The stage is set for one of sports’ greatest rivalries on Saturday, Dec. 13th at 3:00 PM ET, when the Army Black Knights (6-5, 4-4 AAC) and nationally ranked Navy Midshipmen (9-2, 7-1 AAC) converge on M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore for their 126th meeting. A rivalry dating back to Nov. 29, 1890, Navy leads the all-time series with a record of 63-55-7. In their most recent showdown on Dec. 14, 2024, the Midshipmen defeated the Black Knights 31-13 in Landover, Maryland.
Both teams will take the field in special 250th-anniversary uniforms honoring the rich history of their respective service branches. The commemorative designs blend historical symbolism and modern aesthetics, giving Saturday’s game a fitting visual tribute to 250 years of American military heritage.
Related: A brief history of the Army-Navy Game’s special uniforms
The winner of this year’s contest will earn far more than bragging rights. On the line is the Commander-in-Chief’s (CIC) Trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the three-way series between the Division I service academy football programs. With both Army and Navy having already defeated Air Force earlier this fall, Saturday’s rivalry will serve as the decisive matchup to determine which team takes home the prize.
The Midshipmen are led by head coach Brian Newberry, now in his third season, who has revitalized the program with a disciplined, balanced option attack. After a strong season that featured signature wins over tough American Athletic Conference (AAC) opponents South Florida and Memphis, the Midshipmen will enter Saturday’s rivalry ranked No. 22 in the AP Top 25 and No. 25 in the Coaches Poll. As of Monday, Navy is also a 4.5-point favorite, underscoring just how much confidence oddsmakers have in the Mids heading into the big game. Navy has also accepted an invitation to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis on January 2, where they will face Big 12 opponent Cincinnati (7-5, 5-4 Big 12).
Army’s postseason hopes came down to the final game of the regular season, when the Black Knights defeated conference opponent UTSA to secure their sixth win and achieve bowl eligibility. A big part of that victory was head coach Jeff Monken’s trademark physical ground game and relentless clock control. After a heartbreaking overtime loss to underdog Tarleton State to open the season, the Black Knights regrouped and bounced back with key victories over Kansas State and Temple, ultimately putting themselves in position to extend their season into the postseason. Army’s victory over UTSA earned them a Dec. 27 matchup against UConn (9-3) in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl in Boston.
The Midshipmen and Black Knights both rely on a triple-option attack that emphasizes ball control, misdirection, and physical rushing between the tackles. All season long, both programs have lived and died with run-heavy game plans that wear down opposing defenses and dictate tempo. Heading into their Charm City showdown, Navy has piled up 3,282 rushing yards on the season, while Army has totaled 2,826 on the ground, numbers that far exceed each team’s production through the air.
In a rivalry defined by discipline and execution, the ground game will once again be front and center. The team that controls it will likely walk away with the victory.
Players to Watch: Navy
The Mids’ status as a favorite going into this game can be attributed to strong play on both sides of the ball. The success on offense can be largely credited to the leadership of star quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Blake Horvath. Despite missing time due to injuries, the senior play-caller has posted impressive numbers and delivered big wins in AAC competition. A true dual-threat, he has punished opposing defenses with his legs and his arm, racking up 1,040 rushing yards, a team high, with 14 touchdowns, while adding 1,390 yards through the air with nine passing touchdowns. Perhaps most importantly, he has protected the football. The Hilliard, Ohio-native has thrown just five interceptions in 10 appearances, giving Navy efficient, mistake-free production at the most critical positions on the field.
Slotback Eli Heidenreich is widely considered one of the most explosive players on the Midshipmen offense. He sits atop the team’s receiving leaderboard with 805 yards and four touchdowns, stretching defenses vertically and turning routine option looks into big-play opportunities. The 6-foot, 206-pound Pittsburgh native and future Marine officer is just as dangerous on the ground, compiling 409 rushing yards and three additional scores, making him one of the most versatile weapons in the AAC.
Behind Horvath in Navy’s rushing totals is fullback Alex Tecza, another Mt. Lebanon High School product and longtime friend of Heidenreich. Tecza, who will commission in the Marine Corps, has been a reliable workhorse all season, grinding out 772 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. His downhill running style, toughness between the tackles, and nose for the end zone have made him the perfect complement to Horvath and Heidenreich in Navy’s option attack.
