Navy Football Team Honored at White House

Midshipmen win back-to-back Commander-in-Chief's Trophy

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:11am

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The 2025 Navy football team was honored at the White House on Friday, with President Trump hosting the ceremony in the East Room. The Midshipmen defeated Air Force and Army to win the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, presented annually to the winner of the football competition among the three major service academies.

Why it matters

The Commander-in-Chief's Trophy is a prestigious award that recognizes the top service academy football program. Navy's back-to-back wins showcase the strength of their program and the dedication of their student-athletes.

The details

Navy finished the 2025 season with an 11-2 record, ranking 23rd in both the AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches Poll. This marked just the fourth time since 1963 that Navy ended the season ranked in the AP poll. The Midshipmen also won the Lambert Trophy, awarded to the best team in the East, for the first time since 2015.

  • The 2025 Navy football team was honored at the White House on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • Navy defeated Air Force 34-31 and Army 17-16 to win the 2025 Commander-in-Chief's Trophy.

The players

Brian Newberry

Head coach of the Navy football team.

Blake Horvath

Co-captain of the 2025 Navy football team.

Landon Robinson

Co-captain of the 2025 Navy football team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

President Trump signed an executive order barring College Football Playoff and other postseason games from airing during the annual Army-Navy matchup in December.

The takeaway

Navy's back-to-back Commander-in-Chief's Trophy wins highlight the strength and dedication of their football program, which has become a source of pride for the service academy and the broader military community.