Notre Dame, Navy Extend Series Through 2026

Published: 27^th Jul 11 9:03 pm

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One of the better and historic rivalries will live continue to live on. Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick and Naval Academy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk announced on Wednesday that the two schools will extend their matchups in football through 2026.

Notre Dame/Navy is currently the longest continuous intersectional rivalry in all of college football. Both schools have met one another each year dating all the way back to 1927, when Hebert Hoover was roaming the White House.

The Irish and the Midshipmen will meet in South Bend on odd years and on Navy’s home field, which is usually a NFL stadium, in even years. This season’s game will be held on Oct. 29 in South Bend while 2012′s game will be played in Dublin, Ireland.

For the better of 43 years, the rivalry was clearly one-sided in Notre Dame’s favor, but that changed back in 2007 when Navy defeated Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium in a three overtime thriller. Since that point, the Midshipmen have really owned the games between the two sides.

After the Irish rebounded with a win on the road in 2008, the Midshipmen have won each of the last two seasons. They won another close one in South Bend back in 2009 and then blew out the Irish last season in the Meadowlands in Brian Kelly’s first season.

No matter who wins the games each season, this remains one of the most special rivalries in all of sports because of the great games and players who have taken part over the years.

It has become that much more special in recent years after Charlie Weis started the tradition of joining with the Navy players when the Naval Academy’s alma mater is played. Kelly continued on with that tradition in 2010 and for the years to come.