Jake Huard, played by James Franco, is a young man from a shipbuilder's family who vows to fulfill his mother's dying wish to attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Despite his less than stellar grades, Jake relentlessly pursues his admission to the Academy and eventually secures his place there.
Once enrolled in Annapolis, Jake struggles to keep up with the rigorous academic and physical demands of the institution. He is constantly challenged by his instructors and peers, who see him as overconfident and lacking in discipline. As a result, Jake becomes a source of frustration for the entire class, who are often punished due to his mistakes and failures.
Despite these setbacks, Jake refuses to give up on his dream of becoming a Navy officer. With the support of his fellow cadets and his girlfriend, Ali, played by Jordana Brewster, Jake begins to find his bearings at Annapolis. He discovers a talent for boxing and joins the brigade boxing team, which provides an outlet for his physical energy and a chance to prove himself to his peers.
As the boxing tournament approaches, Jake finds himself facing off against his nemesis, the talented and ruthless Midshipman Cole, played by Tyrese Gibson. Despite the odds against him, Jake manages to win the fight and earn the respect of his fellow cadets and his father, who had been unsupportive of his son's ambitions.
In the end, Jake graduates from Annapolis with honors and is commissioned as a Navy officer. He reflects on the lessons he has learned at the Academy, including the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, and looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.