The Brigade is back. The sound of marching bands is drifting across Annapolis. And before long, thousands of Navy fans will be filling stadium seats, lining soccer fields, and cheering on Midshipmen across the country.
Fall is one of the most exciting times of the year at the U.S. Naval Academy. From the pageantry of football Saturdays to the intensity of Patriot League competition, Navy Athletics delivers nonstop action throughout the season. Whether you're a lifelong fan, a proud Navy family member, or planning your first visit to Annapolis, there are countless opportunities to experience the energy, tradition, and competitive spirit that define Academy athletics.
So grab your Navy gear, mark your calendar, and get ready for a season packed with fall sports. Here's what fans can look forward to between August and December 2026.
Navy Football Returns to Annapolis
Nothing says fall at the Naval Academy quite like Navy Midshipmen football. The pageantry. The flyovers. The entire Brigade marching into the stadium in perfect rhythm. The roar of the crowd when the Midshipmen take the field.
The 2026 season kicks off at home on September 5th against Towson, giving Navy fans their first chance to pack Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and welcome the team back to Annapolis.
Home games this fall include:
- September 5 vs. Towson
- October 10 vs. Tulsa
- October 24 vs. North Texas
- November 7 vs. Temple
- November 21 vs. Memphis
Of course, every Navy fan already has December 12 circled on the calendar. That's when the Midshipmen renew one of the greatest rivalries in sports at the Army-Navy Game (set at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey this year).
Whether you're attending your first game or your fiftieth, there's simply nothing else quite like Navy football.
Check out the full schedule and grab your tickets now!
Soccer Season Brings Fast-Paced Action
If you've never watched Navy soccer, you're in for a treat.
Both the men's and women's teams bring skill, speed, and intensity to every match. Games at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility put fans close to the action, creating an atmosphere where every goal, save, and near miss feels larger than life.
The season begins in August and carries through much of the fall, with Patriot League standings often coming down to the final weeks.
Regular season home games this fall include:
- August 20 vs. Air Force (Women’s)
- August 25 vs. Marywood University (Women’s)
- August 27 vs. Maryland (Women’s)
- August 28 vs. George Washington (Men’s)
- August 30 vs. Marist (Women’s)
- August 31 vs. Presbyterian (Men’s)
- September 5 vs. Temple (Men’s)
- September 19 vs. Boston U. (Men’s)
- September 26 vs. Colgate (Women’s)
- October 3 vs. Colgate (Men’s)
- October 3 vs. Holy Cross (Women’s)
- October 16 vs. Bucknell (Women’s)
- October 23 vs. Loyola (Men’s)
- October 23 vs. American (Women’s)
- November 3 vs. American (Men’s)
- November 4 vs. Loyola (Women’s)
The Army-Navy game for both women and men’s teams is on October 9th in Chester, Pennsylvania. For visitors exploring Annapolis, soccer matches are one of the hidden gems of Navy Athletics.
The full men’s schedule is here, and the women’s is here. Come out to watch the beautiful game!
Volleyball Delivers Nonstop Energy
Few sports match the pace of volleyball. Every serve can change momentum, every rally feels important, and every match inside Wesley A. Brown Field House showcases the athleticism and teamwork that make Navy volleyball so exciting to watch.
The women’s season begins in late August and continues throughout the fall as the Midshipmen battle conference rivals and tournament opponents. For men’s volleyball, check out the club level team.
Women’s home matches this fall include:
- September 4-6: Kristen Dickmann Invitational (Penn, Coppin State, Stony Brook)
- September 25 vs. Lafayette
- September 26 vs. Bucknell
- October 2 vs. Loyola
- October 11 vs. Lehigh
- October 17 vs. Army
- October 23 vs. Holy Cross
- October 24 vs. Colgate
- November 6 vs. American
Here’s the full schedule, and don't be surprised if you leave wondering why you hadn't attended a Navy volleyball match sooner.
Cross Country Running Tests the Limits
For athletes who thrive on grit and determination, cross country running is the ultimate challenge.
Throughout the fall, Navy's men's and women's teams compete at invitationals and championship events that test endurance, strategy, and mental toughness.
The sport may not have stadium lights or scoreboards, but watching these athletes push themselves through demanding courses offers a different kind of excitement, one built on perseverance and discipline. It's a perfect reflection of the qualities the Academy strives to develop in every midshipman.
Regular season home meets this fall include:
- The September 12 Cantello Invitational (Women’s and Men’s)
- October 17 vs. Army (Women’s and Men’s)
There are also away meets and invitationals to follow. The women’s schedule is here and the men’s is here. Come cheer on the Mids!
Sprint Football: One of Navy's Best-Kept Secrets
Ask longtime Navy fans about sprint football, and you'll probably hear the same thing: "Why doesn't everyone know about this?"
Sprint football follows traditional football rules but requires players to meet weight limits, resulting in a faster, more explosive version of the game. The speed is remarkable, and the competition is intense.
Home games this fall include:
- September 18 vs. Penn
- September 25 vs. Army
- October 23 vs. Cornell
- November 6 vs. D’Youville
Find their full schedule here. Navy has long been a powerhouse in the sport, making every home game worth a visit.
So Much More Than Football
While football may draw the largest crowds, it's only part of the story.
Throughout the fall you'll also find:
- Men's and women's rugby
- Sailing competitions on the Severn River
- Men's and women's golf tournaments
- Special athletic events across the Yard
These programs showcase the extraordinary talent and commitment of Navy athletes while providing visitors with additional ways to experience Academy life.
Don't overlook USNA club sports, which give midshipmen opportunities to compete at a high level while balancing the demands of academics and military training.
Wear Navy. Support Navy.
Before heading to your next game, make sure you're dressed for the occasion. Navyonline.com is your official source for Navy apparel, hats, spirit wear, and gifts that help you show your support all season long. Better yet, purchases here help support extracurricular programs (including club sports) that benefit the Brigade of Midshipmen.
So whether you're cheering from the stands, following scores from home, or planning a weekend in Annapolis, there's never been a better time to gear up.
Make This a Navy Fall
The 2026 season promises thrilling games, unforgettable moments, and countless opportunities to support the Brigade. From the opening kickoff of Navy Midshipmen football, to championship races in cross country running, to non-stop volleyball matches, the Academy's fall sports schedule is packed with excitement.
Come for the competition, stay for the tradition, and experience firsthand why fall might just be the best season of all at the Naval Academy.
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