Press "Enter" to skip to content

Army-Navy Game: Tradition and Rivalry Define 2025 Football Season

For many college football enthusiasts, the Army–Navy Game marks the true conclusion of the season, offering a spectacle steeped in tradition and honor. This iconic rivalry, scheduled for December 13, 2025, holds added significance this year as it will determine the recipient of the prestigious Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, with both teams having defeated the Air Force earlier in the season.

Historical Significance and Rivalry

With roots stretching back to November 29, 1890, when the Navy claimed a 24-0 victory, the Army-Navy rivalry is among the most storied in college sports. Over 125 meetings, the Navy leads with 63 wins, while Army has 55, alongside seven ties. The Navy also holds the longest winning streak, securing 14 consecutive victories between 2002 and 2015.

U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons football players celebrate with the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy after defeating the Army Black Knights in Arlington, Texas, Nov. 5, 2022. Air Force defeated Army 13-7 to take home their 21st trophy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy: More Than a Game

Since 1972, the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy has been a symbol of supremacy among the U.S. service academies: Army, Navy, and Air Force. This 170-pound, 2.5-foot tall trophy, adorned with three silver footballs, not only represents athletic prowess but also the enduring connection between the academies and the Commander-in-Chief.

President Truman at Army-Navy Game
Photograph of President Truman tossing a coin in the air before the annual Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia, as the captains of the Army and Navy teams watch (Wikimedia Commons).

The rivalry extends beyond a single game, with the academies vying for the honor of hosting the trophy and visiting the White House when victorious. This year, the Army-Navy game will directly decide the trophy’s fate, amplifying the stakes for all involved.

Pageantry and Tradition

The Army-Navy Game is renowned not only for its competitive spirit but also for its rich traditions, including the debut of special uniforms that pay homage to military heritage. Recent designs have celebrated significant naval and military history, reflecting the deep connection between the academies and their service branches.

The uniforms are not aesthetic gimmicks. They are statements of identity: visual tributes to the legacies of those who served before these players ever stepped onto a field.

Army Uniform for Army-Navy Game
Army uniform for the upcoming Army-Navy game represents the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army (army.mil).

The Bond Beyond Rivalry

Despite the intense rivalry, the Army-Navy Game is unique in that players are future teammates, united by their commitment to serve. As Army Head Coach Jeff Monken explains, “I don’t know that there is a more important goal we have than winning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.”

When the game ends, Army players and Navy players will eventually stand side-by-side in the same military, executing missions together, unified not by school colors but by a shared oath.

Cadet and Midshipmen Handshake
Cadet and Midshipmen exchange a handshake prior to the Army-Navy game (photo courtesy of armynavygame.com).

Watching the 2025 Army–Navy Game

Fans and newcomers alike can witness this storied event by tuning in on December 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will be held at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, and broadcast nationally on CBS. Streaming options include Paramount+ Premium, the CBS Sports App, and CBSSports.com.

  • Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
  • Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
  • Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Television: CBS
  • Streaming: Paramount+ Premium, CBS Sports App, CBSSports.com (subscription may be required)
  • Radio: Service-academy radio networks and regional affiliates

From the pageantry of the march-ons to the symbolic alma mater performances, the Army-Navy Game is a testament to the enduring values of honor, duty, and unity.