The 126th Army-Navy Game is set for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. This much-anticipated annual football rivalry pits the Army Black Knights against the Navy Midshipmen, with Navy currently leading the all-time series 63-55-7. Last year, Navy triumphed over Army with a score of 31-13, marking Army’s last victory over Navy in 2023.
Players and coaches alike emphasize the significance of this rivalry. “We say ‘Beat Navy’ for 365 days of the year,” said Army linebacker Gavin Shields, underscoring the commitment to this annual contest. Army head coach Jeff Monken added, “This game is thought about far more than just the days leading up to it.” He noted the unique challenges presented by their academy rivals, emphasizing the need for a tailored game plan.
Both teams have demonstrated remarkable success this season outside of their rivalry. The Black Knights secured a spot in the Fenway Bowl, while the Midshipmen earned a bid to the Liberty Bowl. Navy finished tied for first in the American Conference but missed the league title game due to tiebreakers. Last year, Army claimed the AAC championship, marking a historic achievement for the program.
The stakes are high for this year’s matchup, especially given the significance of the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy. This trophy is awarded to the winner of the round-robin competition among Army, Navy, and Air Force. Navy won the trophy last year by defeating both of its rivals, and this year’s game will determine who takes home the coveted award, as both teams secured narrow victories over Air Force this season.
“Winning the Army-Navy game is what defines our season,” said Navy receiver Nathan Kent. He noted that despite the team’s nine wins this season, a loss in the rivalry game could overshadow their achievements. “It kind of seems all for naught,” he added, emphasizing the importance of this game in the eyes of players and fans alike.
For the second consecutive year, the game is being played in a location familiar to Navy, following last year’s contest in Landover, Maryland. This will be the first time since 2016 that Baltimore hosts the event. The game will be broadcast live on CBS, continuing a tradition that has been in place since 1996. Notably, analyst Gary Danielson will call the game for a record 17th time before retiring, surpassing the previous record held by Verne Lundquist.
The contest also highlights the accomplishments of individual players. Navy quarterback Blake Horvath and Army linebacker Andon Thomas were both finalists for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the Academic Heisman. Horvath stands out as the first quarterback in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) to achieve over 1,000 yards both passing and rushing in back-to-back seasons since notable players Lamar Jackson and Quinton Flowers in 2016 and 2017.
As anticipation builds for this storied rivalry, fans across the nation are gearing up to witness an event that transcends the sport itself. The Army-Navy game is not just about football; it embodies a tradition steeped in history, honor, and pride. With both teams eager to claim victory, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that promises to capture the hearts of viewers on December 13.