BALTIMORE — The 126th edition of “America’s Game” arrives in Baltimore today, renewing one of the most storied rivalries in sports as the Army Black Knights face off against the Navy Midshipmen at M&T Bank Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
While the pageantry remains timeless, the stakes for this 2025 showdown are immediate. With both academies having secured victories over the Air Force Falcons earlier this season, the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy is on the line. The winner of today’s contest will claim outright possession of the coveted hardware, adding a tangible prize to the bragging rights that define this rivalry.
The 2025 Matchup: A Study in Contrast
The Navy Midshipmen enter Baltimore with significant momentum, boasting a 9–2 record. They have enjoyed a resurgence this season under the leadership of quarterback Blake Horvath. A true dual-threat dynamo, Horvath has joined the exclusive “1,000/1,000 club,” rushing and passing for over 1,000 yards each this season. His explosive playmaking has powered an offense that leads the nation in rushing, averaging nearly 300 yards per game.
On the other side, the Army Black Knights (6–5) have navigated a transitional year, marking their debut season as members of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). While their record is modest compared to Navy’s, the Black Knights remain a dangerous opponent. Quarterback Cale Hellums, who took over starting duties mid-season, has proven to be a gritty leader and the team’s leading rusher. Army’s defense, anchored by linebacker Andon Thomas, will need to be disciplined to stop Navy’s high-powered option attack.
“Records go out the window in this game,” is a cliché often tossed around during rivalry week, but in a series defined by sheer will and discipline, it remains a poignant truth.
More Than a Century of History
Today’s game is the latest chapter in a saga that began on November 29, 1890. That first meeting took place on “The Plain” at West Point, where an experienced Navy team defeated a newly formed Army squad 24–0.
Over the last 135 years, the rivalry has evolved into a national institution. Navy currently leads the all-time series 63–55–7. The rivalry has seen periods of dominance—such as Navy’s 14-game winning streak from 2002 to 2015—and eras of parity that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The game has been played through wars, social upheavals, and pandemics, serving as a touchstone for the American public. It has hosted Heisman Trophy winners, future generals, and even presidents. In 1944 and 1945, the game effectively decided the national championship, with Army ranked No. 1 and Navy No. 2.
Traditions That Define the Day
For the thousands of cadets and midshipmen in the stands—and the millions watching at home—the event is defined as much by its traditions as the gameplay.
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The March On: Before kickoff, the Brigade of Midshipmen and the Corps of Cadets will march onto the field in precise formation, a spectacle of discipline and unity.
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The Prisoner Exchange: In a symbolic gesture, students spending the semester at the rival academy as part of an exchange program are “returned” to their home units at midfield.
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Singing Second: Perhaps the most emotional tradition occurs after the final whistle. Both teams gather to sing their alma maters. The losing team sings first, while the winners earn the honor of “singing second,” facing their student section last.
A Return to Baltimore
This year marks the game’s return to Baltimore for the first time in nearly a decade, a fitting venue given its proximity to the Naval Academy in Annapolis. M&T Bank Stadium is expected to be sold out, filled with the distinctive grey of the Corps and the blue of the Brigade.
As the Black Knights and Midshipmen take the field today, they play for more than just a win; they play for the honor of their service branches and the pride of the brothers and sisters standing beside them.
“Beat Army.” “Beat Navy.” The phrases have been shouted for weeks. Today, one side finally makes it a reality.
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