Army and NAVY Make the Top 25 Together: What Has Happened Since 1960?

For the first time in over six decades, the Army and Navy football teams have both found themselves ranked in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll. This remarkable achievement highlights a resurgence of the historic service academies’ football programs, and it also evokes memories of a bygone era when these teams were among the most dominant in college football.

The last time both teams were ranked in the AP Top 25 together was in 1960, a time when service academy football was regularly in the national spotlight. The 2024 rankings mark a significant accomplishment for both programs, which have had varied fortunes in recent decades.

The Army Black Knights: A Storied Legacy

Army football has one of the most prestigious histories in college football. The Black Knights, also known as the Cadets, were a powerhouse in the early and mid-20th century. Their dominance peaked during the 1940s, when they captured three consecutive national championships in 1944, 1945, and 1946. These teams were led by legendary coach Earl “Red” Blaik and featured the famous “Mr. Inside” and “Mr. Outside” backfield duo of Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis. Both players won the Heisman Trophy, with Blanchard securing it in 1945 and Davis following in 1946.

From 1944 to 1946, Army went on an incredible unbeaten streak of 27 games, including several decisive victories over ranked opponents. The 1945 team is considered one of the greatest college football teams of all time, finishing the season 9-0 and outscoring opponents 412-46.

However, the Army’s success waned in the latter half of the 20th century. Between 1960 and the early 2000s, the Army struggled to maintain national relevance. Despite having a proud tradition, including 21 conference titles (mostly pre-1960), they faced difficulty competing against larger schools with greater resources.

The program’s resurgence began in the 2010s under head coach Jeff Monken. In 2017, Army posted a 10-3 record, which included a win over Navy and a victory in the Armed Forces Bowl. That season marked the first time since 1996 that Army won 10 games. Under Monken, the Black Knights have also reclaimed dominance in the annual Army-Navy game, winning four consecutive matchups from 2016 to 2019, and returned to consistent bowl appearances. In 2023, Army’s balanced offense and stout defense helped the team earn a place in the AP Top 25, with a notable 9-2 record heading into the 2024 season.

Navy Midshipmen: Anchoring a Rich Tradition

Navy football’s history is equally storied, with the Midshipmen having a proud tradition dating back to the late 19th century. The Midshipmen were a national force from the early 1900s through the mid-20th century, achieving their greatest success in the 1950s and 1960s.

Navy has claimed one national championship in its history, in 1926, when the Midshipmen finished 9-0-1 under coach Bill Ingram. That season, Navy tied the University of Michigan 10-10 in the Rose Bowl, securing the top spot in the Dickinson System, which was the method for determining the national champion at the time.

In the 1960s, Navy enjoyed a golden era under head coach Wayne Hardin, who led the team to an 8-2 record in 1960 and a No. 4 ranking in the final AP poll. That season, Navy’s star player, Joe Bellino, won the Heisman Trophy, cementing his place as one of the program’s all-time greats. Navy also featured future Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach, who won the award in 1963 and later became a Hall of Fame quarterback in the NFL.

Like the Army, Navy faced tough times in the latter part of the 20th century, as the rise of powerhouse programs in major conferences limited their ability to compete nationally. However, the Midshipmen experienced a rebirth under head coach Paul Johnson in the early 2000s and, later, Ken Niumatalolo, who led Navy to one of its most successful periods.

Navy went 11-2 in 2015 and finished the season ranked No. 18 in the AP poll, the first time the program had ended a season ranked in the Top 25 since 2004. Quarterback Keenan Reynolds, known for his prolific option offense, set the NCAA record for most career rushing touchdowns (88) during his tenure at Navy. Under Niumatalolo, the Midshipmen enjoyed consistent success in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), culminating in another 11-2 season in 2019, when they finished ranked No. 20 in the final AP poll.

In 2024, Navy’s strong defense, combined with its signature triple-option offense, propelled them back into the AP Top 25. The Midshipmen’s ability to control the clock and dominate time of possession has helped them earn wins over top-tier opponents, solidifying their place as a legitimate national contender once again.

The Significance of the 2024 Rankings

The 2024 season marks a special moment in college football history, as both Army and Navy have fought their way into the AP Top 25 together for the first time since 1960. This rare occurrence highlights the continued importance of the service academies in college football, despite the changing landscape of the sport.

In 1960, Army and Navy were both ranked consistently throughout the season. Army finished the year ranked No. 14, while Navy earned the No. 4 spot after going 9-1 in the regular season and losing a close Orange Bowl game to Missouri. That season, Navy’s Joe Bellino became a national icon as he went on to win the Heisman Trophy.

Since then, the football programs at service academies have faced challenges in recruiting and competing against larger programs with more resources, but the resurgence of Army and Navy in the modern era has been nothing short of impressive. The military academies emphasize discipline, physicality, and team unity, traits that continue to serve them well on the field.

What does this mean for the two programs?

For Army and Navy, being ranked together in the AP Top 25 in 2024 is more than just a statistical anomaly—it is a testament to the proud traditions, resilience, and competitive spirit that both programs embody. The presence of these two teams in the national rankings harks back to a golden era of college football when service academies were among the most feared teams in the country.

As the 2024 season progresses, the Army-Navy rivalry promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the year, with both teams poised for continued success. Regardless of how the season ends, the return of Army and Navy to the national stage serves as a reminder of the lasting legacy and impact of these historic programs in American football.

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