Who needs a playoff ticket when you’ve got the Army-Navy game looming on the horizon? Army head coach Jeff Monken knows exactly where his loyalty lies, and spoiler alert—it’s not with Tulane or the AAC title game. With an impressive 10-1 season and a shot at the conference crown, Monken isn’t letting the buzz distract him from what really matters: crushing the Navy at any cost. And trust me, his subtle but banter jab at the Secretary of Defense is already fueling this legendary rivalry like gasoline on a bonfire.

So, picture this: the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, hops on Twitter after a chat with Jeff Monken, casually declaring on X or Twitter, “Had a great conversation with @CoachJeffMonken before the Army Navy game. As Secretary of Defense, I am all about the Joint Force—for 364 days a year. #BeatNavy” Seems like harmless banter, right? Not for Monken. The Black Knight head coach ain’t gonna let this slide without making a statement tweet. He claps back with a retweet so sharp it could literally cut a Navy anchor chain: “Every day is the 365th day!” Diabolically tough, we hear you, Coach Monken.

Monken’s loyalty to Army football isn’t some seasonal gig, it’s 24/7, 365, every single day, rain or shine. This guy’s not just about winning games—he’s about making sure every cadet in black and gold knows who’s boss. While the Secretary might pick sides for one day. Who knows, the Secretary might even switch sides after meeting Navy Midshipmen head coach Brian Newberry. Jeff Monken’s got his priorities straight. It’s Army all day, every day, and Navy? Well, let’s just say they’re not even in the conversation unless it’s rivalry week—or any other day ending in “Y.”

Army Black Knights vs Navy Midshipmen legendary rivalry

Forget the Tulane Green Wave and the AAC Championship for a second. Army-Navy isn’t just a game; it’s a statement. The Army-Navy rivalry goes way back to the 1900s. This Rivalry outlived world everything from the World Wars to the Great Depression. It’s football history wrapped in American grit and pride. The 125th edition of this clash is set for December 15 at the Northwest Stadium, and yeah, Navy might hold a 62-55-7 edge in the rivalry, but who’s counting? (Okay, maybe Navy fans are.)

For Monken, this isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s a lifestyle. The guy’s not out here politely discussing the opposition either. When asked on The Pat McAfee Show about Navy expectations, Monken didn’t even blink: “Do they still have a football program?” Cue McAfee’s frat-boy hype session, and there you have it—the ultimate one-liner that sent Navy fans straight into the group chat for damage control.

This isn’t your typical college football rivalry. Army-Navy runs deeper than NIL deals and playoff chatter. It’s about respect, history, and a little healthy trash talk. Navy’s had a solid season at 8-3 under their new ACC digs, but Army’s been on another level. Both teams will leave it all on the field, but for Monken, it’s not just about this year. It’s about legacy. So, while Tulane might be on the Army’s schedule, make no mistake: Monken’s already got his eyes on the prize. And the prize isn’t just a W against the Navy. It’s putting on a show that cements the Army’s dominance and reminds everyone who’s really in charge of this iconic rivalry. Buckle up—this one’s going to be a battle.