2026 Navy Football Schedule With Kickoff Times and TV Channels

As the 2026 college football season approaches, fans of the United States Naval Academy are preparing for a schedule that balances American Athletic Conference (AAC) play with some of the most storied rivalries in sports. Following a highly successful 2025 campaign where the Midshipmen finished with an 11-2 record, expectations are high for the program's continued momentum. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the 2026 Navy football schedule, television designations, and essential logistical information for fans attending games in person.

When Does Navy Play Football in 2026?

The 2026 schedule is structured with a 5-5-2 split: five games at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, five true road games, and two high-profile neutral-site matchups. This balance offers fans multiple opportunities to witness the unique traditions of service academy football both at home and in major NFL venues.

The 2026 season is particularly notable for its travel requirements. The Midshipmen will visit Colorado, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, and New Jersey. This wide geographic footprint is a hallmark of the American Athletic Conference, which spans from the Eastern Seaboard to the heart of Texas.

How to Watch Navy Football Without Cable

For fans who have moved away from traditional cable packages, watching Navy football requires a specific strategy. The primary broadcast partner for Navy home games is CBS Sports Network (CBSSN). A common pitfall for "cord-cutters" is assuming that a standard Paramount+ subscription includes CBSSN; however, this is generally not the case unless you have the specific "Live TV" tier that includes local affiliates and sports networks.

The Streaming Matrix for Midshipmen Fans

To ensure you don't miss a snap, consider the following streaming services that carry the necessary channels for the 2026 season:

• YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV: These are among the top choices for Navy fans as they typically include CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPNU, and local ABC/CBS affiliates.
• FuboTV: A strong contender for sports-heavy households, though users should verify that their local CBS affiliate is included in their specific zip code to catch the Army-Navy and Air Force games.
• ESPN+: Some away conference games, particularly those against Charlotte or UAB, may be exclusive to the ESPN+ streaming app. This requires a separate subscription from your "Live TV" provider.

According to the Naval Academy Athletic Association, kickoff times for away games are often not determined until the 12-day or 6-day selection window utilized by ESPN and the AAC. Fans should download the official Navy Sports app to receive real-time notifications regarding these updates.

Where to Find Tickets for the Biggest Games of the Year

Securing tickets for Navy football varies significantly in difficulty depending on the venue. For games at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, tickets are generally accessible, but neutral-site games require advanced planning.

Price Benchmarking for 2026

Based on historical data and current market trends, fans can expect the following price ranges for the 2026 season:

• Standard Home Games (e.g., Temple, North Texas): $25–$60. These games offer excellent value and a chance to see the full Brigade of Midshipmen in a more intimate setting.
• Notre Dame at Gillette Stadium: $95–$250+. As one of the most anticipated games of the year, prices on the secondary market often spike. Buying through the NAAA or Notre Dame's official channels is highly recommended.
• Army-Navy at MetLife Stadium: $350+ for respectable sightlines. This is consistently one of the most expensive tickets in college football due to its cultural significance and limited public availability.

To avoid the steep markups found on secondary ticket exchanges, fans are encouraged to purchase directly through the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA). Membership in the "Blue & Gold" athletic booster club often provides priority access to the Army-Navy ticket lottery, which is the most reliable way to secure seats at face value.

What Makes a Navy Game Day Different From Other Schools?

Attending a Navy football game is more than just a sporting event; it is a display of military precision and tradition. The atmosphere in Annapolis is widely regarded as one of the most unique in college athletics, characterized by rituals that date back decades.

The Brigade March On

The most iconic pre-game event is the "March On" of the Brigade of Midshipmen. Approximately 60 to 90 minutes before kickoff, all 4,400+ Midshipmen march onto the field in company formations, accompanied by the Drum and Bugle Corps. This ceremony is a testament to the discipline of the student body and is a must-see for any first-time visitor. Fans should aim to be in their seats at least one hour before the scheduled kickoff to witness this event in its entirety.

Flyovers and Parachutists

Given the Academy's connection to naval aviation, pre-game flyovers featuring F/A-18 Super Hornets or other naval aircraft are common. Additionally, the Navy Leap Frogs (the Navy's official parachute demonstration team) frequently perform aerial displays, landing precisely on the midfield logo. These elements create a high-energy environment that sets the stage for the physical, triple-option football that Navy is known for.

How a Midshipman’s Daily Routine Impacts Saturday Performance

To understand why Navy football players are often praised for their fourth-quarter endurance and discipline, one must look at their daily lives. Unlike athletes at many Power 5 programs, Midshipmen are students and future officers first.

This rigorous schedule, documented in insights from Capping The Game, fosters a level of mental toughness that translates directly to the field. The "Triple Option" offense requires split-second decision-making and perfect execution—traits that are honed through the daily grind of Academy life.

Important Travel Information for Families and Midshipmen

For families of Midshipmen, planning for away games involves more than just booking a hotel. The ability of a student to attend an away game is governed by a strict set of rules known as "Movement Orders."

Understanding Movement Orders (MO)

A Movement Order is the official authorization for a Midshipman to travel away from the Academy for a sanctioned event. For football games, the entire Brigade typically travels to the Army-Navy game, but travel to other away games is often restricted to the team, the band, and specific spirit groups.

• Check academic standing (GPA requirements)
• Ensure all Physical Readiness Test (PRT) scores are passing
• Verify conduct record is clear of recent major offenses
• Confirm MO status with the Company Officer 14 days prior to travel

Best Ways to Get to Neutral Site Games in 2026

The 2026 season features two major NFL stadiums. Logistics for these venues differ from the typical college town experience:

• Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA): For the Notre Dame game on Oct 31, fans staying in Boston can utilize the "Patriot Train" which runs from South Station directly to the stadium. This avoids the notoriously difficult parking situation in Foxborough.
• MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ): For the Army-Navy game on Dec 12, NJ Transit offers a dedicated shuttle from Secaucus Junction. This is the most efficient way to reach the stadium from Manhattan or Newark.

Key Matchups and Rivalry Dates to Circle

While every game counts toward the AAC standings, three dates define the success of a Navy season in the eyes of alumni and fans.

October 3 at Air Force

This is the first leg of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Playing at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs presents a unique challenge due to the altitude (over 6,000 feet). Navy’s conditioning, built through their rigorous daily routine, is put to the test here. Winning this game is essential for bringing the trophy back to Annapolis.

October 31 vs. Notre Dame

The Navy-Notre Dame rivalry is one of the longest-running continuous series in college football. In 2026, the game moves to Gillette Stadium. While Notre Dame often enters as the favorite, Navy has a storied history of playing the Irish close, utilizing their ball-control offense to limit Notre Dame's possessions. The atmosphere in a professional stadium adds a "bowl game" feel to this mid-season clash.

December 12 vs. Army

The "Granddaddy of Them All" returns to MetLife Stadium in 2026. This game stands alone on the college football calendar, occurring a week after the conference championships. It is the only game where every player on the field has committed to serve their country upon graduation. The intensity and pageantry of Army-Navy are widely considered among the top experiences in all of sports.

Looking Back at the 2025 Season Results

The 2026 team enters the season with significant momentum following a dominant 2025 performance. Finishing 11-2 overall and 7-1 in the AAC, the Midshipmen proved that their modern take on the triple-option remains highly effective. Key victories over Memphis and a thrilling win in the Army-Navy game solidified the 2025 squad as one of the strongest in recent memory. This success has bolstered recruiting and increased season ticket demand for 2026, as fans hope to see the program reach the AAC Championship game.