The stage is set for the 126th annual Army-Navy Game, scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. This storied rivalry is marked by intense competition and tradition.
Players typically focus on the immediate challenges ahead, but the significance of this game is felt year-round. “We say “Beat Navy” for 365 days of the year,” stated Army linebacker Gavin Shields. The upcoming clash in Baltimore is a focal point for both teams, as it is the game they anticipate throughout the season.
Army head coach Jeff Monken emphasized the unique nature of this rivalry, noting that preparation extends beyond the week leading up to the game. “Our academy opponents are different,” he remarked. “Defending them is different. They know us so well, and trying to have an offensive game plan is a year-long effort.”
The rivalry”s significance has not hindered Army and the No. 22 ranked Navy from achieving success against other opponents. Both teams have earned bowl game invitations, with the Black Knights heading to the Fenway Bowl and the Midshipmen participating in the Liberty Bowl. Navy finished tied for first in the American Conference, narrowly missing out on the league title game due to tiebreakers.
Despite their successes, players acknowledge that winning the Army-Navy Game is paramount. “If you don”t win Army-Navy, your season is considered a loss,” said Navy receiver Nathan Kent. He added that even the nine wins currently held by his team would feel diminished if they lose to Army.
This year”s game will take place in familiar territory for Navy, which claimed victory in Landover, Maryland, last season. This marks the first time the game will be held in Baltimore since 2016.
The matchup will be televised by CBS, continuing a tradition that has lasted since 1996. It will also be the final call for analyst Gary Danielson, who is retiring after this season. He has covered more Army-Navy games than any other broadcaster.
The winner of this game will take home the Commander-In-Chief”s Trophy, awarded to the victor of the annual competition among Army, Navy, and the Air Force. Last year, Navy secured the trophy after winning against both other academies. However, this season, both Army and Navy have narrowly defeated Air Force, making this game a decisive contest.
Historically, Army has not defeated an AP-ranked Navy team since 1955. While the Midshipmen were ranked in the College Football Playoff rankings during their loss to Army in 2016, they were not included in the AP Top 25.
Both Navy quarterback Blake Horvath and Army linebacker Andon Thomas were finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the Academic Heisman, although the award ultimately went to Eli Stowers, a tight end from Vanderbilt. Notably, Horvath is the first FBS quarterback to surpass 1,000 yards in both passing and rushing for two consecutive seasons since Lamar Jackson and Quinton Flowers accomplished this in 2016 and 2017.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming Army-Navy Game, fans are eager to secure their tickets. With the rivalry”s rich history and the stakes at an all-time high, this is a matchup that promises to deliver drama and intensity.
