The 125th Army-Navy game promised history, and Navy delivered, overpowering No. 19 Army 31-13 in a clash unlike any in the rivalry’s storied past. In front of an electrified crowd that included President-elect Donald Trump at the Washington Commanders’ home stadium, Navy quarterback Blake Horvath stole the show, accounting for 311 yards and four touchdowns as the Midshipmen earned their ninth win of the season and snapped a two-game losing streak in the series.
With 19 combined victories entering the game—a record for the rivalry—Army (11-2) and Navy (9-3) had already proven themselves among the season’s strongest teams. But on this Saturday, it was the Midshipmen who claimed the ultimate prize, earning their first Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy since 2019 and denying Army its 12th win in a historic season.
Horvath’s dual-threat performance was the difference-maker. The sophomore quarterback threw for 107 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 204 yards and two more scores, tormenting a Black Knights defense that had excelled all season.
“Blake has been our leader all year,” said Navy head coach Brian Newberry. “He showed today what makes him special. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs is what carried us.”
Navy set the tone early, taking the opening kickoff and marching 65 yards for a touchdown on Horvath’s 1-yard plunge. Army quarterback Bryson Daily, who finished sixth in this year’s Heisman Trophy voting, struggled to find his rhythm. After an interception by Navy’s Dashaun Peele in the second quarter, the Midshipmen capitalized with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Horvath to Brandon Chatman, giving Navy a 14-0 lead.
Daily answered with a 23-yard touchdown strike to Hayden Reed, but Navy kept its foot on the gas. The pivotal moment came in the third quarter when Horvath connected with Eli Heidenreich for a 52-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 21-10 and tying school records for touchdown passes in a season (13) and touchdown receptions (6).
Army, fresh off its first-ever American Athletic Conference title, couldn’t keep up. Daily, who had thrown only one interception all season before the game, was picked off three times. He managed just 65 passing yards and 52 rushing yards against a disciplined Navy defense.
“We didn’t execute the way we needed to,” said Army head coach Jeff Monken. “Credit to Navy—they were ready for us, and they earned this one.”
The Black Knights’ best chance to rally came early in the fourth quarter when Daily missed an open receiver in the end zone, forcing Army to settle for a field goal to cut the deficit to 21-13. Navy then sealed the game with a bit of trickery. On a fourth down near midfield, nose guard Landon Robinson ran 29 yards on a fake punt, setting up Horvath’s second rushing touchdown of the day.
Daily’s final two interceptions ended any hope of a comeback, and Navy’s sideline erupted as the clock hit zero.
For Navy, the victory capped an impressive turnaround under Newberry, now in his second season. The Midshipmen started the year with six straight wins and spent time in the Top 25 before finishing 9-3. By sweeping Air Force and Army, they reclaimed the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy and the bragging rights that come with it.
Army, despite the loss, still boasts an incredible season, highlighted by its first conference championship and the Joe Moore Award for the nation’s top offensive line. However, the sting of falling to Navy in the rivalry’s most anticipated game yet will linger.
The Black Knights will regroup for the Independence Bowl on Dec. 28 against Louisiana Tech, an unexpected opponent after Marshall withdrew from the game. Navy, meanwhile, prepares for a tough challenge against Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 27.
As the rivalry moves to Baltimore next year, both teams will look to build on the legacies they’ve crafted in 2024. But for now, it’s Navy that stands atop the mountain, with Horvath’s performance ensuring this Army-Navy game will live on in the annals of college football history.
