Photo Credit: Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition
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BALTIMORE, MD — When the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen meet this Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium, it will be far more than just a football game. In the 126th edition of this storied rivalry, the stakes go beyond conference standings or playoff berths; they center on pride, tradition, and the prized Commander-In-Chief Trophy.
While neither team will be playing for a national championship—as these student-athletes commit to military service upon graduation—the season’s final game carries immense weight. Adding a layer of intrigue, both teams are playing for the Commander-In-Chief Trophy, which also involves the Air Force Falcons, whom both academies defeated this season.
Navy: The Dominant Midshipmen
The Navy Midshipmen enter the contest as the stronger team, boasting an impressive 9-2 overall record and a commanding 7-1 conference record in The American. Navy was a top contender in the league, with their only conference loss coming against North Texas and their only non-conference defeat coming against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The Midshipmen were undefeated at home and come into the rivalry game on a two-game winning streak, with victories over the USF Bulls and the Memphis Tigers. Navy holds the historical edge in the rivalry with a 63-55-7 all-time record and took last year’s contest with a decisive 31-13 victory, rebounding from two consecutive losses to Army in the years prior. Navy, like Army, will participate in a bowl game following this matchup.
Army: Fighting for the Commander’s Cup
The Army Black Knights finished the regular season strong, securing bowl eligibility with a 6-5 overall record (4-4 in The American). After a surprising season-opening loss to Tarleton State, the Black Knights managed to pull off their biggest win of the year against fellow Commander-In-Chief contender Air Force, winning by three points.
Army, which joined The American last year, ended its season with a close three-point win over the UTSA Roadrunners. The Black Knights will look to reverse last year’s 31-13 loss to Navy. The game will be a classic clash of styles, pitting the Black Knights’ signature triple-option offense against Navy’s disciplined defense.
The Atmosphere and Tradition
The game will be played at a neutral site—M&T Bank Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. The atmosphere will be electric, as the game is perpetually sold out, with the cadets of both academies attending.
This game is unique among all of college football traditions:
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The March-On: Cadets from both academies march onto the field in formation before kickoff.
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The Postgame Song: Regardless of the frigid weather forecast for the 3 PM EST kickoff, tradition dictates that both teams stand on the field to sing the losing team’s alma mater first, followed by the winning team’s alma mater second, a gesture of respect and unity that transcends the fierce rivalry.
More than just a game, Army vs. Navy is a reminder of the commitment of the players on the field, who will soon go on to defend our freedom.
What are your opinions on the Army vs Navy game? Leave a comment below.
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Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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