SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame versus Navy football rivalry is one of the longest-running matchups in college football history, dating back nearly 100 years.
The rivalry began in 1927 when the teams first met in Baltimore, Maryland, with Notre Dame winning the inaugural game 19-6. This initial contest laid the foundation for a long-standing rivalry that extends beyond the sports field, with significant ties between the two institutions.
In 1942, during World War II, Notre Dame, then an all-male university facing financial difficulties, benefited from the U.S. Navy’s decision to establish a training center for the V-7 program on campus. This partnership provided crucial funding that helped sustain the university.
The teams have faced each other regularly since then, with notable games such as Roger Staubach leading the Midshipmen to a 35-14 victory in 1963, followed by Notre Dame’s 40-0 triumph the next year. Over a span of 43 years, Notre Dame set a Division I record by winning 43 straight meetings until Navy broke the streak in 2007 with a 46-44 victory in triple overtime.
The rivalry faced a disruption in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first missed game since 1927. However, the teams resumed their annual clashes in 2021 and have continued to play each year since. Last season, Notre Dame triumphed over Navy 42-3 in Ireland.
Now, both teams enter this year’s matchup ranked in the top 25, with Notre Dame at No. 12 and Navy at No. 24. Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman expressed excitement about the historical significance of the rivalry and acknowledged the respect that characterizes the competition. He praised Navy’s head coach, Brian Newberry, for turning the program around, leading to Navy’s current 6-0 record.
Freeman emphasized the motivation that comes from facing a strong opponent, noting that the challenge enhances the preparation for the game.
This storied rivalry not only showcases on-field competition but also serves as a reminder of the historical bond between Notre Dame and Navy, rooted in gratitude for Navy’s assistance during a critical time in the university’s history.
The matchup is set to kick off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., at 12 p.m. EDT on Saturday. Fans can watch the 97th meeting of these two teams on ABC/ESPN+.