December 13, 2025 | 3:00 PM ET | M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD | CBS

The most storied rivalry in college football returns to Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium on December 13th for the 126th edition of the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA. This isn’t just a football game—it’s a celebration of service, sacrifice, and tradition that transcends sports. And this year, with both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy celebrating their 250th anniversaries, the stakes feel even higher than usual.

A Rivalry Like No Other

Since November 29, 1890, when Navy defeated Army 24-0 in their first meeting, this rivalry has become one of college football’s most treasured traditions. Through 125 games, Navy holds a 63-55-7 series lead, but the beauty of this game has always been about something bigger than the scoreboard.

As the National Football Foundation noted when naming the Army-Navy Game the 2025 recipient of the NFF Distinguished American Award: “For more than a century, the game has transcended football, reminding us of the values of sacrifice, unity and service.”

Every player on both teams has volunteered to serve the nation. Each one is willing to sacrifice his life for the people watching. That’s what makes this game special.

The 2025 Matchup: Navy Enters as Favorite

The 2025 season has been a tale of two trajectories. Navy enters the game riding high with a 9-2 overall record and 7-1 mark in the American Athletic Conference. The Midshipmen are ranked #23 in the Associated Press Poll and #25 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, coming off a 28-17 road victory over Memphis on Thanksgiving night that clinched at least a tie for the AAC regular-season title.

Army, meanwhile, has faced a more challenging season, sitting at 6-5 overall and 4-4 in conference play. The Black Knights suffered a heartbreaking 26-25 loss to Tulsa in their most recent outing, with Seth Morgan’s 27-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining dealing the decisive blow.

On paper, Navy appears to have the edge. The Midshipmen average 32.9 points per game, 10.5 more than Army allows per outing (22.4). Navy’s offense has averaged 448.2 yards per game this season—94.1 more than the 354.1 Army’s defense has permitted. But as anyone familiar with this rivalry knows, statistics mean little when these two teams take the field.

Baltimore: The Perfect Stage

This will be the seventh time Baltimore has hosted America’s Game and the first since 2016, when Army defeated Navy 21-17. The two teams are 3-3 in games played in Baltimore, making M&T Bank Stadium truly neutral territory.

Located just 30 minutes from the Naval Academy campus in Annapolis, the venue offers a home-field advantage for Navy, who will serve as the designated home team. But with the Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets both making the trip, the atmosphere will be electric on both sides of the stadium.

The game is expected to deliver a multimillion-dollar economic boost to Baltimore, continuing a strong run of major sporting events that have provided significant returns for the city and state.

250 Years of Service: Historic Uniforms Unveiled

Perhaps no Army-Navy Game in recent memory has carried the historical weight of the 2025 edition. Both service branches are celebrating their 250th anniversaries, and the custom uniforms designed for this game reflect that monumental milestone.

Army’s Tribute

Army’s Nike uniforms honor “250 Years of Service & Sacrifice,” paying tribute to the Army as an institution since its founding as the Continental Army on June 14, 1775. The design features:

• Marble-colored jersey and pants representing the marble headstones at Arlington National Cemetery
• Thin purple outline around jersey numbers honoring Purple Heart recipients (purple was originally used for the Badge of Military Merit in the Revolutionary War)
• Typography styled after the U.S. Constitution
• Army Seal on every helmet, signifying that players represent not just West Point but the entire Army

“We’re humbled and honored to represent the Army’s 250 years of unwavering service to the Nation and unparalleled sacrifice on Dec. 13 in Baltimore,” Army Football stated.

Navy’s Maritime Heritage

Navy’s Under Armour uniforms tell a compelling story that combines the history of the U.S. Navy, the original six frigates, and the United States Naval Academy. The design centers on the USS Constitution—”Old Ironsides”—the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Key features include:

• Copper-colored helmet representing the copper-plated sheathing on the Constitution’s hull, with a hand-painted image of the frigate on one side
• Six ropes embedded in the jersey sleeves and collar, representing the original six frigates (USS Chesapeake, Congress, Constellation, Constitution, President, and United States)
• 250 knots within those ropes, honoring the Navy’s 250th anniversary
• 63 total knots on the helmet rope (front and back combined), symbolizing Navy’s 63 wins over Army
• 126 total knots on the pants (6 ropes per side with varying knots), celebrating the 126th Army-Navy game
• “Navy 250th” on back nameplates instead of individual player names

The “washed navy” uniform color ties to the original uniforms issued by the Naval Committee to sailors in 1775, while the darker “nautical navy” on the sleeves symbolizes the Constitution’s hull, where cannonballs famously bounced off during the War of 1812.

