Navy Edges Army in a Classic Comeback: A Rivalry Game That Delivered on Every Front
In front of a packed house of 75,000 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, the Navy Midshipmen pulled off a gutsy fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Army Black Knights 17-16 in the 126th edition of one of college football’s most iconic rivalries. With crisp December air rolling in off the Chesapeake Bay and the sun shining down on a sea of cadets and midshipmen, this year’s Army-Navy Game lived up to every ounce of its tradition-equal parts pageantry, pride, and pure football grit.
This wasn’t just another game. It was a battle between two service academies that play for far more than just scoreboard glory. And on this day, Navy found a way to flip the script late, adding another unforgettable chapter to a rivalry that has captivated fans for generations.
How Navy Got It Done: A Fourth-Quarter Rally for the Ages
Navy came out swinging, putting together a methodical 75-yard opening drive that ended with quarterback Blake Horvath punching it in from five yards out. Just like that, it was 7-0, and the Midshipmen looked like they had the early edge.
But Army, as always, had a response. They answered in the second quarter with a steady march of their own, capped by a touchdown run from Cale Hellums to even the score. Then, just before halftime, the Black Knights tacked on a 45-yard field goal to take a 13-7 lead into the locker room-momentum clearly shifting in their favor.
Early in the third, Army’s defense made what looked like a game-changing play. Justin Weaver picked off Horvath and nearly took it to the house.
That turnover set up another field goal, stretching the lead to 16-7. At that point, Army had all the momentum and a two-score cushion, and Navy had to dig deep.
And dig they did.
A field goal trimmed the deficit to 16-10, but Navy still needed a touchdown-and they got it in the game’s defining moment. Midway through the fourth quarter, facing a fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line, Horvath delivered a high-pressure strike to Eli Heidenreich in the end zone.
Touchdown. Tie game.
The extra point gave Navy a 17-16 lead.
Army had one last shot to steal it back, but Navy’s defense stood tall in the closing minutes. And when Alex Tecza powered through for a late first down, it was game over. Navy had completed the comeback.
The win pushed Navy to a strong 10-2 finish on the season. For Army, a tough 6-6 record and a missed extra point that will sting for a while-because in a rivalry where the margins are always razor-thin, that one point made all the difference.
Florida’s Deep Ties to the Army-Navy Game
While this year’s clash unfolded in Maryland, its emotional impact reached far beyond Baltimore-especially in Florida, a state deeply connected to the military. With 23 active military bases, including MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa (home to both U.S.
Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command), the Sunshine State is a hub of military life.
Florida is also home to more than 1.5 million veterans. For many of them-and their families-the Army-Navy Game is more than a football tradition.
It’s personal. It’s a celebration of service, a reminder of sacrifice, and a moment of pride that resonates in communities across the state.
Whether they wore Army green or Navy blue, Floridians have a deep-rooted connection to this rivalry.
A Rivalry Steeped in History and Honor
Dating back to 1890, the Army-Navy Game is one of the oldest and most storied matchups in college football. But what makes it truly special isn’t just the longevity-it’s the meaning behind it.
This is a game where the stakes go beyond wins and losses. The players on both sides aren’t just athletes; they’re future officers, teammates in the broader mission of defending the nation.
The competition is fierce, but it’s built on a foundation of mutual respect. From the pregame march-ons to the postgame alma maters, every moment is soaked in tradition.
And every year, no matter who wins, the final image is the same: two teams standing together, honoring each other’s service. It’s a rivalry, yes-but it’s also a brotherhood.
Brotherhood Beyond the Final Whistle
When the dust settled and the final whistle blew, Navy had the scoreboard edge. But as always, the Army-Navy Game ended with something more powerful than a victory lap. Both teams stood united, singing each other’s alma maters-a tradition that captures the essence of what this game is really about.
Yes, Navy earned the win. But the real takeaway is the bond between these players.
In just a few short months or years, they’ll be serving side by side, shoulder to shoulder. That’s what makes this rivalry so unique.
It’s a game that honors the past, celebrates the present, and points toward a shared future.
And this year’s edition? It reminded us once again why the Army-Navy Game isn’t just a college football classic-it’s a national treasure.