NDL Rivalry Spotlight: CIC Trophy
Article By: Attending a U.S. military academy takes extraordinary bravery—a willingness to endure relentless mental, physical, and emotional challenges in service to a greater mission. Cadets and midshipmen aren't just students; they're future officers preparing for lives of leadership and sacrifice, often under the most extreme conditions. That same courage and grit shine on the football field during the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy series, where Army, Navy, and Air Force clash in one of college football’s most honorable rivalries. These games are more than just contests—they’re a reflection of the discipline, resilience, and warrior spirit forged in the academies. Every snap, tackle, and touchdown is backed by the same fearless mindset that will one day lead them into battle, proving that their bravery doesn't just belong in the classroom or the field—it defines who they are.
In today’s look at the history of the NDL, we analyze our first series involving more than two teams as we break down the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
The Numbers Behind the Rivalry
Series Record: Air Force: (33-27, .550), Army: (15-45, .250), Navy: (42-18, .750)
Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy Wins: Air Force 12, Army 1, Navy 17
Longest Win Streak: Air Force and Navy, 4 Seasons
First Winner: Season 1 – Navy
Most Recent Winner: Season 31 – Army
Series History
When looking at rivalries across the history of the NDL, thus far, one theme has been apparent: dominance.
In the history of the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy there has been a lot of dominance on display from the Navy Midshipmen. Navy holds a very impressive 42-18 record when playing Army and Air Force which has resulted in 17 series wins.
On the flip side of that success are the struggles facing the Army Black Knights who are just 15-45 when facing either Navy or Air Force. These struggles prevented Army from holding the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy until this past season when long-time NDL coach Old KY Shark became the very first coach to lead Army to ultimate success in this rivalry series.
Old KY Shark and Army did so with a narrow 37-31 win over Air Force and 42-24 thrashing of Navy in season 31.
Then, there is the Air Force Academy, who finds themselves in the middle of this series but having experienced much more success than the Army Black Knights, yet still look up to the Naval Academy.
Air Force has won 12 Commander-in-Chief’s Trophies, most recently in season 25.
Since then, Navy won four straight between season 26 and season 30, with the series not taking place in season 28.
Now, as season 32 kicks off, the narrative continues to evolve. Head coach ICE has now assumed the head coaching responsibilities at West Point. ICE previously coached Navy in season 31 and Air Force in season 30. ICE looks to earn the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy for the first time while at Army.
Coach ICE is joined in the series by Coach Toro at Navy, who is entering the series for the first time ever, and Coach Ank at Air Force who has returned to Air Force after coaching the Falcons in season 15.
This series, which carries a lot of history and honor, kicks off in week six when Navy and Air Force meet in Annapolis. Then, the current holders of the trophy will hit the road to play Air Force in week ten before the Army-Navy game in week 13 in their efforts to retain the trophy they have fought so hard to earn.
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