(Rightallegiance.com) – The stage is set for a historic showdown as the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen prepare to clash in the 125th Army-Navy game this Saturday. This year’s edition of the storied rivalry is drawing unprecedented attention, not only for its historical significance but also for the high stakes and notable attendees set to grace the event.
President Trump and Vance arrive ARMY NAVY GAME 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) December 14, 2024
GO ARMY! #ArmyNavyGame pic.twitter.com/LipxCOMDZP
For the first time in history, the combined win total of both programs entering the game is an impressive 19 victories. Army, competing in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) this season, and Navy, both spent time ranked in the Top 25, further elevating the significance of this matchup. While this will be their first meeting of the season, it is categorized as a nonconference game. Beyond the usual bragging rights, this game carries heightened importance as the winner will claim the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, a prize not secured by either team since 2017. Both teams also enter the game having already locked up bowl game invitations, marking another first since 2017.
Army enters the contest fresh off a milestone victory. Earlier this month, they clinched their first conference title with a victory over Tulane in the AAC championship game, concluding an exceptional 11-1 regular season. However, for Army head coach Jeff Monken, the true season-defining moment lies ahead. “It’s a game and a season really all of its own,” Monken emphasized. “We’ve had a good year. You make it a great year by winning this game coming up on Saturday. Frankly, that’s just the way it goes around here.”
The Navy Midshipmen, boasting an 8-3 record and their first winning season since 2019, share a similar sentiment. Linebacker Colin Ramos made it clear that the focus is entirely on their historic rival. “Oklahoma’s not on our mind right now, because it’s all Army-Navy,” Ramos said, referring to Navy’s upcoming bowl game. “This is our No. 1 goal, and then after that, we’ll have about a week and a half, two weeks — whatever it is — to prepare. Right now, it’s Army-Navy.”
Navy head coach Brian Newberry is acutely aware of the formidable challenge posed by this Army team. “This is the most complete, well-rounded Army football team, the best Army football team I can recall,” Newberry remarked, highlighting the respect both teams hold for each other as they prepare for this defining clash.
Adding to the excitement of the game is the high-profile guest list, headlined by political and military figures. Donald Trump, recently elected as the 47th President of the United States, will make his fifth appearance at the Army-Navy game. He will be joined by Vice President-elect JD Vance, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also expected to attend, according to sources.
The presence of Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth as Trump’s guest further underscores the event’s significance. Vance also revealed that Marine veteran Daniel Penny, recently acquitted in a controversial case in New York, will attend the game as his guest. “Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone,” Vance wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I’m grateful he accepted my invitation and hope he’s able to have fun and appreciate how much his fellow citizens admire his courage.”
With so much riding on the outcome and a star-studded audience looking on, this year’s Army-Navy game promises to be one of the most memorable in the rivalry’s illustrious history. Fans of both teams and football enthusiasts alike will undoubtedly be glued to their screens or in the stands as these two iconic programs battle for supremacy and a season’s worth of pride.