A Bold Non‑Conference Slate
The Navy Midshipmen have released their 2026 non‑conference football schedule, a lineup that blends traditional service‑ academy rivalries with marquee matchups against power‑five programs. The season opens on September 1 with a road test at Ohio State, marking the sixth all‑time meeting between the programs and the first since a 34‑17 Buckeye victory in 2014.
A week later, on September 5, Navy will host the Towson Tigers before traveling to face the Florida Atlantic Owls on September 12, kicking off American Conference play. The early schedule sets a competitive tone for the year.
Commander‑in‑Chief’s Trophy and Air Force
The centerpiece of the non‑conference slate arrives on October 20, when the Falcons visit Navy‑Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis for the annual battle for the Commander‑in‑Chief’s Trophy. Navy edged Air Force 34‑31 last season, extending its recent edge in the series despite the Falcons holding a historic 34‑24 advantage overall.
The following week, on October 27, the Midshipmen will travel to South Bend to meet the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish hold a commanding 82‑13‑1 lead in the all‑time series and have won eight straight meetings, making the matchup a stern test for Navy’s defense.
Army‑Navy Rivalry
The season will close with the 129th Army‑Navy Game on December 8, a neutral‑site showdown whose location will be announced later. Navy secured a 17‑16 victory over Army last year at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, part of a three‑win stretch in the last five meetings that has nudged the overall series lead to 64‑55‑7 in the Midshipmen’s favor.
Beyond the marquee games, the schedule underscores Navy’s commitment to regional rivalries and early‑season home games, providing fans with a compelling mix of tradition and new challenges as the team prepares for another run at the Commander‑in‑Chief’s Trophy.