KINGS POINT, N.Y. (Jan. 28, 2026) – Earlier this week, ESPN announced its "Top 100 Games" of the 2025 college football season and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's epic contest against arch-rival Coast Guard in the annual Secretaries' Cup, played this year at historic Fenway Park, came in at #69 among the thousands of games throughout all three divisions of NCAA football.
USMMA defeated the Bears in dramatic fashion, 39-38, in front of the largest crowd to ever take in the heated rivalry. Over 10,000 people were in attendance at "America's Most Beloved Ballpark" (including both KP's Regiment of Midshipmen and Coast Guard's Corps of Cadets).
The game featured seven lead changes, including three in the fourth quarter alone. The Mariners took the one-point lead with just 20 seconds left thanks to the fifth touchdown of the day by sophomore Bubba Mustain (Oro Valley, Ariz.) – three rushing and two passing – on a seven yard run that capped off a 12-play, 70-yard drive.
The rivalry game is ranked among some of the most exciting contests of the season including the CFP National Championship Game between Indiana and Miami last week, as well as the Sugar Bowl matchup pitting Ole Miss and Georgia back on New Year's Day.
To view the complete list of the Top 100 games of the 2025 college football season, according to ESPN, click here.
The Mariners' full 2026 schedule will be announced to the public in the coming weeks, with action set to get underway in early September. Stay logged on to www.USMMASports.com and our social media accounts (links below) for that announcement later this winter.
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