What Football Conference is Navy In?
The United States Naval Academy’s football team, the Navy Midshipmen, has a rich history of competing at the highest level of college football. As one of the most iconic and storied programs in the country, Navy has been a member of various conferences throughout its history. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to the question, "What football conference is Navy in?"
A Brief History of Navy’s Conference Affiliations
Navy’s football program was established in 1890, and the team has been a member of several conferences over the years. The team was an independent for its first 15 years, competing against other service academies and civilian schools. In 1905, Navy joined the Eastern Intercollegiate Football Association (EIFA), a conference that included other schools from the Mid-Atlantic region.
In 1916, Navy left the EIFA and became an independent again, competing against a variety of opponents. This period saw the team experience significant success, including a national championship in 1926. In 1932, Navy joined the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC), a conference that included other schools from the East Coast.
The Navy’s Current Conference Affiliation
Since 1990, Navy has been a member of the Navy’s Current Conference Affiliation. In 1990, the team joined the Independent Conference, which was renamed the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in 2007. The CAA is a mid-major conference that includes schools from the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.
The American Athletic Conference (AAC)
In 2015, Navy announced that it would be leaving the CAA to join the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The AAC is a mid-major conference that includes schools from the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, as well as schools from the Southwest and West Coast.
Why Did Navy Leave the CAA?
Navy’s decision to leave the CAA was driven by several factors. One of the main reasons was the desire to compete against stronger opponents. The CAA was a mid-major conference, and Navy felt that it needed to compete against stronger opponents to improve its program. The AAC offered a more competitive schedule, with opponents like Notre Dame, Louisville, and Temple.
Another reason for the move was the opportunity to play more games on the West Coast. The AAC has a presence on the West Coast, with schools like Houston, Memphis, and Tulane. This allowed Navy to schedule more games on the West Coast, which was a goal for the program.
The Benefits of Being in the AAC
Since joining the AAC, Navy has experienced several benefits. One of the main benefits is the opportunity to play in a more competitive environment. The AAC is a mid-major conference, but it’s more competitive than the CAA. This has allowed Navy to improve its program and compete against stronger opponents.
Another benefit is the increased exposure and media coverage. The AAC has a television contract with ESPN, which provides more exposure for Navy’s games. This has helped to increase interest in the program and attract more fans.
A Table of Navy’s Conference Affiliations
Here is a table summarizing Navy’s conference affiliations:
| Conference | Years |
|---|---|
| Independent | 1890-1905 |
| Eastern Intercollegiate Football Association (EIFA) | 1905-1916 |
| Independent | 1916-1932 |
| Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) | 1932-1990 |
| Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) | 1990-2015 |
| American Athletic Conference (AAC) | 2015-present |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Navy is a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The team left the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in 2015 to join the AAC, citing the desire to compete against stronger opponents and play more games on the West Coast. Since joining the AAC, Navy has experienced several benefits, including a more competitive environment and increased exposure and media coverage.
