a standout safety. He has become a leader entrusted with guiding one of college football’s most tradition-rich programs into its next chapter.