The 126th edition of the Army-Navy Game will commence on Saturday in Baltimore (for the first time since 2016) at M&T Bank Stadium. As per usual, the winner will take home the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. Navy leads the all-time series 63-55-7 and is considered a touchdown favorite. Annual bragging rights hang in the balance.
The Black Knights have claimed victory in three of their latest four outings. The Midshipmen have won two consecutive contests. College football’s most traditional rivalry game sees both programs enter Saturday's showdown in red-hot form. We've identified three matchups that should help determine the outcome.
Cale Hellums (Army QB) vs. MarcAnthony Parker (Navy LB)
Junior quarterback Cale Hellums is a dual-threat playmaker who leads the Black Knights' offense. In 11 appearances, the Tomball, Texas native has completed 35-of-69 passing attempts (50.7%) for 504 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. Hellums is a significantly bigger threat on the ground, scrambling 264 times for 1,078 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker will probably ask linebacker MarcAnthony Parker to "spy" Hellums. Parker leads the Midshipmen defense in tackles this year with 88 takedowns. He's also registered two sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery. He’ll be tasked with making Hellums uncomfortable in the pocket.
Eli Heidenreich (Navy WR) vs. Jaydan Mayes (Army CB)
Though neither program is traditionally pass-heavy, Navy wide receiver Eli Heidenreich is easily the most productive wideout on either offense. The 6-foot playmaker has recorded 40 receptions for 805 yards and four touchdowns. Heidenreich is a big-play threat waiting to happen, averaging an explosive 20.1 yards per catch in 2025.
Army cornerback Jaydan Mayes will likely earn the assignment. Mayes is the only Black Knights cornerback with an interception this season, and he also ranks seventh on the defense in tackles with 31. Army will surely have safeties Gavin Shields and Casey Larkin, who have a team-high two interceptions apiece, shift attention toward Heidenreich in double-team situations.
Blake Horvath (Navy QB) vs. Andon Thomas (Army LB)
Navy rosters its own dual-threat quarterback in Blake Horvath. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior has completed 81-of-131 passing attempts (61.8%) this campaign for 1,390 yards and nine touchdowns with five interceptions. Horvath also leads the Midshipmen in rushing with 1,040 yards and 14 touchdowns. His playmaking ability is key to Navy avoiding an upset on Saturday.
Army defensive coordinator Nate Woody is a coaching veteran in his sixth season with the program, having joined in 2019 after serving as a defensive assistant at Michigan. Woody will trust linebacker Andon Thomas to prevent Horvath from beating the defense on the ground. Thomas leads either defense in tackles this year with a sizable 96 takedowns.