The first meeting
Notre Dame beats Navy 19–6 in Baltimore, beginning what becomes the most-played series in Irish football history.
Respect beyond the final score
Navy
Notre Dame’s most frequently played opponent, a tradition carried to cities across America and Ireland, and a bond strengthened during World War II.
The Notre Dame–Navy relationship is competitive, but its deepest meaning comes from institutional respect. The teams began playing in 1927 and met every season through 2019 before the pandemic interrupted the run in 2020.
During World War II, Navy officer-training programs brought thousands of trainees to Notre Dame. With civilian enrollment sharply reduced, that presence provided critical financial support to the University. The shared history remains central to how both schools describe the series.
Navy’s designated home game also became a traveling showcase, visiting Baltimore, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Cleveland, San Diego, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Dublin rather than remaining in Annapolis.
Defining chapters
A story of longevity, unusual venues, record streaks, and gestures of respect after the game.
The stadium dedication game
Navy serves as the opponent for the formal dedication of Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish win 26–2.
A relationship larger than football
Naval training programs on campus help Notre Dame remain financially viable while much of the traditional student population serves in the armed forces.
Forty-three consecutive wins
Notre Dame establishes the longest winning streak between annual opponents in college football history.
Navy breaks through
The Midshipmen win 46–44 in triple overtime at Notre Dame Stadium, ending the 43-game Irish streak.
A global and continuing series
Dublin hosts meetings in 2012 and 2023. The series returns after the 2020 interruption and continues its tradition of each team honoring the other’s alma mater after the game.
What first-time fans should notice
After the game, the teams traditionally stand together for both alma maters. It is the clearest expression of this rivalry’s character: compete fully, then recognize the service and community represented on the other sideline.