What conference is army and navy in?

What Conference is Army and Navy In?

The Army-Navy game is one of the most iconic and historic rivalry matches in American college football, with a rich tradition that dates back to 1890. The two institutions, the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy), are both federal service academies that produce commissioned officers in the US Armed Forces. But what conference do these two teams compete in? The answer is not straightforward, and it’s a common question that many sports enthusiasts ask.

Understanding the History of the Conference Alignment

To understand the current conference alignment of Army and Navy, it’s essential to look at the historical context. In the early days of college football, teams were often categorized by geographic regions or by the level of competition. The two academies were part of the larger Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS), which later became the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Independence and the Military

In 1899, the IAAUS began to divide teams into smaller conferences based on the level of competition. However, Army and Navy decided to remain independent, maintaining their own schedules and conference alignment. This decision was influenced by their unique mission to produce commissioned officers, which required a focus on rigorous academic and athletic training.

The Modern Era and Conference Realignment

Fast-forward to the modern era, and conference realignment became a dominant theme in college sports. In 2013, the NCAA introduced a new divisional structure, separating teams into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Army and Navy found themselves in a peculiar position, as they didn’t fit neatly into either category.

The Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)

In 2016, the NCAA classified Army and Navy as part of the FCS, which is the second level of college football. This designation was based on their relative size, budget, and level of competition compared to other FBS schools.

The Patriot League

In 2016, Army and Navy joined the Patriot League, a FCS conference that primarily comprises private colleges and universities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The addition of these two service academies expanded the conference’s membership to 10 schools.

The American Athletic Conference (AAC)

Army and Navy also participate in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), a non-football conference that comprises schools from the FBS and FCS levels. This collaboration allows the two academies to compete in basketball, soccer, and other sports against a broader range of opponents.

Notre Dame and the Independent Path

Notre Dame, another prominent college football program, has a similar independence status to Army and Navy. The Fighting Irish maintain a unique scheduling arrangement, participating in the FBS as an independent team without belonging to a specific conference. This arrangement allows Notre Dame to maintain its own schedules, rivalries, and championships.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

In summary, Army and Navy do not belong to a single conference in the classical sense. Instead, they are classified as FCS teams that participate in the Patriot League and the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in select sports. Their independence stems from their unique mission and historical context, setting them apart from other college football programs. As a testament to their enduring rivalry and tradition, the Army-Navy game remains a highly anticipated event in American college football.