James Madison, American Conference announce Dukes to join league by 2028
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James Madison is making another jump up the echelons of college football.
Currently playing their fifth season since transitioning from the NCAA's Football Championship Series to the Sun Belt Conference, the school announced it is moving to the American Conference. The Dukes will join their new league as full members no later than July 1, 2028, according to joint statements by James Madison and the American.
According to a statement from James Madison, the American unanimously approved the Dukes' admittance to the conference based on six key areas: institutional and academic alignment; competitive strength and trajectory; institutional investment; financial sustainability and member value; brand, media value, fan engagement, and geography and operational fit.
James Madison statement on joining American
"We are honored that our request for membership in the American Conference has been accepted. I am grateful to (American) commissioner Tim Pernetti and the conferences' presidents and chancellors for their confidence in James Madison University," said James Madison president James Schmidt in a statement. "The American is home to member institutions who share our ambitious academic goals and our unwavering commitment to student success.
"Our student-athletes will compete in cities where JMU alumni are already rooted and future Dukes will fill the stands. With this move, we carry deep appreciation for the Sun Belt Conference and its member institutions. Their partnership helped position JMU for this moment, and we are proud of everything we built together."
American Conference statement on admitting James Madison
“The American Conference is a destination, and James Madison University represents everything we value and strengthens our membership,” said commissioner Tim Pernetti in a statement. “The Dukes have rapidly built a nationally recognized brand through a culture of innovation, investment, bold leadership and competitive success. JMU’s trajectory aligns with who we are and where we are going. We look forward to welcoming the entire JMU community to the American and building something special together. Thank you to our highly engaged presidents, chancellors, and athletics directors for their thoughtful and collaborative work that led to a unanimous vote.
"James Madison brings a rapidly growing national brand, proven competitive performance, strong fan engagement and meaningful reach across Virginia, Washington, D.C. and the Mid-Atlantic states. JMU and the American share a commitment to higher education, student development and creating an outstanding student-athlete experience. This addition reinforces the American’s identity of innovation, grit and service and advances a conference that is built to rise."
James Madison record at FBS level
The Dukes have had tremendous success since their jump to the Football Bowl Subdivision, winning no fewer than eight games in a complete season. They won at least a share of the Sun Belt East Division championships in 2022 and 2023, won the Boca Raton Bowl in 2024 and earned a bid to the College Football Playoff in 2025 as a 12-1 Sun Belt champion.
Here's a look at the Dukes' football seasons since joining the FBS in 2022-23:
- 2022: 8-3 | Sun Belt East Division co-champion
- 2023: 11-2 | Sun Belt East Division champion
- 2024: 9-4 | Boca Raton champion
- 2025: 12-2 | Sun Belt Champion | CFP bid
- 2026: 6-0
The Dukes have maintained consistent success across numerous coaching changes. Curt Cignetti oversaw the team's transition to FBS for its first two seasons. He led Indiana to the CFP championship in 2025, the same year Bob Chesney, now enjoying a 5-0 start with UCLA, led the Dukes to a CFP berth.
Current coach Billy Napier also has the Dukes 6-0 to start the season and has the team in strong contention for challenge for a playoff bid as well.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Madison, American Conference announce Dukes to join league by 2028
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