In a thrilling renewal of the historic Army-Navy rivalry, the Navy Midshipmen emerged victorious, defeating the Army Black Knights with a decisive 31-13 scoreline in Landover, Maryland. This win solidifies Navy's dominance in the series, improving their overall record to 63-55-7 against Army.
Navy's offense came out firing, establishing a 14-0 lead early in the game. Their initial drive resulted in a touchdown, and a subsequent interception set up another seven points. Army managed to narrow the gap before halftime, but Navy's momentum proved too strong.
Running back Brandon Chatman (24) of the Navy Midshipmen scores a touchdown against the Army Black Knights during the first half of the teams' 125th meeting at Northwest Stadium Dec. 14, 2024, in Landover, Md. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
A key moment in the game came late in the third quarter when Navy running back Eli Heidenreich broke free for a 52-yard touchdown reception, extending their lead to 21-10. Although Army responded with a field goal, a crucial fake punt by Navy nose tackle Landon Robinson kept their next drive alive, culminating in another touchdown by Blake Horvath, putting Navy up 28-13.
Army's hopes for a comeback were dashed by an interception, and Navy sealed their victory with a field goal, extending their lead to three possessions with just minutes remaining. With another interception and a first down, Navy ran out the clock, securing the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, having already defeated Air Force earlier in the season.
The time-honored tradition of "Honoring the Fallen" was observed as both teams sang each other's alma mater.
Running back Brandon Chatman (24) of the Navy Midshipmen scores a touchdown against the Army Black Knights during the first half against the Army Black Knights at Northwest Stadium Dec. 14, 2024 in Landover, Md. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
President-elect Trump attended the game, marking his first appearance at the Army-Navy game since 2020, accompanied by notable figures such as JD Vance, Elon Musk, and others.
This victory brings Navy's season record to 9-3, while Army falls to 11-2. Both teams now turn their attention to their respective bowl games, with Navy facing Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl and Army awaiting its Independence Bowl opponent after Marshall withdrew.
The game defied recent trends, with Navy's offensive performance breaking the under streak that had prevailed in 18 of the previous 19 seasons.
President-elect Trump, left, Elon Musk and Vice President-elect JD Vance attend the game between Army and Navy at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Blake Horvath led Navy's offensive charge with 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns, also throwing for two more scores. The 126th edition of the Army-Navy game is scheduled for Baltimore next year, followed by East Rutherford, New Jersey, in 2026.
