The United States Naval Academy has finalized its 2029 football schedule, featuring a high-profile non-conference matchup against the University of Notre Dame. According to the official announcement from Navy Athletics, the Midshipmen will play four non-conference games, including contests against Western Kentucky, Charlotte, and Marshall, in addition to the annual rivalry game against the Fighting Irish.
Who will Navy face in the 2029 non-conference season?
Navy’s 2029 non-conference slate is balanced between historic rivalries and newer regional opponents. The schedule opens with a home game against Western Kentucky on September 1, 2029. Following that, Navy travels to face Charlotte on September 15, 2029. The schedule also includes a road game at Marshall on September 22, 2029. The final non-conference game is the centerpiece of the program’s schedule: an away game against Notre Dame on October 13, 2029, at Notre Dame Stadium.
Why is the Notre Dame series significant?
The annual meeting between Navy and Notre Dame represents one of the longest-running intersectional rivalries in college football. According to the University of Notre Dame football archives, the two programs have played every year since 1927, with the exception of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This series is historically significant because of the Naval Academy’s role in keeping the university financially solvent during World War II by hosting a V-12 Navy College Training Program on the South Bend campus. The 2029 game continues this tradition, maintaining a fixture that spans nearly a century of collegiate athletics.
How does the 2029 schedule compare to recent seasons?
The 2029 schedule reflects Navy’s ongoing strategy to balance its American Athletic Conference (AAC) commitments with marquee opponents like Notre Dame and other Group of Five programs. While the AAC dictates the majority of the Midshipmen’s conference schedule, the non-conference portion remains critical for the program’s strength of schedule and national visibility. Compared to the 2024 and 2025 schedules, the 2029 slate maintains a consistent cadence of three regional opponents before concluding with the Notre Dame game. This structure allows the coaching staff to prepare for conference play while ensuring the team competes against diverse offensive and defensive schemes throughout September.
Schedule Summary
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1, 2029 | Western Kentucky | Annapolis, MD |
| Sept. 15, 2029 | Charlotte | Charlotte, NC |
| Sept. 22, 2029 | Marshall | Huntington, WV |
| Oct. 13, 2029 | Notre Dame | South Bend, IN |
What happens next for the Naval Academy?
With the 2029 non-conference slate now set, the Navy athletic department continues to coordinate with the American Athletic Conference to finalize the dates for the remaining conference opponents. Fans should note that game times for the 2029 season will likely not be announced until the spring of 2029, consistent with standard television broadcast selection procedures. The Midshipmen will continue to prioritize their long-standing traditions while adapting to the evolving landscape of conference realignment and expanded college football playoffs.