Introduction to the 126th Annual Army vs. Navy Football Game
The 126th annual Army vs. Navy football game is set to kick off on Saturday at 3 PM in Baltimore, Maryland, marking one of the biggest college football games of the year. This iconic matchup is the only game scheduled for the weekend, as both teams will pay tribute to all soldiers who defend the country by wearing special alternate uniforms. According to the FOX Weather Forecast Center, there will be minimal weather impact, with a low risk of weather affecting the game.
The forecast predicts a pleasant 43-degree temperature at the start of kickoff, making for perfect football weather. Temperatures are expected to drop to 40 degrees by 6 PM, so attendees are advised to dress warmly for the second half of the game. The FOX Weather Forecast Center also predicts a 19% chance of precipitation by 6 PM, so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella in case of unexpected wet weather.
History of the Army vs. Navy Rivalry
The Army vs. Navy rivalry has a rich history dating back to 1890, when the first game was played between the two teams. Navy had already been playing football since 1879, but it was the first time they defeated the newly established Army team by a score of 24-0. The rivalry is full of pride and history, mixed with some bad blood. The Midshipmen got the better of the Black Knights last year, winning by a score of 31-13.
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 14: Navy Midshipmen sing with players during a game between Navy and Army at Northwest Stadium on December 14, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.
(Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos / Getty Images)
Team Performance and Statistics
Navy has a rare advantage: a much more polished passing game than Army. Being able to establish a good rhythm of playcalling to keep the defense second-guessing and on their toes. Senior Quarterback (QB) Blake Horvath has led the charge in his second year as the team starter. So far this season, Horvath has surpassed his season high in passing yards, throwing for 1,390 yards, 1,040 rushing yards, 23 total touchdowns, and five interceptions.
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 4: Blake Horvath #11 of the Navy Midshipmen hands the ball to Eli Heidenreich #22 of the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Isaiah Vazquez / Getty Images)
Opposing Junior QB for Army, Cale Hellums, is making a significant impact on the run game for the Black Knights, as the first-year starter has run for 1,078 yards, thrown for 504 yards, and totaled 18 touchdowns and two interceptions.
WEST POINT, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20: Cale Hellums #3 of the Army Black Knights warms up before the game against the North Texas Mean Green at Michie Stadium on September 20, 2025 in West Point, New York.
(Dustin Satloff / Getty Images)
Notable Historic Matchup
On December 9, 2017, both schools faced off in an iconic winter grudge match in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The game took place in a winter wonderland as the Philadelphia area received over four inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service. This was an old-school matchup, as both teams’ offenses combined for just 22 passing yards.
-
next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 09: Andy Davidson #40 of the Army Black Knights carries the ball against the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field on December 9, 2017 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Dustin Satloff) -
prevnext
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 09: Ahmad Bradshaw #17 of the Army Black Knights carries the ball against the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field on December 9, 2017 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Dustin Satloff) -
prevnext
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 09: Navy Midshipmen running back Malcolm Perry (10) runs for a 68 yard second quarter touchdown against the Army Black Knights on December 9, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. in the 118th Army Navy Game.
(Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire) -