Horvath, Heidenreich, and Tecza have given opposing defensive coordinators nightmares all season, and they could easily prove to be the problem Army defensive coordinator Nate Woody can’t solve on Saturday.
On the defensive side of the ball, Navy brings one of the AAC’s most disruptive and disciplined units into Saturday’s showdown. The Midshipmen front is anchored by senior nose guard Landon Robinson, who was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year after a dominant campaign in the trenches. The 6-foot force has racked up 54 total tackles, a team-high 6.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery, routinely blowing up blocking schemes and setting the tone for Navy’s physical defensive identity.
Behind him, linebacker MarcAnthony Parker serves as the heartbeat of the defense and the program’s leading tackler. The senior hybrid defender has 88 tackles, along with two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery, showcasing his versatility as both a run-stuffer and pass coverage presence.
On the back end, sophomore cornerback Phillip Hamilton has emerged as Navy’s most opportunistic playmaker. He leads the team with two interceptions, while also compiling 44 tackles and two forced fumbles, demonstrating a willingness to finish plays with physicality.
Together, Robinson, Parker, and Hamilton headline a Navy defense built on disruption, pursuit, and timely takeaways, traits that will be crucial in slowing down the Army offense this weekend.
Players to Watch: Army
Leading the Army offense is junior quarterback Cale Hellums. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound signal-caller has been the engine of the Black Knights’ ground attack this season, pacing the team with 1,078 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. His production through the air underscores his preference to keep the ball and make plays with his legs; the Texan has thrown for 504 yards, three touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
With both Hellums and Navy quarterback Blake Horvath capable of taking off and running at any moment, the ground game should be one of the most compelling themes of this year’s Army-Navy Game.
The Black Knights’ top receiver this season in terms of yardage has been sophomore wideout Brady Anderson. The Edina, Minnesota-native has produced 350 yards on 12 receptions with two touchdowns. Slotback Noah Short is considered one of Army’s most dangerous offensive weapons. The future Field Artillery officer has delivered clutch catches and piled up serious mileage on the ground, rushing for 552 yards and a touchdown while adding 279 receiving yards and another score.
Following graduation and commissioning, senior running back Hayden Reed will look to punch his way through opposing defenses from inside a tank. The 6-foot, 220-pound bruiser will enter the Army as a second lieutenant in the Armor branch. But before that, he’ll aim to add to his season totals of 335 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Mids.
Army has shown all season just how much they love to string together long, methodical, clock-draining possessions. In order to keep the Black Knights out of the end zone, Navy’s defensive coordinator P.J. Volker will need to pay especially close attention to Hellums, Short, and Reed, as those three have been central to that strategy all year.
The Black Knights defense will arrive in Baltimore with several proven playmakers who have delivered all season long. Linebacker Eric Ford, a future Air Defense Artillery officer, has been one of the most disruptive forces in the Black Knights’ front seven. Ford enters the Army-Navy Game with 44 total tackles, a team-leading four sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, consistently showing up in critical moments and setting the tone with physical, disciplined play.
Joining Ford in the middle is Andon Thomas. The senior linebacker leads the team with 96 tackles, demonstrating an impressive ability to fill gaps and diagnose plays before they develop.
On the back end of the defense, Army has relied on steady production and veteran presence from its safeties. Collin Matteson, a future Field Artillery officer, has been a reliable force in run support and coverage, posting 64 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery this season. Casey Larkin has shown a knack for being in the right place at the right time, leading the team with two interceptions.
As a group, Army’s defense has thrived on discipline, pursuit, and timely takeaways, traits that will be vital against Navy’s numerous offensive weapons. One of the Black Knights’ biggest goals will be keeping Horvath under 100 rushing yards, a key benchmark for slowing the Midshipmen offense. If the Black Knights can get another strong performance from this core group of defenders, they’ll give themselves every opportunity to tilt the rivalry in their favor.
Predictions
The Army-Navy Game is one of those rare annual sporting events that brings Americans from all walks of life together. Even the most casual fans find themselves checking scores, watching highlights, or catching a recap. Blending athletic competition with military pageantry, the game carries an emotional weight unlike any other, especially for those who have worn the uniform or have family members who have served.
