ARMY & NAVY DROP 250TH ANNIVERSARY UNIFORMS FOR 2025 SHOWDOWN
This year is the 126th meeting of the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen on the gridiron. Every December, this particular matchup reminds us that college football is still about tradition and giving us goosebumps—not just playoff brackets and hot takes from talking heads.
Who will sing second? Who will hoist the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy? And whose plebes will have it just a little bit easier next semester?
This year, on December 13th, the uniforms for this game are carrying major weight: both Army and Navy are suiting up in designs celebrating 250 years of their service branches.
You can call them uniforms if you want, but honestly? They’re closer to walking history lessons.
What’s on the Line: More Than Just the Score
Next month’s game isn’t just about bragging rights (though make no mistake—that’s huge—it also ties into the Commander‑in‑Chief’s Trophy, awarded each season among the three U.S. service academies: Army, Navy, and the Air Force Falcons.
For the Midshipmen, the 2024 victory did more than add another win—they secured that trophy by sweeping their academy rivals.
In the 2024 meeting, Navy beat Army 31-13. That result also helped Navy edge ahead in the all-time series: as of the end of that game, Navy leads the rivalry with 63 wins, Army has 55, and there have been seven ties.
So when these two square off next month, they’re not just playing for the uniform reveal—they’re playing for legacy, bragging rights, and institutional pride that spans more than a century.
Army: Leaning Into Legacy With Marble, Purple & Pure Grit
Army’s 2025 look is all about honoring the Soldiers who’ve carried this country through every chapter of its story. The Black Knights are rolling out a marble-toned uniform with bold purple and gold touches—something you don’t see every Saturday, but Army-Navy isn’t your average Saturday.
As West Point put it, the design “commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and pays tribute to the Soldiers who have defended our nation with unwavering bravery, selfless service, and profound sacrifice.”
That marble color? Not just a fashion flex. It represents the strength and permanence of the Army’s foundation, kind of the way Army fans feel about their fullbacks.
And the purple trim is the emotional anchor. It nods to the Badge of Military Merit, the forerunner to the Purple Heart. It’s a reminder of sacrifice stitched right into the jersey.
Add in the historical insignia, helmet details, and subtle storytelling elements, and you’ve got a uniform that says history matters—right before a linebacker tries to run you over.
Navy: Nautical Roots, Six Frigates & 250 Knots of Symbolism
Navy is bringing its own heat, and yes, it’s very… Navy. The Midshipmen leaned into their maritime DNA, working with Under Armour to design a uniform inspired by the original six frigates of the early U.S. Navy.
Their goal?
“To tell a compelling story that seamlessly combines the history of the U.S. Navy, the original six frigates … and the United States Naval Academy.”
Inside the collar is one of the sweetest touches: “USN 250” embroidered as a nod to the Navy’s 250 years.
And for anyone who loves an Easter egg: the rope graphics across the uniform include exactly 250 knots. That is commitment. That is attention to detail. That is the football equivalent of running the ball even when everybody knows you’re running the ball. Let’s be honest: service academies love themselves the triple option.
Navy’s whole design is basically a salute to the sea, the ships, and the generations who kept them moving—proof you can make history look sharp.
Two Uniforms, One Truly American Story
Sure, Army and Navy will take the field wanting to beat the absolute camo and anchors off of each other—because that’s what they do. But this year, they’re also stepping into a shared moment.
Different branches. Different aesthetics. Same 250-year legacy of service, sacrifice, and American grit.
The Army–Navy Game has always been more than football. It's a tradition you can feel. And this December, the uniforms make that tradition impossible to miss.
When they run onto the field, they won’t just be wearing jerseys.
They’ll be wearing the story of America—250 years in the making.
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Teal Yost
Managing Editor
Teal Yost is a Navy spouse, journalist, and managing editor of Military Brands, where she leads storytelling that connects and empowers the military c...
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