The Army-Navy game, a cornerstone of college football tradition, might be in for a shakeup soon. Army coach Jeff Monken has said he’s open to moving the game up by two weeks, possibly landing it right after Thanksgiving.
Right now, the Army-Navy game is played on the Saturday after conference championship weekend. It sits between the end of the regular season and the start of bowl season, kind of in its own little bubble.
This proposed change? It’s meant to make the game matter more in the college football world, especially when it comes to conference standings and playoff stakes. There’s a sense that the timing could use a tweak.
The Historical Significance of the Army-Navy Game
The Army-Navy game isn’t just another football matchup. It’s a symbol of honor and tradition that goes all the way back to 1890.
Every year, this rivalry showcases the dedication and competitive fire between West Point and Annapolis. The game has almost always been played in December, holding down a unique spot on the college football calendar.
Why Move the Game?
Coach Monken thinks shifting the game to the weekend after Thanksgiving could make a real difference. As things stand, it happens after the American Conference’s title game, so it doesn’t really affect the conference race or playoff picture.
If the game moves up, it might actually matter for the American title race and maybe even playoff inclusion. That’d be a big deal for both teams, honestly.
Potential Benefits of the Schedule Shift
Moving the Army-Navy game earlier could bring a bunch of perks, not just for the teams but for college football as a whole.
- Enhanced Relevance: The game would finally count toward the American Conference title race and could have playoff implications.
- Better Playoff Scheduling: Playing earlier would open up a weekend in December, making the College Football Playoff (CFP) schedule a little less chaotic.
- Improved Transfer Opportunities: Wrapping up the season sooner gives players a better shot at transferring during the main window, which feels fair.
Impact on the College Football Playoff
Right now, the 12-team playoff kicks off on the third weekend of December. Quarterfinals are on New Year’s, and the semifinals and national championship stretch into January.
In 2026, it’s even longer—the semifinals are set for mid-January, with the national championship dragging out to January 25. Moving the Army-Navy game could help the CFP tighten up its schedule, which might be overdue.
Challenges and Considerations
Of course, it’s not all upside. There are some real hurdles to clear if this change is going to happen.
- Tradition vs. Modernization: The December date is sacred to a lot of fans. Changing it could ruffle feathers among those who love the old ways.
- Logistical Concerns: Fitting a new date into an already packed schedule—especially with the American Conference title game and other events—won’t be simple.
- Broadcasting Rights: The game needs its own spotlight, free from competing games, to keep those big TV numbers and ad dollars rolling in.
Feedback from Stakeholders
Monken’s idea has stirred up plenty of opinions across college football. Some folks say it’s a smart move to keep the game meaningful as the sport evolves.
Others? They’re not so sure. They worry it’s a step away from what makes Army-Navy special. Whatever happens, it’ll take buy-in from the American Conference, TV networks, and both service academies. No easy answers here.
The Army-Navy game might move to the weekend after Thanksgiving. That’s a pretty big change for college football.
Sure, there are some clear upsides. It could boost the game’s relevance and help with playoff scheduling.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. There are some hurdles and questions to work through before anything’s set in stone.
If you want to dive deeper into Coach Jeff Monken’s thoughts and what this change could mean, check out the full article on Yahoo Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
