The cherished tradition of the annual Army-Navy football game is set to gain a unique spotlight. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, mandating an “exclusive window” for this historic matchup, ensuring that no other college football games will be broadcast simultaneously.
This move comes on the heels of the College Football Playoff expanding from a modest four teams to a robust 12-team format. With the potential for further expansion, the playoff schedule has increasingly crept later into December, posing a threat to overlap with the Army-Navy game, which has traditionally been celebrated on the second Saturday of the month.
The executive order underscores the importance of the Army-Navy game by stating, “Such scheduling conflicts weaken the national focus on our Military Service Academies and detract from a morale-building event of vital interest to the Department of War.” It firmly establishes the policy that no college football game, particularly those associated with the College Football Playoff or other postseason matches, should conflict with this pivotal event.
Last year’s thrilling 17-16 victory by Navy over Army for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy happened to coincide with the LA Bowl face-off between Washington and Boise State. Typically, however, the Army-Navy game enjoys its own dedicated time slot, a tradition upheld by networks like CBS Sports.
The College Football Playoff committee now faces the task of collaborating with the NCAA and the Federal Communications Commission to carve out a dedicated four-hour window, ensuring the Army-Navy game receives uninterrupted national attention.
The CFP committee will now have to work with the NCAA and the FCC to establish the exclusive four-hour window for the game.
Trump first announced he was planning to issue the EO in January.
“The Army-Navy Game is one of our Greatest American Traditions — Unmatched Patriotism, Courage, and Honor!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This incredible Tradition is now at risk of being pushed aside by more College Playoff Games, and Big TV Money. NOT ANYMORE!
“On the field, they are rivals, but on the battlefield they are America’s unstoppable Patriots, defending our Country with tremendous Strength and Heart. We must protect the Tradition, and the Players, who protect us. Please let this serve as Notice to ALL Television Networks, Stations, and Outlets. God Bless America, and God Bless our great Army-Navy Game!!!”
The 2026 game, slated for Dec. 12, 2026, at MeLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., will be the 127th incarnation of the game.
With its 2025 win, Navy holds a 64-55-7 all-time edge.
The game features plenty of traditions between the Black Knights and Midshipmen, with a “Prisoner Exchange” of cadets and midshipmen being returned to their academies after a semester with the other.
Both sides come together to sing their alma maters as well, with the losing team going first, as the winners stand behind them as a show of respect.