What’s at Stake

Beyond bragging rights and the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy (which also includes Air Force), this game represents something deeper. After the game concludes, both teams will stand together—first facing the losing academy’s students as their alma mater is played, then facing the winners’ section as the victorious school sings.

This tradition of “singing second” (the winner’s alma mater always plays last) embodies the mutual respect and solidarity that defines the rivalry. These young men will soon serve together, perhaps in combat zones around the world. On December 13th, they’re fierce competitors. But they’re always brothers in arms.

A National Treasure

The significance of the Army-Navy Game extends far beyond the college football world. Played unopposed by any FBS or NFL game on the second Saturday of December, it commands the undivided attention of the nation. Last year’s game drew a record 9.4 million viewers on CBS, surpassing the previous mark of 8.45 million set in 1992.

The game has been televised nationally every year since 1945, with CBS holding the rights since 1996. Sitting U.S. presidents frequently attend, and the pregame ceremony—including the formal “prisoner exchange” of cadets and midshipmen studying at the sister academy—has become as much a part of the tradition as the game itself.

Recent History

Navy enters on a high note, having defeated Army 31-13 in last year’s meeting at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. That victory extended Navy’s recent dominance in the series, though both teams entered that game with winning records—a rarity in recent decades.

Since 1963, only the 1996, 2010, 2016, 2017, and 2024 games have seen both teams enter with winning records. The 2025 matchup marks another such occasion, with both programs having enjoyed successful campaigns.

Game Day Information

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, One Winning Drive, Baltimore, MD 21230
TV: CBS (National Broadcast)
Tickets: SOLD OUT (Both Army and Navy allocations are exhausted)
Home Team: Navy Midshipmen

Getting to the Game

M&T Bank Stadium is easily accessible via multiple transportation options:

• Light Rail: Convention Center stop provides direct access to the stadium
• MARC Train: Camden Station is within walking distance
• Water Taxi: Multiple stops throughout Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
• Parking: Multiple garages and lots available in the stadium vicinity (arrive early, heavy crowds expected)

What to Expect

• Pregame March-On: The Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets will march onto the field in one of college football’s most stirring traditions
• Prisoner Exchange: Cadets studying at Annapolis and Midshipmen at West Point will be formally exchanged before the game
• National Anthem: Performed by members of the Military Academy and Naval Academy choirs
• Post-Game Alma Maters: Both teams will stand together for the playing of both schools’ alma maters, with the winner’s played last

Baltimore Makes It Special

For Baltimore-area residents, this game offers a unique opportunity to witness a piece of Americana without traveling far from home. The city has proven to be an excellent host for this event, with downtown restaurants, hotels, and attractions all accessible from M&T Bank Stadium.

Combined with the Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, and other historic sites, visitors can make a full weekend of celebrating American military history while enjoying one of sports’ greatest spectacles.

Prediction

While Navy enters as the statistical favorite with a better record and higher ranking, the Army-Navy Game has never been about what’s expected. This is a game where heart, discipline, and pride matter more than recruiting rankings or offensive statistics.

Navy’s triple-option offense, led by the dynamic Blake Horvath, has been clicking all season. The Midshipmen’s rushing attack—exemplified by Alex Tecza’s 103 yards and two touchdowns against Memphis—poses a significant challenge for Army’s defense.

But Army coach Jeff Monken, in his 12th season, knows this rivalry inside and out. The Black Knights will be motivated to end their season on a high note and spoil Navy’s perfect home record at M&T Bank Stadium.

Final Prediction: Navy 27, Army 21

Expect a close, hard-fought game decided in the fourth quarter. Navy’s experience in close games this season gives them a slight edge, but Army will make them earn every yard.

Beyond the Scoreboard

Win or lose, December 13th will be a celebration of everything the Army-Navy Game represents. In an era of college football realignment, transfer portals, and NIL deals, this game remains pure—a reminder that some things are bigger than individual glory or financial gain.

These young men play for the love of their school, their teammates, and their country. They’ll graduate and serve as officers in the armed forces, potentially leading soldiers and sailors in harm’s way. The bonds formed on the field at M&T Bank Stadium will last a lifetime.

That’s what makes the Army-Navy Game America’s Game. And on December 13th, Baltimore gets to witness that magic firsthand.

Go Army, Beat Navy!
Go Navy, Beat Army!

For more information about the Army-Navy Game, visit armynavygame.com. For details on Army’s 250th anniversary uniforms, visit their dedicated website. Navy’s uniform details are available at Navy250Uniform.com.

While tickets for the game are sold out, fans can enjoy the national broadcast on CBS at 3:00 PM ET.

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