Army vs Navy uniforms history: Legendary jersey designs story for college football's biggest rivalry explained

College football’s most celebrated rivalry, the Army vs Navy game, returns for its 125th clash this Saturday at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. No. 19 Army (11-1) faces Navy (8-3) at 3 p.m. EST, with CBS broadcasting the action. This year's matchup is packed with tradition, history, and striking custom uniforms that honor military legacies.

Navy Midshipmen's "Jolly Rogers" Uniform

The Navy Midshipmen will wear "Jolly Rogers" uniforms designed by Under Armour. These white uniforms feature dark navy blue details inspired by the legendary Jolly Rogers fighter squadrons. The tagline, “Fear the Bones,” adds an extra dose of swagger to the look.

Details to Watch:

Numbers and markings mimic aircraft designs from the squadron’s planes.
The gloves showcase the Jolly Rogers' skull-and-crossbones insignia when joined together.
Shoulder stripes reflect the tail fin designs of Jolly Rogers aircraft.
The pants include micro-text honoring all six Jolly Rogers squadrons: VF-17, VF-5B, VF-61, VF-84, VF-103, and VFA-103.

The last time the Navy celebrated the Jolly Rogers theme was in 1962, led by the iconic Roger Staubach in a dominant 34-14 win.

Army Black Knights’ "Screaming Eagles" Uniform

The Army Black Knights will take the field in Nike’s "Screaming Eagles" design, which pays tribute to the 101st Airborne Division and its heroics during World War II. The black uniforms feature white accents that reflect the fog, snow, and shadows of the Battle of the Bulge in 1944.

Highlights Include:

Helmets with a parachute logo and "Screaming Eagles" text on the front.
The star patch, known as "The Invasion Star," symbolizes U.S. aircraft and vehicles from the battlefield.

The uniform design evokes the grit and determination of the division, famously known for its motto, “Rendezvous with Destiny.”

A game of tradition and pride

Beyond the uniforms, this year’s game is steeped in meaning. Both teams will fight for the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, with a potential White House visit in the spring for the winner. Army has dominated the rivalry recently, winning six of the last eight meetings.

Every detail in these uniforms reflects the courage, legacy, and sacrifice of the U.S. military, making this game more than just football—it’s a celebration of service and tradition.

Will the Army’s "Screaming Eagles" soar to victory, or will the Navy’s "Jolly Rogers" reign supreme? Kickoff is just around the corner, and the stakes have never been higher.

Also read: Navy: Army vs. Navy projected starting lineups for Week 16 | 2024-25 college football season