The Midshipmen and Black Knights meet for the 126th time in their historic rivalry with multiple free streaming options available
One of college football’s most storied rivalries takes center stage today as the Navy Midshipmen and Army Black Knights clash in the 126th edition of their annual showdown. Fans can watch this military matchup completely free using several streaming options, making it easy to catch every moment of this tradition-rich game.
Both teams enter the contest with respectable records this season. The Midshipmen bring a 9-2 record into the game, while the Black Knights stand at 6-5. Navy holds the advantage in the all-time series with a 63-55-7 record against Army, though each meeting between these service academies carries special significance regardless of historical statistics.
Game details and broadcast information
The 2025 Army vs. Navy game kicks off today, Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. ET. CBS will broadcast the game nationally, providing traditional television coverage for viewers with cable or satellite service.
For cord-cutters and those without traditional television access, multiple streaming platforms offer ways to watch the game online. Several of these services provide free trial periods, allowing fans to watch the rivalry game without spending money.
Streaming options for the matchup
Four major streaming platforms carry CBS and offer free trials, giving viewers flexibility in how they access the Army vs. Navy game. Each service has different features, pricing and trial lengths to consider.
The 1) DirecTV streaming service includes CBS in several of its packages and offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers. After the trial period ends, packages that include CBS start at $39.99 monthly. The MyNews Genre Pack provides access to the game, and DirecTV offers up to 185 channels depending on the package selected. This service stands out as an excellent choice for football fans due to its comprehensive sports coverage.
The 2) Fubo streaming platform is another strong option for watching the game. The service typically offers a five to seven-day free trial and includes CBS in its channel lineup. After the trial ends, Fubo costs $55.99 per month and provides access to more than 300 channels. The platform has built a reputation as one of the better options for sports streaming.
The 3) Paramount+ streaming service offers a more direct route to CBS content through simulcasts of games shown on the network. Viewers need the Premium subscription tier, priced at $12.99 monthly, to access live college football streams. New subscribers can start with a seven-day free trial before any charges apply.
The 4) Hulu plus Live TV option also carries CBS for streaming the Army vs. Navy game. This service provides a three-day free trial to new users and costs $89.99 monthly after the trial period. The subscription includes access to 95 channels beyond just CBS.
Maximizing free trial access
Fans wanting to watch the Army vs. Navy game without any cost should take advantage of the free trial periods offered by these streaming services. The trial lengths vary from three to seven days, providing enough time to watch the game and potentially other college football content.
The signup process for these trials is straightforward. New users need to create an account and provide payment information, though charges won’t apply until after the trial period ends. Setting a reminder to cancel before the trial expires ensures no unexpected charges appear.
For viewers interested in maintaining the service beyond the trial, each platform offers different value propositions. DirecTV and Fubo provide extensive channel lineups suitable for sports fans who want access to multiple games across different networks. Paramount+ focuses specifically on CBS content at a lower price point. Hulu plus Live TV combines live television with on-demand content from the regular Hulu library.
What makes this game special
The Army vs. Navy game transcends typical college football rivalries. The matchup represents more than athletic competition between two service academies. Players on both sides are preparing for military careers after graduation, adding unique context to the on-field battle.
This year’s meeting marks the 126th time these programs have faced each other, dating back to their first game in 1890. The tradition includes unique pageantry, with both Army and Navy bringing special uniforms, elaborate pregame ceremonies and passionate fan bases that include military personnel and veterans.
Navy’s historical edge in the series reflects periods of dominance by both programs over the decades. Recent years have seen competitive games regardless of each team’s record heading into the matchup. The intensity and pride associated with the game often lead to performances that exceed regular season expectations.
Getting ready for kickoff
With kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET, fans have plenty of time to set up their chosen streaming service and ensure everything works properly before the game begins. Testing the stream a few minutes early helps avoid missing the opening moments of what promises to be another memorable chapter in this historic rivalry.
Whether cheering for the Midshipmen or the Black Knights, viewers can enjoy this military classic without cable and without spending money by utilizing the free trial options available from multiple streaming platforms.