A Change of Conference: The Naval Academy Moves to the American Athletic Conference

Introduction

The United States Naval Academy announced in July 2022 it would be leaving the Patriot League and joining the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2023. The move was met with mixed reactions, with some fans and analysts questioning the wisdom of the decision while others are excited about the new opportunities the AAC will provide.

A Look at the Patriot League

The Patriot League is a conference that includes schools from the Northeast, including Army, Holy Cross, and Lehigh. Navy has been a member of the Patriot League since 1991 and has won 17 conference championships in football during that time. However, the Patriot League is not a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conference, which means its teams are not eligible for the College Football Playoff.

The American Athletic Conference

The American Athletic Conference is an FBS conference that includes schools from across the country, including Cincinnati, Houston, and Memphis. The AAC is a more competitive conference than the Patriot League, and Navy will face tougher competition on a weekly basis. However, the AAC also provides Navy with the opportunity to play in a more high-profile conference and on a national stage.

Pros and Cons of the Move

There are both pros and cons to Navy's move to the AAC. **Pros:** * **Increased competition:** Navy will face tougher competition in the AAC, which will help them prepare for the postseason. * **More exposure:** The AAC is a more high-profile conference than the Patriot League, which will give Navy more exposure to recruits and fans. * **Chance to play for a national championship:** The AAC is a Power Five conference, which means Navy will be eligible for the College Football Playoff. **Cons:** * **Increased travel:** Navy will have to travel more to play games in the AAC, which could take a toll on the team. * **More difficult to win:** The AAC is a more competitive conference, which means Navy will have to play better to win games. * **Loss of local rivalries:** Navy will no longer play local rivals Army and Air Force on a regular basis.

What to Expect in the Future

It is too early to say what the future holds for Navy in the AAC. The Midshipmen will have to adjust to a new level of competition, but they have the talent and experience to be successful. The AAC is a tough conference, but it is also an opportunity for Navy to prove itself on a national stage.

Conclusion

The move to the AAC is a significant change for Navy football. The Midshipmen will face tougher competition and have to travel more, but they will also have the opportunity to play on a national stage. It is too early to say what the future holds for Navy in the AAC, but the Midshipmen have the talent and experience to be successful.