In the days leading up to kickoff, We Are The Mighty checked in with notable veterans, former service academy football players, members of military families, and a senior Navy commander (a man who may attend more college football games than anyone) to get their predictions on this year’s matchup.
Bernard Fernandez, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Hall of Fame Sportswriter
“It was legendary Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes who once said, ‘There’s only three things that can happen when you pass the ball, and two of them are bad.’ For the past two decades or so, that same ground-and-pound philosophy has largely been the gospel preached by the football coaches at West Point and the Naval Academy. But the times they are a’changing, at least somewhat in Annapolis, where third-year head coach Brian Newberry has installed a more diversified offense that still is very effective in the run game, but also can produce timely big plays through the air with dual-threat quarterback Blake Horvath.
At 9-2, Navy seems poised to retain the CIC Trophy it claimed in 2024 against a 6-5 Army squad that still deigns to throw the ball only when absolutely necessary. But what has gone on throughout this season never is indicative of what is likely to happen when Army and Navy square off, and as both teams won their matchups with Air Force, the winner on December 13 in Baltimore will come away with the CIC prize and a year’s worth of service academy bragging rights.
Army is pretty good at stuffing the run, but Navy has more weapons in Blake Horvath, running back/receiver Eli Heidenreich, and battering-ram fullback Alex Tecza. My crystal ball tells me it’s going to be the Midshipmen’s day with a 27-17 victory.”
Danny Ceisler, U.S. Army Veteran, Sheriff-Elect of Bucks County (PA)
“Integrity is a core Army Value, so I need to be honest with this one. Army will put up a fight, but Navy has been the better team all year. I think Navy wins 24-17, and I’d love to see over five passing plays throughout the game.”
Capt. Gerald Delk, Commanding Officer, 4th Medical Battalion, U.S. Navy Reserve
“Navy controls this game from start to finish behind disciplined execution on both sides of the ball, limiting Army’s rushing attack while winning the time-of-possession battle. Quarterback Blake Horvath leads a balanced option offense with efficient passing and key third-down conversions. Final score: Navy 31, Army 17.”
Thomas Roberts, USMA Class of 2004, Former Army Football Player
“Both are strong, both are going to bowl games, but Navy is better this year. If we do win, it will be 24-21. Go Army!”
Jerry Fitch, U.S. Army Veteran, Sports Historian, and Author
“As an Army vet (active duty February 11, 1966 to February 9, 1968) of course I am pulling for the Black Knights. The oddsmakers are picking Navy, based on history and this season’s records (Navy is 9-2, Army 6-5). Some say if Army can hold Navy to under 200 yards rushing they can win. Tough task, but I will take Army, final score 28-21.”
Gene Pantalone, Hall of Fame Sports Historian, Author of “From Boxing Ring to Battlefield: The Life of War Hero Lew Jenkins”
“For my dad, Staff Sgt. Armand Pantalone, a World War II Army veteran of the Fighting 63rd ‘Blood and Fire,’ who was awarded a Bronze Star and fought in France and Germany right after D-Day.
The Army-Navy game is hard-fought, like two boxers meeting in the center of the ring with nothing held back. They strike, drive, and push each other because that’s the only honest way to compete. But when it is over, both walk away as winners, for they have already given their strength and their lives to the country they serve. Army, 24-17.”
Matt Ward, U.S. Army Veteran and Air Force Reservist, Sportswriter and Historian
“You’ve read my coverage of service academies football all season on We Are The Mighty, and now I’ll give you my final prediction for Saturday. I believe the Mids are the better team both on paper and on the field. My prediction: Navy defeats a very tough Army side, 21-10.”
How to Follow
The 126th Army-Navy Game is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET on Saturday, December 14th, from M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. Fans can watch the game live on CBS, with streaming available through Paramount+, CBSSports.com, the CBS Sports App, Fubo, and YouTube TV. National radio coverage will be provided by Westwood One, while team-specific broadcasts can be heard via the Varsity Network App for Army and on Audacy (WNAV/KWFN) or TuneIn (WBAL) for Navy.
