25 college football programs with the most tradition

Sep 26, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Isaac Rochell (90) is congratulated by cornerback Cole Luke (36) after making a tackle against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Massachusetts 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 12, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Navy Midshipmen guard Adam West (72) and wide receiver Tyler Carmona (88) celebrate with teammates after beating Army 21-17 at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Army Black Knights/Navy Midshipmen

When military service was compulsory rather than elective, the US service academies enjoyed an excellent standing in college football. Both programs have slipped since their heydays in the mid-1900s, but their rivalry is still one of the country’s most important.

Back in the day, scores of excellent football players suited up for West Point and the Naval Academy. They have combined for six national titles and five Heisman Trophy winners. Doc Blanchard, Glenn Davis and Roger Staubach are historic names that will always be etched in the history of college football.

Army and Navy have been playing each other in football since 1890, and their annual game is one of biggest reminders of the purity with which college football used to be played. The players who suit up for the academies are not going on to play in the NFL. The rivalry is intense, but an air of sportsmanship and respect hangs over the contest. Cadets and midshipmen make up large swaths of the crowd, decked out in their dress uniforms. The pageantry is undeniable, even if the football on the field is a notch below elite.

Army has won the game only once since 1999.

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