In the spirit of camaraderie and patriotism, midshipmen representing Purdue and Notre Dame University Naval ROTC programs will set aside their rivalry to carry the game ball between the two campuses in advance of the 20 September 2025, in-state football matchup. A team of approximately 25 midshipmen from each school will participate in the run, with Purdue running the first 60 miles and Notre Dame running the second 60 miles. The 120-mile journey is expected to be completed in less than 24 hours with the ball arriving to South Bend the morning of game day. With the ball in hand, a team of Naval ROTC runners will depart West Lafayette the morning of Friday, September 19. The ball will be transferred to Notre Dame midshipmen at the halfway point, Winamac, Indiana. The run will conclude with midshipmen from the both schools finishing the last several miles together around Notre Dame's campus and ending up on the field before kickoff.

Donations go directly to covering costs for the event, and midshipman yearly ND NROTC costs.