Army vs. Navy rivalry history: Head-to-head stats, notable matchups, top players of all time and more

The Army vs. Navy game is one of the most historic rivalries in college football, dating back to 1890. The winner receives the Commander-In-Chief Trophy, awarded annually to the best service academy team.

With both teams defeating Air Force earlier in the season, the upcoming clash carries high stakes, as Army looks to capture the trophy for the sixth time in eight years.

The game has consistently delivered nail-biting finishes, with nine of the last 12 matchups decided by a touchdown or less. This includes last year’s dramatic 20-17 overtime victory for Army.

Notable matchups in Army vs. Navy History

Navy’s football team had been active since 1879, giving them a significant edge when they challenged the Army to a game in 1890.

Despite having no prior experience, Army accepted the challenge. Navy’s experience paid off as they secured a 24-0 victory in West Point, marking the start of an enduring rivalry.

In back-to-back years, Army and Navy entered the game ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation. Army, led by Heisman winners Felix “Doc” Blanchard and Glenn Davis, triumphed in both meetings, winning 23-7 in 1944 and 32-13 in 1945.

These victories capped perfect 9-0 seasons for Army and secured their status as national champions.

In a rare departure from tradition, the rivalry went west of the Mississippi River in 1983 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Organized by the Army-Navy ‘83 Foundation, the event raised approximately $6 million to cover costs.

Despite the long journey, more than 9,000 cadets and midshipmen attended as the Navy dominated with a 42-13 victory. The game returned to Philadelphia the following year.

After 14 consecutive Navy wins from 2002 to 2015, Army finally ended the drought in Baltimore. The Black Knights leaned on a powerful ground game, amassing 316 rushing yards and three touchdowns to secure a 21-17 win. This victory marked the beginning of a three-game winning streak for the Army.

The 2022 game made history as the first in the rivalry to go into overtime. Army kicker Quinn Maretzki sealed the 20-17 double-overtime victory with a 39-yard field goal.

Army vs. Navy: Head-to-Head Stats

Navy leads the all-time series 62-55-7. While the rivalry began in 1890, it has been played annually since 1930. Navy’s most dominant stretch came with a 14-game winning streak from 2002 to 2015, which helped it surpass Army in the series tally.

The game has drawn attention from U.S. presidents, with figures like Teddy Roosevelt and Harry Truman among its notable spectators.

Army vs Navy: Top players of all time

The Army-Navy rivalry has produced some of college football’s most legendary players.

Andre Carter II became a standout for Army despite not playing his freshman year. In 2021, he set a school record with 15.5 sacks, ranking second nationally, and added 18.5 tackles for loss.

Carter became Army’s first AP All-American in over three decades and finished his career with 20 sacks. Currently, he plays for the Minnesota Vikings.

Keenan Reynolds, as one of Navy’s most celebrated quarterbacks, holds NCAA records for career rushing yards (4,559) and touchdowns (88) by a quarterback.

He led Navy to remarkable success in 2015, earning AAC Player of the Year honors. Though his NFL career was brief, he now works as a college football analyst.

Roger Staubach, the 1963 Heisman Trophy winner, is one of the most famous Navy players. A dual-threat quarterback, he totaled over 4,200 offensive yards in his career. Following military service, Staubach became a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys.

Doc Blanchard, known as “Mr. Inside,” had won the 1945 Heisman and was a three-time All-American. He scored 38 touchdowns in his career, helping Army to a 27-0-1 record during his time.

Napoleon McCallum was a two-time All-American and set an NCAA record with 7,172 all-purpose yards. He held Navy’s all-time rushing record before Reynolds surpassed him. McCallum also played in the NFL and remains a Hall of Famer.

Pete Dawkins, a 1958 Heisman winner, was a leader on and off the field for Army. He rushed for over 1,100 yards and later became a Rhodes Scholar and brigadier general.