Army-Navy Game 2027 Moves to December 4
The rivalry shifts one week earlier to avoid a scheduling conflict with the expanded 24-team College Football Playoff.
By Tomas Gonzalez ·
College football’s postseason structure is changing, and the schedule for the 128th Army-Navy Game is adjusting to match. The two military academies announced on November 9, 2026, that their 2027 matchup will take place on December 4.
The new date is one week earlier than originally planned. The change stems from the College Football Playoff’s expansion from 12 to 24 teams starting in 2027. Under the new format, the expanded postseason begins on December 9. This start date created a direct conflict with the rivalry’s previously scheduled December 11 slot.
The 2027 game will be played in Philadelphia, marking the 91st time the rivalry has been held in that city. The move to early December restores a tradition that existed before the scheduling rules adopted in 2009. The matchup will retain its exclusive broadcast window on CBS.
College Football Playoff officials confirmed that the new format will include 24 teams and 23 postseason games. They also stated that no playoff games would be scheduled to conflict with Army-Navy. Navy athletic director Michael Kelly called the protected broadcast window a major benefit for players and supporters.
The 2026 edition of the game remains unchanged. It is still set for December 12 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
