The 126th Army-Navy Game is set to unfold on December 13, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. This storied rivalry features the Army Black Knights facing off against the Navy Midshipmen in a match that has become a hallmark of college football. Last year, Navy triumphed over Army with a score of 31-13, extending its lead in the all-time series to 63 wins against Army’s 55, alongside seven ties.
The significance of this annual clash is underscored by the sentiment of Army linebacker Gavin Shields, who stated, “We say ‘Beat Navy’ for 365 days of the year. It’s the whole motto of our team.” This rivalry transcends the season, with players and coaches alike focusing on this pivotal game well in advance. Army head coach Jeff Monken emphasized the unique challenges presented by academy opponents, noting that game preparation is a year-long endeavor.
Both teams enter this game with successful seasons. The Black Knights have secured a spot in the Fenway Bowl, while Navy is set to compete in the Liberty Bowl after finishing tied for first in the American Conference. Despite the strong performances throughout the season, players recognize that the outcome of the Army-Navy game defines their respective seasons. Navy receiver Nathan Kent articulated this sentiment, stating, “If you don’t win Army-Navy, your season is considered kind of a loss.”
Game Details and Broadcast Information
For the second consecutive year, the game will be hosted in Baltimore, marking a return to the city for the first time since 2016. CBS will broadcast the matchup, continuing its tradition of airing the game since 1996. Notably, this year’s broadcast will feature analyst Gary Danielson, who is set to retire after calling the Army-Navy game a record 17 times, surpassing the previous high of 11 by Verne Lundquist.
The stakes are high, as the game will determine the winner of the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy. Last year, Navy captured the trophy by defeating both Army and Air Force. This year, both Army and Navy have scored narrow victories over Air Force, making the upcoming game a winner-takes-all scenario. Historically, Army has not defeated an AP-ranked Navy team since 1955.
Notable Players and Achievements
The game will also spotlight individual achievements, with Navy quarterback Blake Horvath and Army linebacker Andon Thomas being finalists for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the Academic Heisman. Although the award ultimately went to Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt, both Horvath and Thomas have made significant contributions to their teams.
Horvath has made headlines this season as the first quarterback in the Football Bowl Subdivision to achieve over 1,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing in consecutive seasons since Lamar Jackson and Quinton Flowers accomplished the feat in 2016 and 2017.
As the anticipation builds for this monumental clash, fans and players alike prepare for a game that traditionally holds significant emotional weight and symbolizes a storied tradition in American sports. The Army-Navy Game continues to be more than just a football matchup; it embodies the spirit and commitment of its participants, both on and off the field.
