Overview
- Army coach Jeff Monken told The Athletic he favors shifting the rivalry to Thanksgiving weekend to let the College Football Playoff start a week earlier and avoid late‑January title games.
- Navy athletic director Michael Kelly said he is not supportive of a holiday move, citing likely hits to viewership, sponsorship revenue and attendance, as well as cadet and midshipman family time.
- No changes have been made to the calendar, and the 2026 game is set for Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium with CBS holding broadcast rights through 2038.
- The game has occupied a protected window on the second Saturday of December since 2009, and Thanksgiving week’s crowded slate and NFL games complicate any exclusive TV block.
- Academy administrators have held only early‑stage talks about potential playoff impacts, and with CFP leaders split on future formats the playoff will stay at 12 teams in 2026.