Army-Navy Game Could Shift Dates to Accommodate 24-Team CFP

Despite potential scheduling complications arising from an expanded College Football Playoff, the Army-Navy Game is expected to remain intact. According to sources, if the playoff field is confirmed to have 24 teams, the game could be moved to the first Saturday in December, the same date as the conference championships. However, the final scheduling details will not be determined until after the CFP expansion decision is finalized.

Army athletic director Tom Theodorakis did not comment on the prospect of the game being played on the first weekend of December, but he expressed that such a move would be beneficial for the academies and "America's Game." The annual matchup is more than just a tradition and recruiting tool; it generates significant revenue for both athletic departments through sponsorships, ticket sales, and an exclusive television contract with CBS.

With the potential CFP expansion, questions have arisen about whether the game's long-standing scheduling could be jeopardized. The first round of the 24-team bracket is reportedly scheduled for the second weekend of December, which currently serves as the exclusive window for Army-Navy. This raises concerns about the game's future.

However, various options have been proposed, such as playing the game on Thanksgiving weekend. Navy athletic director Michael Kelly raised concerns about competing with Thanksgiving Day NFL games and the availability of service academy members to attend the game. Tim Pernetti, commissioner of American Football, has not taken a public stance on the game's future scheduling, but has reiterated the conference's commitment to protecting and defending the Army-Navy game.