The Navy Midshipmen emblem is concise and militarily straightforward, reflecting a unified departmental concept and emphasizing the name. The star, as a smaller element of the modern emblem, supports the team’s commitment to the university’s naval focus.
Navy Midshipmen originated in 1845, when the U.S. Naval Academy opened in Annapolis under George Bancroft. The term “midshipmen,” taken from the British Royal Navy, became the name for students and all teams. Organized sports began in 1879. Early football squads trained secretly despite a ban, and the first official game took place on December 11, 1879.
By 1882, the program was recognized, including a snowy Thanksgiving game against Johns Hopkins under the alias “Clifton Club.” In 1893, a live mascot appeared, the goat El Cid from USS New York, linked to a 6:4 win over Army. Since 1904, goats named Bill have remained the permanent symbol.
Football reached its peak in the early XX century. The 1905 team went unbeaten, while in 1910 Frank Berrien’s squad finished 8–0–1, allowing no points. In 1926, under Bill Ingram, the Navy posted a 9–0–1 record and Boand and Houlgate named it national champion, sharing the title with Stanford and Alabama.
Basketball started in 1907–08. The 1913 team went 9–0 and later earned recognition from the Helms Foundation. Another undefeated run followed in 1919. Between 1983 and 1987, David Robinson led Navy to the NCAA Elite Eight in 1986–87 before becoming the first pick in the 1987 NBA Draft.
The Army-Air Force rivalry defines the program. The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, introduced in 1972, was won by the Navy in 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013. After 134 years as an independent, the Navy joined the American Athletic Conference in 2015.
Meaning and History
The sports division received its emblem in 1917; before this, the university’s general emblem was used. The need arose as the team roster expanded.
What are the Navy Midshipmen?
The Navy Midshipmen consist of 33 teams at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Participation in these teams is mandatory to help students develop physical abilities and maintain good physical condition. The teams compete in NCAA Division I and are members of many sports organizations.
1917 – 1941
The debut version featured a gold anchor on a black background with “Navy” inscribed at the top. It was classic, not schematic but detailed, with lower side flukes, broad palms, a long shank, a horizontal stock, a shackle, and an eye. The rope was fully coiled around it. The name matches the anchor’s color.
1942 – today
Over time, the sports department transitioned to a modern, minimalist, and clear logo format. It reflects the department’s overall concept, focusing on the letter “N” and a star on the right.
Navy Midshipmen Football Logo
The team competes in NCAA Division I FBS. It played its only national championship in 1926, sharing the title with athletes from Stanford and Alabama. It has also won two division competitions. The “Midshipmen” have participated in 23 bowl games to date.
Since 2019, Ken Niumatalolo has coached the players. The team plays home games at the Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The last season in FBS was in 2014.
Font and Colors
The current version includes a capital letter “N” with serifs. However, the lower right leg is truncated and grotesque. The lines composing the letter are wide, straight, and proportionate in height. At the top is a classic five-pointed star. The logo’s primary color is blue.





