LANDOVER, Md. — Blake Horvath delivered a standout performance, amassing 311 total yards and four touchdowns to propel Navy past No. 19 Army, 31-13, in the 125th edition of the Army-Navy game Saturday. The victory marked Navy’s first win in the series since 2020 and secured the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy for the Midshipmen.
Horvath, the Navy quarterback, threw for 107 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 204 yards and two scores on the ground. Navy (9-3) ended a two-game losing streak in the series and made history, as this matchup featured a combined 19 wins between the teams — the most in the rivalry’s storied history.
Credit: Bert Hindman/The Southern Maryland Chronicle
Army (11-2), fresh off its first-ever American Athletic Conference title, couldn’t overcome a rocky start, falling behind 14-0 in the second quarter. Quarterback Bryson Daily, who placed sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting this season, struggled against Navy’s defense, throwing three interceptions after being picked off just once all season prior to the game.
Horvath Shines Early
In front of a packed crowd at FedEx Field that included President-elect Donald Trump, Navy opened with a 65-yard drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Horvath. The Midshipmen capitalized on their disciplined run game and opportunistic defense throughout the contest.
Daily’s early struggles began in the second quarter when Dashaun Peele intercepted a pass, setting Navy up with excellent field position. Horvath connected with Brandon Chatman for an 18-yard touchdown shortly after, extending the lead to 14-0.
Army responded with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Daily to Hayden Reed, cutting the deficit to 14-7 before halftime. However, Army’s momentum stalled in the third quarter.
Game-Changing Play
After Army narrowed the gap to 14-10 with a field goal, Navy delivered a decisive blow. Horvath found Eli Heidenreich streaking up the left sideline for a 52-yard touchdown, his 13th passing touchdown of the season. The play tied Navy’s school record for touchdown passes in a single season, while Heidenreich’s sixth TD reception also matched a program best.
Daily missed a crucial opportunity in the fourth quarter, overthrowing an open Casey Reynolds in the end zone, forcing Army to settle for another field goal. Navy then executed a bold fake punt, with nose guard Landon Robinson rushing 29 yards before fumbling. Linebacker Colin Ramos recovered the ball, maintaining possession and setting up Horvath’s second rushing touchdown, which sealed the game at 28-13.
Daily’s final two interceptions ended any hopes of a comeback as Navy added a late field goal to secure the 31-13 victory.
Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy Returns to Annapolis
With the win, Navy completed a sweep of service academy rivals Air Force and Army to claim the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy for the first time since 2019. Navy’s strong start to the season, which included a six-game winning streak and time in the AP Top 25, set the stage for a defining campaign under second-year head coach Brian Newberry.
“It’s a moment of pride for the team and our fans,” Newberry said. “Winning this trophy means everything.”
Army’s Missed Opportunity
For Army, the loss capped an otherwise historic season on a disappointing note. Daily, who had been the team’s offensive catalyst all season, was held to just 65 passing yards and 52 rushing yards in the game.
“This rivalry is everything to us, and it hurts to come up short,” Daily said after the game.
Bowl Matchups Ahead
Both teams will turn their focus to bowl season. Army will face Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl on Dec. 28, after original opponent Marshall backed out of the game. Navy will meet Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 27, a challenging matchup to close the season.
This was the first of two consecutive Army-Navy games held in Maryland, with next year’s matchup set for Baltimore.
