A Civil War: the ‘Army-Navy Game’, a college football tradition like no other

As teams across the United States prepare for a bowl game or an assault on the playoffs, two programs still have unfinished regular-season business.

This coming Saturday, Army and Navy will battle at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore in a game synonymous with college football.

The yearly Army-Navy Game is one of the most traditional rivalries in the sport. First played in 1890 and in consecutive annual games each year since 1930, the Black Knights and Midshipmen have faced off 125 times.

Traditionally played on Thanksgiving weekend until the schedule expanded, the matchup was moved to ‘Week 16’ in 2009 - the lone game of the second weekend in December, signifying the end of the regular season.

Historically, these two service academies produced dominant football teams, particularly in the early twentieth century, when the game often had national championship implications.

Since then, Army & Navy have struggled on the gridiron compared to other schools, disadvantaged by mandatory student service. Nevertheless, this rivalry has been as vitriolic as any on the calendar and retains a special place in American culture.

The epitome of college football history

When you think of college football tradition, you think of the Army-Navy game. A series that the Midshipmen lead 63-55-7, its history is studded with notable moments; the two schools went into the 1944 and 1945 contests ranked #1 and #2, with the latter billed as ‘the game of the century’.

The 1963 game was postponed a week after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, meaning it was played on the 22nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day in front of 102,000 people in Philadelphia. Navy won that matchup 21-15 in a thriller that saw them head to the National Championship Game against Texas.

Modern-day versions of the two programs make it difficult to imagine their previous success. Army and Navy hold six national titles between them, have produced 61 consensus All-Americans and have seen five players lift the Heisman trophy.

NFL fans will be familiar with some of these service academy stars, even from more recent times. Alejandro Villanueva, an All-Pro tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010s, was a West Point graduate and served three tours of duty in Afghanistan. Navy defensive end Ed Sprinkle - aka ‘the meanest man in football’ - became a four-time Pro Bowler in 12 seasons with the Chicago Bears (1944-1955).

And perhaps the most famous of them all would be Roger Staubach, the Hall of Fame and two-time Super Bowl-winning Dallas Cowboys quarterback. Staubach won the Heisman Trophy as a senior in 1963 but did not begin his pro career until 1969, after his Navy service obligations, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam.

More than pride on the line

As fierce as the Army-Navy rivalry is, the respect each institution has for the other is another reason this game is so revered. The Black Knights and Midshipmen play for the Secretary’s Trophy, often in front of Presidents past and present. And no matter the winner or loser, both teams will honour each other’s fight songs at the end of the contest.

This game also represents the final leg of a three-way series for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, which is also fought for by Air Force. The Falcons lead the series with 21 wins but have lost to both Army and Navy this year, meaning the winner on Saturday will hoist two trophies.

With a 9-2 record, the Midshipmen will be the favourites this weekend. Navy won last season, slowing down a resurgent Army who had won six of the eight prior contests.

Quarterback Blake Horvath is the star of Navy’s offense, but don’t expect much in the way of a passing game - these two schools are famous for their option offenses, and you can expect up to eight different Midshipmen to carry the ball on Saturday.

Since the turn of the century, Army have struggled in this contest, winning just seven and losing 17. But eleven-year head coach Jeff Monken has elevated the program during his time at West Point, delivering the first 12-win season in the school’s history just two years ago.

With both teams heading to a bowl game later this year, the 2025 Army-Navy game should be as competitive as any in recent memory.

Something to look out for would be the bespoke uniforms that each program designs and wears for the occasion every year - with Army celebrating their 250th anniversary and Navy paying tribute to the USS Constitution.

This weekend sees the resumption of one of the greatest rivalries and traditions in college football. #BeatArmy or #BeatNavy? No matter your allegiance, you should be in for quite the spectacle when these two storied institutions take the field on Saturday.

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