Quick Read
- The 126th Army-Navy Game takes place December 13, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore.
- Navy leads the all-time series 63-55-7 and is favored by 6.5 points.
- Both teams vie for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy, having defeated Air Force.
- Army’s Cale Hellums and Navy’s Blake Horvath headline as dual-threat quarterbacks.
- Traditions like the Cadet exchange and ‘Sing Second’ continue to define the event.
The Army-Navy Game: More Than Football
Every December, a single college football game commands the attention of fans, alumni, and military families nationwide. The Army-Navy Game—now in its 126th edition—returns to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on December 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET, broadcast live on CBS (Underdog Dynasty, Army.mil, CBSSports).
This isn’t just a sporting event; it’s an institution, a celebration of service, tradition, and the enduring rivalry between the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. For players, victory means far more than bragging rights—it defines their year. For the losing side, it’s a bitter mark to carry until the next December.
Traditions Old and New: Uniforms, Mascots, and Rituals
The 2025 game is steeped in symbolism. Army’s uniforms commemorate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, featuring the emblem, “1775” on the helmet, and constitutional font. Navy’s traditions run equally deep, with mascots Bill 36 and Bill 37, goats whose origin story is as quirky as it is cherished. Army’s mules, Paladin and Ranger IV, remain icons of strength and resilience.
One cherished ritual is the “Cadet exchange.” Each year, select West Point cadets and Annapolis midshipmen swap campuses for a semester. Before kickoff, these students march to midfield for a symbolic exchange, returning home to cheer among their peers—a gesture of respect and camaraderie that transcends rivalry.
Then there’s the coveted “Sing Second” tradition. At game’s end, the losing team sings its alma mater first, joined respectfully by the victors. Only then does the winning side celebrate by singing second—a moment every player dreams of.
The Stakes: Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy and Rivalry Records
This year, both teams have already defeated Air Force, so the Army-Navy Game will decide the fate of the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy—a source of immense pride for service academies (CBSSports).
Historically, Navy leads the series with 63 wins to Army’s 55, plus seven ties. Last year’s meeting saw Navy hand Army a stinging 31-13 defeat—the most lopsided since 2019. For Army, that loss has been a motivator all season, with December 13, 2025, embroidered into team gear as a daily reminder.
Team Profiles: Strengths, Strategies, and Standouts
Army Black Knights
Army comes in with a 6-5 record (4-4 American), recovering from a rocky start, including a shocking opening loss to FCS Tarleton State. Yet, under head coach Jeff Monken, the Black Knights rebounded, notching wins against Kansas State and UTSA, and securing bowl eligibility. Their style is classic: a triple-option offense that controls the clock—leading the nation in time of possession (35:16/game).
Quarterback Cale Hellums stepped up after Heisman hopeful Bryson Daily’s departure, rushing for 1,078 yards and 15 touchdowns, and passing for 504 yards. Versatile senior Noah Short is a playmaker both as a runner (552 yards) and receiver (279 yards), often turning motion plays into explosive gains. Center Brady Small anchors the offensive line, earning All-American Conference honors.
Defensively, Army thrives in low-scoring battles, ranking 49th in scoring defense and undefeated when holding opponents under 24 points. Linebackers Andon Thomas and Kalib Fortner form a formidable duo (166 tackles, 9.5 TFLs), while Eric Ford leads with 4.0 sacks. Safety Casey Larkin is a turnover threat with six interceptions over two seasons.
Navy Midshipmen
Navy enters with a 9-2 record (7-1 American), riding high after last year’s upset and a win in the Armed Forces Bowl. Head coach Brian Newberry’s squad is powered by the nation’s top rushing attack and a quarterback who’s redefined expectations.
Senior Blake Horvath is a dual-threat dynamo, passing for 1,390 yards and nine touchdowns, and rushing for 1,040 yards and 14 scores. His signature game came against Air Force: 339 passing yards, 130 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns. Horvath’s go-to receiver, Eli Heidenreich, is on the verge of Navy’s single-season receiving record, averaging a jaw-dropping 20.1 yards per catch and contributing as a rusher (409 yards).
Fullback Alex Tecza and slot back Brandon Chatman provide depth to Navy’s ground game, each capable of explosive performances. Navy’s defense is anchored by Landon Robinson, the American Conference Defensive Player of the Year, whose size and athleticism (54 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks) make him a constant threat. Linebackers MarcAnthony Parker and Luke Pirris add reliability, but Navy’s pass defense remains a vulnerability (124th nationally).
Atmosphere, Broadcast, and Fan Engagement
While the game isn’t played at either academy’s home field, rotating venues across the Northeast ensures maximum fan participation. This year, Baltimore hosts; next year, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will take the honors. Fans at home can tune in on CBS or stream via Paramount+.
The Army-Navy Game is also recognized with the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s Distinguished American Award, honoring its impact on the sport and broader society. The band conductor’s “12” painted face, referencing the “12th man,” adds to the spectacle, rallying supporters and connecting with traditions from across college football.
Prediction, Odds, and Analysis
Betting odds favor Navy (-6.5), with an over/under of 38.5 points (CBSSports). SportsLine’s advanced model projects a competitive matchup, but leans toward a Navy victory, continuing last year’s trend. The expected result: Navy 28, Army 20.
Ultimately, this game often defies prediction—rivalry upsets are the norm. Army’s disciplined, clock-controlling style could frustrate Navy’s high-octane attack, but the Midshipmen’s ability to score quickly and Horvath’s leadership give them an edge.
Assessment: The Army-Navy Game remains a touchstone of sportsmanship, tradition, and military pride. While Navy is favored thanks to explosive offense and recent momentum, Army’s resilience and tactical discipline promise a hard-fought contest that honors both academies and the values they represent. The outcome will echo far beyond the scoreboard, reinforcing the enduring legacy of America’s greatest college football rivalry.